In 1919 while serving a compulsory stint in the military, Nurmi entered a 20-kmarch carrying a rifle, a cartridge belt and a knapsack filled with 5 kg of sand.

• 1919年,当他在军中服义务役的时候,努尔米带着一支步枪,腰上系着弹带,背上背着装有5公斤沙子的背包参加20公里行军。