Soldiers of 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, prepare to embark on a 25-mile road march called the Manchu Mile, Dec. 11, 2014. "I expect it to be a very long day," said Sgt. Steven Stewart,...

Soldiers of 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, march in formation up a steep incline during the Manchu Mile, Dec. 11, 2014. The 25-mile road march emphasizes brotherhood, cohesion and unit id...

Soldiers of 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, enjoy a quick rest-stop during the Manchu Mile, Dec. 11, 2014. They carried a 35-pound rucksack and marched on a 25-mile designated route with t...

Soldiers of 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, march along a designated route during the Manchu Mile, Dec. 11, 2014. The 25-mile road march commemorates the 85-mile forced march undertaken by...

Soldiers of 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, begin mile eight of a 25-mile road march called the Manchu Mile, Dec. 11, 2014. "It's about team-building and developing spiritual strength," sa...

Capt. Nicholas Dieter, assistant operations, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, places one foot in front of the other during a 25-mile road march called the Manchu Mile, Dec. 11, 2014. "The weight isn't too...

Soldiers of 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, begin the 25th mile of the Manchu Mile, Dec. 11, 2014. Soldiers from 9th Regimental organizations across the Army conduct a semi-annual Manchu M...

Soldiers of 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, enjoy a much needed rest after completing a 25-mile road march called the Manchu Mile, Dec. 11, 2014. "It's a brutal event," said Capt. Nicholas...

FORT CARSON, Colo. - Overcoming painful foot blisters and a burdensome rucksack, Soldiers of 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, completed a Manchu Mile road march at Fort Carson, Colorado, Dec. 11.

The Manchu Mile commemorates the 85-mile forced march undertaken by 9th Infantry Regiment Soldiers during the Chinese "Boxer Rebellion" in 1900. The 25-mile road march emphasizes brotherhood, cohesion and unit identity.

"It's not meant to be a competition," said Cpt. Kevin Bernhardt, commander, Company A, 4th Bn., 9th Inf. Reg., 1st SBCT, 4th Inf. Div. "It's about team-building and developing spiritual strength."

Sgt. Steven Stewart, infantryman, Company C, 4th Bn., 9th Inf. Reg., 1st SBCT, 4th Inf. Div., said the unit road marched weekly to prepare for the event working in increasing distance increments.

"I expect it to be a very long day," said Stewart, a native of Pittsburgh. "Hopefully it won't be too grueling and as long as everything goes smoothly we'll all make it back."

Soldiers from 9th Regimental organizations across the Army conduct a semi-annual Manchu Mile to instill pride in regimental heritage, build esprit de corps and develop physical endurance.

"It's a brutal event," said Capt. Nicholas Dieter, assistant operations, 4th Bn., 9th Inf. Reg., 1st SBCT, 4th Inf. Div. "As much as it's physical, there's a lot of mental toughness that this event brings out."

Soldiers wore a 35-pound rucksack and marched on a designated route for more than nine hours until they finally ended back at the battalion's headquarters.

"The weight isn't too bad, but you get a few blisters on your feet and then you feel them pop. I probably have some bloody toes," said Dieter. "You just keep walking; no choice but to reach the finish line."

Soldiers who completed the march for the first time received a well-earned Manchu belt buckle, before sitting in the assembly area for a much needed rest.