HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The 66th Security Forces Squadron will host an 18.6-mile Norwegian Foot March Sept. 12 beginning at 5:30 a.m.
The event will take place on the Battle Road Trail in Minuteman National Historical Park and in designated areas on base. The ruck march is open to active duty military personnel, with participation capped at 100 members.
“We’re excited to bring this challenge to Hanscom Air Force Base and give Airmen here a chance to push themselves physically and mentally,” said Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Alvarez, who is co-leading the event. “This is something I completed during a deployment to Kuwait, and I wanted to give others here the opportunity to experience it.”
The Norwegian Foot March originated in the early 1900s by the Norwegian Armed Forces as a military test to assess soldiers’ mobility and readiness. It has since evolved into a fitness and morale-building challenge adopted by military units around the world.
To earn the foreign military badge, participants must complete the 18.6-mile course while carrying a 25-pound ruck in under four hours and 30 minutes.
Alvarez coordinated with the Norwegian Embassy to certify the event, enabling badge eligibility for participants who meet the standard.
“We’re seeing more Air Force units take this on,” said Alavarez. “It’s becoming a larger part of fitness culture, and I’m proud Hanscom Air Force Base will be part of that trend.”
Organizers are also exploring the possibility of having a food truck on site, pending interest and participation.
The event is intentionally aligned with the installation’s “First Friday” gatherings to promote community engagement and support of the installation commander’s priorities.
The foot march aligns with the 66th Air Base Group’s strategic objectives to Build Better Airmen and Enhance Mission Execution and Readiness.
If space remains, registration may be opened to Department of Defense civilians.
For more information, contact Alvarez at jeffrey.alvarez@us.af.mil or 2nd Lt. Allen Luna-Alcaraz at allen.luna_alcaraz@us.af.mil.