Aviano hosts 3rd annual Norwegian foot march

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nathan Gracialatorre, 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron heavy equipment maintenance supervisor, takes part in the 3rd annual Norwegian foot march at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 3, 2026. Participants must complete an 18.6 mile course wearing a combat uniform and a weighted ruck sack of 24 pounds in 4 hours and 30 minutes for men and 4 hours and 50 minutes for women. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Jakel)

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Aviano hosts 3rd annual Norwegian foot march

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eric Hulshizer, 31st Comptroller Squadron commander, takes part in the 3rd annual Norwegian foot march at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 3, 2026. The Norwegian Foot March Badge is widely considered to be the most challenging foreign military badge to earn. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Jakel)

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Aviano hosts 3rd annual Norwegian foot march

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 31st Fighter Wing take part in the 3rd annual Norwegian foot march at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 3, 2026. The Norwegian Foot March, also known as the Marsjmerket, was originally designed as a test of marching endurance for soldiers in the Norwegian military, ensuring that they could travel long distances with essential gear and remain ready for combat. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Jakel)

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Aviano hosts 3rd annual Norwegian foot march

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 31st Fighter Wing take part in the 3rd annual Norwegian foot march at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 3, 2026. The Norwegian Foot March, also known as the Marsjmerket, was originally designed as a test of marching endurance for soldiers in the Norwegian military, ensuring that they could travel long distances with essential gear and remain ready for combat. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Jakel)

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Aviano hosts 3rd annual Norwegian foot march

A U.S. Air Force Airman from the 31st Fighter Wing finishes rucking in the 3rd annual Norwegian foot march at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 3, 2026. First held in 1915, the Norwegian Armed Forces worked to expose new members to field conditions. Over the next century, the event evolved into a foreign service badge earned by completing the foot march to standard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Jakel)

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Aviano hosts 3rd annual Norwegian foot march

Published April 20, 2026
By Senior Airman Zachary Jakel
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nathan Gracialatorre, 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron heavy equipment maintenance supervisor, takes part in the 3rd annual Norwegian foot march at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 3, 2026. Participants must complete an 18.6 mile course wearing a combat uniform and a weighted ruck sack of 24 pounds in 4 hours and 30 minutes for men and 4 hours and 50 minutes for women. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Jakel)