Tough Ruck is Back! March Honors Fallen Heroes and Raises Funds to Support Fallen Military and First Responders

March 31, 2022

The 26.2-mile March Returns at The Fenn School in Concord, MA

CONCORD, MA – March 31, 2022 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Military Friends Foundation, a nonprofit that provides critical assistance to Massachusetts military families and the families of the fallen in times of need, announced today that the 2022 event will take place on Saturday, April 16 at The Fenn School in Concord. Servicemembers, first responders, as well as civilians, will participate in this endurance event, marching in honor of America’s Fallen Military and First Responders, while raising funds to support Military Friends Foundation. Military Friends Foundation is proud to continue its partnership with the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) and the National Park Service to make this special event happen. Participants can still register to participate in the Tough Ruck.

“We are beyond excited to return to Concord during the Patriots Day weekend,” said Sarah Sweeney, Army wife, and Executive Director, Military Friends Foundation. “This challenging 26.2-mile course is an inspiring and humbling experience for the participants, and we are proud to host one of the premier events in New England that honors and remembers fallen service members.”

Tough Ruckers walk a 26.2 mile, marathon-length course, carrying weighted rucks that also hold the names of fallen comrades. Participants carry rucksacks weighing as much as 35 pounds on their backs and must commit to raising a minimum of $450.

“The Military Friends Foundation’s Tough Ruck inspires people from across the country to pay tribute to service members, first responders, and their families, and the Boston Athletic Association is honored to be a part of this day,” said Tom Grilk, President and CEO, B.A.A. “This event memorializes the great sacrifices of our military and celebrates the spirit of community that drives participants to honor the fallen.”

Tough Ruckers originally marched the Boston Marathon course with 40-pound ruck sacks and in 2013 they had just crossed the marathon finish when the bombing occurred and they rushed to aid those wounded. Tough Ruck has since moved its event to Concord and the Battle Trails of the Revolutionary War, but finishers are still recognized by the B.A.A. with medals each year. The Tough Ruck continues as a part of the Patriots Day weekend of events and is an uplifting, family-friendly event celebrating service, sacrifice, and honor. The public is welcome to cheer on the Tough Ruckers along the course through Concord, Lexington, and Bedford and from 1-6 p.m. at the finish line at The Fenn School in Concord, MA.

For more information visit ToughRuck.org or call 844-894-RUCK.

About Military Friends Foundation

Military Friends Foundation is non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded after 9/11 to support Massachusetts military families and “Families of the Fallen.”  Since 2003, Military Friends has provided direct grants, programs, and community events to support these families. Support comes from generous donations made through Question 32E – Mass. Military Family Relief Fund on the Massachusetts State Income Tax Form, Tough Ruck Marathon program, and other private donations. For more information about Military Friends Foundation visit www.militaryfriends.org.

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