Ahead of Boston Marathon, Concord to host ‘Tough Ruck’ marathon to support Military Friends Foundation – The Boston Globe

Earlier than daybreak on Sunday, practically a thousand folks will collect in Harmony, then run 26.2 miles — many carrying full army gear and carrying rucksacks — in a fundraising occasion to honor fallen army and first responders.

The beginning and end line for the ” 2023 Powerful Ruck” marathon shall be at The Fenn Faculty at 516 Monument St,

The names of over 100,000 fallen army and first responders going again to the Revolutionary Battle are written on ribbons affixed to rucksacks that the “ruckers” shall be carrying as they run the 26.2 mile route alongside historic paths in Lexington and Harmony, organizers mentioned in an announcement.

The occasion shall be held the day earlier than the Boston Marathon, and Patriots Day, when Revolutionary actors collect to reenact the Battle of Lexington.

Some run with the names of their fallen comrades, whereas others choose names handwritten by the households of the fallen, mentioned Race Director Sarah Sweeney.

“It’s mainly a dwelling memorial to the fallen,” Sweeney mentioned in an interview. “They ruck for many who can not.”

The “ruckers” shall be awarded an Official Boston Marathon Medallion by the Boston Athletic Affiliation, the assertion mentioned. The light-weight division runs with 15 kilos or extra, and the heavyweight division runs with 35 kilos or extra, Sweeney mentioned.

The general public is welcome to return assist the runners, Sweeney mentioned.

“We welcome the assist and the spectators, and it actually helps helps the athletes end,” Sweeney mentioned in an interview. “We’re there till the very finish. I believe our remaining rucker final yr (took) simply over 11 hours. So, we go away nobody behind, as a result of that’s the mission.”

This would be the tenth annual Powerful Ruck marathon. The primary, Sweeney mentioned, had 18 members and happened the yr of the Boston Marathon bombing occurred, Sweeney mentioned.

“They have been carrying 50-pound rucks on the time,” Sweeney mentioned. “That they had crossed the end line … and have been assembly with Gold Star father Carlos Arredondo on the end line when the bombs went off. And like so many others, they jumped into motion to offer important assist to the wounded.”

Cash raised helps the Navy Mates Basis, a nonprofit that helps the households of Massachusetts army members who died in service.

The opening ceremony with senior army personnel, Boston Marathon survivors and households of fallen army and first responders will begin shortly earlier than 7 a.m., the assertion mentioned. Chief of Employees of the U.S. Military James C. McConville, of Quincy, will attend the beginning of the occasion, the assertion mentioned, and shall be working the Boston Marathon on Monday.

Meals distributors and kid-friendly actions shall be obtainable on the end line, the assertion mentioned. Extra details about the occasion and parking is offered at www.toughruck.org.

Claire Regulation could be reached at claire.regulation@globe.com. Comply with her on Twitter @claire_law_.