Support Andrew’s fundraising efforts to support our Warriors with a donation today! Join Andrew’s Fundraising Event at American Flatbread Worcester, 85 Green Street, March 24, 2026 from 4-9PM Raffles, Food and More! Check out this link for more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/899596015806865/
For Andrew Staruk, Marathon Weekend will mean taking on one of the toughest challenges of his life – running the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20th, 2026, and completing the Tough Ruck Marathon the day before.
Andrew, a Worcester firefighter and U.S. Air Force veteran, will line up in Concord on Sunday, April 19th, to ruck the Tough Ruck Marathon, carrying weight on his back alongside hundreds of military members, veterans, and supporters honoring fallen service members. Less than 24 hours later, he will take the starting line in Hopkinton to run the Boston Marathon with a charity bib from the Military Friends Foundation.
Taking on two marathons in back-to-back days is often referred to as the “Double Unicorn,” a challenge that tests both physical endurance and mental resilience. For Andrew, however, the motivation goes far beyond the difficulty of the feat.
Raised in Worcester, Andrew has long viewed the Boston Marathon as the ultimate symbol of grit, tradition, and community. Running Boston is meaningful on its own, but pairing it with the Tough Ruck Marathon adds a deeper layer of purpose. Rucking in honor of fallen service members and their families serves as a powerful reminder that some people carry far heavier burdens every day.
Andrew’s commitment to service extends beyond race weekend. As a firefighter and veteran, he understands the importance of showing up for others and supporting the communities that depend on them. His decision to take on the Tough Ruck Marathon before running Boston reflects that mindset — choosing to do something difficult in order to honor sacrifice, resilience, and the bonds shared by those who serve.
Over the course of Marathon Weekend, Andrew will cover more than 52 miles in two days – first rucking in Concord, then running through the streets of Massachusetts on Marathon Monday – all while raising funds for the Military Friends Foundation and the Warrior’s the organization supports.