September 2020/Staff Writer Waltham Wicked Local – Waltham City Councilor Sean Durkee recently participated in the Tough Ruck.

He “rucks” for his grandfather, PFC John Mulhane, killed in action in World War II, Sgt. Travis Manchuso of Concord; and “all of the patriots who came before and will come after.”

According to Durkee, the Tough Ruck helped him when he was unemployed post 9/11 service in the Massachusetts Guard and now reserves. He rucks to remind veterans they are “never alone” and “never forget.” He began rucking before dawn on Sept. 11.

The eight annual Tough Ruck — held in partnership with the Boston Athletic Association — went virtual for 2020. Hundreds of Tough Ruckers stepped off on Sept. 11 carrying 15- and 35-pound rucksacks for a marathon distance — 26.2 miles — all to honor fallen military and first responders. The BAA awards the ruckers, who had rucked on the official Boston Marathon course prior to the bombings, the official Boston Marathon Medal. Participants have also raised funds to support the deceased military members and their families in Massachusetts through the event’s official charity Military Friends Foundation.