At dawn on Sunday, April 19, 2026, we assemble for the 14th Annual Tough Ruck Boston—forged in an unwavering partnership with the Boston Marathon.

For 26.2 grueling miles, you will carry more than just a pack; you will carry the names and the legacies of America’s Fallen Military and First Responders. Every step you take, every bead of sweat, and every mile conquered is a living tribute to the brave and a lifeline of support for our Warrior Families. The weight is heavy, the road is long, but the cause is eternal.

Thank you for joining the mission. Prepare for movement.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR RACE DAY!

PRE-RACE BIB AND SWAG PICK-UP:

Saturday, April 18th | 2:30PM – 5:30PM: Fenn School, 516 Monument Street, Concord, MA

Saturday Parking: The parking lots at Fenn School will open to Ruckers at 2:30PM for bib pick-up and swag sales. Due to the limited parking and for the safety of all, please do not arrive earlier than 2:30PM so that our volunteers and vendors can finish preparing for the event.

PRE-RACE CARB LOADING HOSTED BY TOUGH RUCK:

Saturday, April 18th | 2:30PM-4:30PM: Fenn School, 516 Monument Street, Concord, MA

Fuel up for race day during pre-race bib and swag pick-up. Tough Ruck will be serving a complimentary spaghetti dinner. The dinner is open for all registered Ruckers, their family members and volunteers. Food and parking is available on a first-come first-serve basis.

RACE DAY BIB AND SWAG PICK-UP:

Sunday, April 19th | 5:00AM-6:50AM: Fenn School, 516 Monument Street, Concord, MA

There is no rucker parking at Fenn on Race Day. Please see below for Race Day satellite parking and shuttle bus information

OPENING CEREMONIES:

Sunday, April 19th | 6:50AM: Fenn School, 516 Monument Street, Concord, MA

BIB PICK-UP:

All Ruckers must have a government issued ID (license, military ID, etc.) to pick up their bib. As a registered Rucker, you may pick up another registered Rucker’s bib, if you have a copy of their ID (cell phone picture is great) and sign a release that confirms you have received their swag. Just a friendly reminder that you can only ruck under a bib in your own name.

Bib pick-up will be by bib number. Click on the link here and search your name to view your bib number. Please have your photo ID and bib number ready for the registration team. If you are picking up bibs for others you will need to wait in various lines depending on their bib numbers.

Ruckers will receive the swag they earned based on the level committed to during registration. Any Rucker that completed the Level Up form by February 1, 2026 will receive their additional swag.
$1,500 Fundraisers receive a Tough Ruck shirt and hoodie.
$2,000 Fundraisers receive a Tough Ruck shirt, hoodie and the official Boston Marathon jacket with Tough Ruck emblem.

PARKING & SHUTTLE BUS INFORMATION FOR RACE DAY:

All participants must park at Middlesex Community College Bedford Campus, located at 591 Springs Road, Bedford, MA. There with be only one shuttle bus stop. Buses will leave from the front of the school. The bus pick-up location will be marked with a sign. There is no Rucker parking at the start line at the Fenn or the surrounding streets. Please help us to remain courteous to all of our neighbors and abide by all posted signs.

Shuttle buses will run every 15 minutes from 4:45AM until 8:00AM between Middlesex Community College and Fenn. The final bus leaves the Fenn School at 7:00PM. If you finish the race after 7:00PM, Ruckers are responsible for their own transportation back to the parking area.

Your family and friends are welcome to cheer you on! There will be no spectator parking at the Fenn School or the surrounding streets. All spectators who want to travel to the start/finish line can park at Middlesex Community College Bedford Campus and take the shuttle bus to The Fenn School. Buses will run all day from 4:45AM until 7PM for spectators.

OUR HOST THE FENN SCHOOL

A mission this size requires a solid base of operations. We owe a debt of gratitude to our hosts at the Fenn School, who have once again stepped up to the front lines by donating their historic campus to serve as the staging ground for Tough Ruck.

To honor their generosity and maintain the integrity of our host’s grounds, we ask all Ruckers and supporters to follow these General Orders:

  • A Clean Environment: The campus is a school and is strictly smoke-free and vape-free zone. Please respect the space.
  • The “No-Paws” Policy: The property is dog-free.
  • Service Animals: We recognize the vital role of Service Dogs, and they are, as always, welcome on the grounds to support those they serve. Please pick-up after your pets.

FUNDRAISING/FUNDRAISING AWARDS

Thank you for your record support of the Tough Ruck mission. To date you’d helped raise $1,379,592. Online fundraising for critical donations will remain open throughout the race through May 19, 2026. Cash/check donations are welcome at bib pick-up.

Fundraising Awards will be presented to: 1) Top Three Fundraising Teams and 2) Top Three Fundraising Individuals and will be determined by donations reflected online through our RunSignUp platform as of 12:00PM EST on April 18, 2026. All checks must be received at our HQ by 12:00PM EST on April 17, 2026 to be processed and counted toward top fundraising awards. The Top Three Fundraising Teams will be awarded a personal team tent at the start/finish.

MERCH

Merch will be for sale at bib pick-up on Saturday 2:30PM-5:30PM and Sunday 5:00AM-6:00PM. This year’s gear includes coins, hoodies, finishers shirts, towels cowbells, kids shirts, YETIs and more! Credit card and Venmo preferred. Cash and check also welcome. Swag will be available race day 5:00AM-6:00PM. New merch sells out so be sure to shop early!

STEP-OFF & OPENING CEREMONY/SAFETY BRIEF:

The Opening Ceremony and Safety Briefing will start at 6:50AM. Tough Ruckers will step-off at 7:20AM. We HIGHLY recommend that you arrive at the parking lot NO LATER than 5:30AM to give ample time to board the bus and get to the start and weigh station. All Ruckers are expected to attend the Opening Ceremony.

To manage the flow of Ruckers in Concord, the event will have a pulse start. Line up in the following order: 1) Uniformed Military & Uniformed First Responder (Tough Ruck and Esprit de corps shirts welcome) 2) Light Weight Divisions 3) Heavy Weight Divisions. Uniformed division athletes may start in the civilian dress divisions, however civilian dress athletes cannot start with the uniformed division.

CARRY IN WHAT YOU CARRY OUT (TRASH):

We are guests of the Minute Man National Park and the Towns of Concord, Bedford and Lexington as well as the Reformatory Branch Trail and the Minute Man Commuter Bikeway. As in years past, it is expected that all trash (to include any weight) will be placed in trash receptacles. We cannot stress enough how seriously this will be taken. There will be additional trash receptacles at the hydration and aid stations. If you are seen dumping trash on the ground or in the woods, you may be removed from the course by race officials and disqualified from the event. If you are removed from the course you will not receive your finishers medal. And really, what’s a few Gatorade bottles and orange peels in your Ruck on top of the weight you will already be crushing!

SECURITY INFORMATION:

Your ruck may be inspected at any time for security purposes. All Ruckers must carry their government issued ID throughout the entire Ruck. (You’ll need it anyway at the finish line festivities for the Mile 27 Celebration Tent powered by SurfSide so this should be an easy one.)

If you must drop any weight during the ruck, you can only do so at the hydration/fueling stations. It can be a significant security concern and cost if you dump weight, such as bricks wrapped in duct tape so please avoid doing so. If you are seen dumping weight outside of the hydration stations, you may be removed from the event.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION & SIGNS:

There will be signs placed throughout the trail to help Ruckers identify where they are in case of an emergency. EMS/medical personnel will be located at all hydration stations/aid stations. Mobile EMS will also be on the course. In case of an emergency where you can’t get to a hydration/aid station, and you need to dial 911 let them know you are with the “Tough Ruck” and find a marker/sign to let them know where you are located.

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION:

Click here for the TOUGH RUCK 2026 course map. There is a back-and-forth 2x between the Bedford Depot and historic Lexington Green.

This year the Tough Ruck course will incorporate the historic North Bridge, Reformatory Branch Trail, Narrow Gauge Rail Trail and the Minute Man Bikeway. It is well marked with directional arrows and Tough Ruck signs. All participants MUST stay on the sidewalk where they are available. In the few spots where there is no sidewalk, please stay as close to the side of the road as possible.

Do not ruck more than 2-people across on the trails to allow other Ruckers to pass and for bike/pedestrian traffic. This course is open to traffic and every participant MUST follow the pedestrian rules of the roads. We will have course marshals, volunteers (blue shirts) and Police on the course to assist you. The course may be subject to change due to flooding or other trail impediments.

While traveling on the Minute Man Commuter Bikeway in Bedford and Lexington, please stay to the right hand side of the trail. The bikeway is shared with runners, walkers and of course, bikes. Ruckers should only walk 1-2 wide

For safety, if you need to stop at any time you must step off the pavement, onto a grassed area and look both ways before re-entering the bikeway.

MUSKET FIRING & MUSIC:

Throughout the course participants may hear musket and cannon firing including at the North Bridge.

HYDRATION, TOILETS & AID STATIONS:

Tough Ruckers should be self-contained and carry the fuel and the hydration needed for the course. Remember to factor your water and fuel consumption in throughout the course and how it might impact your overall minimum weight requirements. Ruckers must carry a canteen, hydration pack, or water bottle with them for the duration of the ruck.

There will be porta-toilets at each Hydration/Aid Station.

Below is a list of Hydration/Aid Station (miles are approximate)

  • Start/Finish: The Fenn School | 0.0 Miles and 26.2 Miles
  • Hydration #1, #9: Comeau Field/Wastewater Treatment Plant | 2.5 Miles and 24 Miles
  • Hydration/Aid #2, #5 & #8: Bedford Depot | 5.7 Miles, 13.2 Miles, and 20.8 Miles
  • Hydration/Aid #3, #4, #6 &#7 Lexington Department of Public Works | 8.3 Miles, 10.6 Miles, 16 Miles, and 18.2 Miles

Hydration stations will have water cups and Gatorade cups (very limited this year). There is NO hydration at the start of the race so please plan accordingly and remember Concord does not sell bottled water.

WEIGH STATION & WEIGHT DIVISIONS:

All participants rucksacks must weigh a minimum of 15lbs for Light Weight Division, a minimum of 35lbs for Heavy Weight Division, or a minimum of 55lbs for Extreme Weight Division. There will be a weigh station for everyone to weigh their bags and confirm proper weight.

Weighing your bag is mandatory on the morning of the Tough Ruck. You will go through a security check and your ruck will be tagged and weight and dress division recorded at the weigh station before step-off.

The only weight that is recorded is the weight in the ruck. Weighted vests will not count towards the weight.

You must maintain the minimum ruck weight for your division throughout the entire course. There is a mandatory ruck weigh in upon return at the finish line. Any Rucker carrying lighter than their division standards or not following dress requirements for their division will be disqualified (DQ) and eliminated from top finisher award contention.

 *NEW for 2026* Weight Completion Badge:

All finishers are eligible to receive a weight completion badge at the post-race weigh stations (1 per finisher). Badges will only be presented at the weigh station finish line so be sure to pick-up your new Tough Ruck kit.

 DRESS DIVISIONS:

The dress divisions are civilian dress, uniformed military, and uniformed first responder. Civilian dress athletes are required to carry a ruck – all other footwear and clothing choices can be of the Rucker’s choosing. Please notify the weigh station volunteers about any changes to your weight or dress division the morning of the ruck to ensure your division is correct and you can be eligible to compete for top finisher prizes.

In order to be designated as a uniformed military division participant you must be current, former or retired military and dress in accordance to the guidelines below. Esprit de corps shirts are welcome. Uniformed First Responders should wear their duty uniform and team/esprit de corps shirts are welcome. Firefighters may carry an oxygen tank in place of a ruck provided it meets the weight minimum.

 *NEW for 2026* Uniformed Military Coin (Light, Heavy & Extreme):

In recognition of our uniformed dress military division athletes, all are eligible to be presented a limited edition military division coin at the morning weigh station after completing weigh-in. Coins will only be presented in the morning.

 Military Division Uniform Requirements

Rucker are authorized and encouraged to wear team or Esprit de Corps shirts/hats.

Basic Uniform Requirements: Blouse/Shirt, Trousers, Cap/Cover (optional), Boots, Undershirt, Belt, Rank/Grade Insignia, Name Tape (US/Service Specific)

Ruck Sack: Issued Items, Hydration and fuel, rucks must have shoulder and waist strap, standard GI gear or commercial/aftermarket rucks are allowed.

RIBBONS FOR THE FALLEN:

Families of Fallen Military & First Responders will be at the Memorial Ribbon tent to assist you with making ribbons. As part of Tough Ruck tradition, each Rucker is asked to complete the entire course carrying a rucksack displaying ribbons with the names of Fallen Servicemembers and First Responders.

You are welcome to: 1) make your own ribbons prior to the ruck 2) make ribbons at bib pick-up and the morning of Tough Ruck (as supplies last) or 3) select pre-made ribbons to carry.

We ask that you post a photo of your ruck with your bib number on social & use our event hashtag #toughruck2026 #toughruck to ensure that Families of the Fallen can follow your journey with their loved one’s ribbon. IG/Facebook: @toughruck

DEPLOY RACEJOY:

The march through Concord and Lexington is a test of grit, but you don’t have to ruck alone. We are once again deploying the RaceJoy app, the essential link between the course and the homefront. This tool allows your loved ones to track your movement in real time and send digital cheers as you push through the miles.

Comms Check: Prepare Your Device To ensure a steady signal from step-off to the finish line, follow these field orders:

  • Download the RaceJoy app. Find the Tough Ruck race. Activate your profile.
  • Update Your Software: Ensure your phone’s OS is mission-ready with the latest updates before you hit the start line.
  • Power Management: The app runs in the background to track your progress. We strongly recommend carrying a backup battery in your ruck to ensure your comms don’t go dark.
  • The Step-Off: The app will guide you through the start-up sequence the moment you begin your marcH

Navigating the “Dead Zones”
The historic woods of Concord and Lexington are notorious for spotty cell reception. If the signal drops, stay focused and simply restart the app when you find a window of service.

While the local cell towers might cause your mileage stats to drift, don’t sweat the numbers. Your friends and family will still be able to see your position on the map, knowing exactly where you stand in the fight. Stay connected. Stay moving. Finish the mission.

COURSE TIMING

We are excited to have 1000 Tough Ruckers take part to earn the first of the official Boston Marathon medals. To get an accurate race time and to receive your finisher medal, you must have your bib visible to the FRONT when you cross the finish line. Your bib must be displayed on your front outer garment throughout the event in a manner so that it can be seen from both the left and right side of the course.

Race timing is provided by Granite State Race Services. Be sure to step on the mat as you leave, when you cross the finish line, and on all the mats along the course. Once you cross the finish line your ruck will be weighed in again.

FINISHER MEDALS

As you cross the finish line, your Official 2026 Boston Marathon Medal will be placed around your neck by the Families of the Fallen Military and First Responders. This moment is a sacred exchange—a tribute to the weight you carried and the Warriors we will never forget.

To honor the spirit of this mission and ensure every athlete is recognized, we ask all Ruckers to humbly accept their medal from whichever Gold Star or First Responder family member presents it.

Honoring Personal Bonds:

We understand that many of you carry deep, personal connections to specific families. To keep the finish line moving and maintain the solemnity of the official presentation:

Official Presentation: Please accept your medal from the whichever family member reaches you first at the immediate finish line and continue to the weigh station.
Commemorative Photos: If you wish to capture additional ceremonial photos with a specific family you know personally, we invite you to do so outside the finish line area or at our Awards Stage, where the finish line remains a proud backdrop for your tribute.

Wear it with pride, knowing it was earned in honor of those who gave their all.

Official race timing will end at 9 hours. If you continue, you are proceeding at your own choosing and risk. Tough Ruck volunteers will be at the finish line until the final Rucker crosses and all Ruckers who complete the distance will earn the medal.

Families of Fallen Military and First Responders may still register to present the Boston Marathon Finishers Medal. Please have them register here and “Select Medal Distribution”.

AWARDS:

The battle is won on the course, but the glory is shared at the Award Stage. This year, we celebrate the strength, speed, and spirit of our top-tier athletes.

The Presentation Schedule
Victory will be celebrated throughout the afternoon. Starting at 12:00 PM, we will hold hourly presentations to recognize those who led the charge.

  • Identify the Victors: Check the leaderboards located near the Award Stage for the names of our top finishers.
  • Reporting for Duty: Once you see your name on the list and are recovered, please report to the stage for your official presentation.
  • Immediate Collection: To honor the tradition of the day, all awards must be claimed in person during the event. Awards will not be shipped.
  • One Award Per Athlete: We follow a strict “No Double Dipping” policy. In the interest of fairness and ensuring more Patriots are recognized for their grit, overall winners will be honored for their top-tier performance and will not be eligible for additional placement within their specific age groups or awards.

Tough Ruck Cannon Award Awards Categories & Regulations
The Elite Finishers in the following categories will receive the prestigious Tough Ruck Cannon. Stand tall and take your place on the stage. You’ve earned the steel.

  • Top Three Individual Fundraisers: (Award for top individual fundraiser as reflected through online donations as of 12:00PM EST on April 18, 2026. All checks must be received by 12:00PM EST on April 17th, 2026 to be processed to count towards the top fundraising awards.)
  • Top 3 Fundraising Teams (Award for top team fundraiser as reflected through online donations as of 12:00 PM EST on April 18, 2026. All checks must be received by 12:00PM April 17th, 2026 to be processed to count towards the top fundraising awards.)
  • Overall First Place Finisher, Male & Female
  • Overall First Place Finisher, Uniformed Firefighter, Male & Female
  • Overall First Place Finisher, Uniformed Law Enforcement, Male & Female
  • 1st place Uniformed Extreme, Male & Female
  • 1st place Uniformed Heavy, Male & Female
  • 1st place Uniformed Light, Male & Female
  • 1st place Civilian Extreme, Male & Female
  • 1st place Civilian Heavy, Male & Female
  • 1st place Civilian Light, Male & Female

Tough Ruck Digital Top Finisher Certificates

  • Top Finisher Certificates will be presented a digital certificate in the following categories. (no double dipping). All Top Finishers are invited to take a ceremonial photo on stage with the Top Finisher Sign.
  • Uniformed Extreme, Male & Female | Age groups: 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
  • Uniformed Heavy, Male & Female | Age groups: 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
  • Uniformed Light, Male & Female | Age groups: 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
  • Civilian Extreme, Male & Female | Age groups: 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
  • Civilian Heavy, Male & Female | Age groups: 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
  • Civilian Light, Male & Female | Age groups: 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+

CHEERING AND PHOTO-OP VIEWING:

Friends and family coming to cheer you on? The hydration stations are great places for them to see you on the course. Public parking and porta-toilets are available at all these locations.

Other great spectator locations include:

  • The North Bridge, Concord (Mile 1, outbound only)
  • Railroad Ave & Reformatory Branch Trail (across from 29 Railroad Avenue, Bedford, MA)
  • Hartwell Ave & Minute Man Bike Path Lexington (turn around, Ruckers will pass here 2x)
  • Buckman’s Tavern Lexington. Ruckers will pass here 2x and enjoy the performance by the MA National Guard 215th Army Band.

 FINISH LINE FESTIVITIES:

The mission doesn’t end at the finish line—it’s where the Mile 27 Celebration begins! We invite all families, friends, and Patriots to join us in honoring the resilience of our Tough Ruckers and the memory of our Fallen Warriors.

The Homefront Celebration (12:00PM-6:00PM)
Rally at the finish line to cheer our athletes home. We encourage supporters to bring their lawn chairs and a picnic to witness this powerful display of community and remembrance.

  • The “Mile 27” Celebration Tent powered by Surfside: This is the place to toast to a mission accomplished. Stop by for refreshing libations and great swag giveaways. Please ensure you have a valid ID ready for entry.
  • Complimentary Hero’s Feast: Athletes and their families are invited to enjoy a complimentary lunch provided by our proud supporters at Bertucci’s Italian Restaurant & Ice Cream.
  • Fuel for the Front Lines: Explore local food trucks with eats available for purchase.
  • *NEW for 2026* The Athlete-Only Mess Hall (Bib Must Be Visible For Entry): The Athlete-Only Mess Hall: Located within the Recovery Zone, this exclusive refueling station is stocked for our Ruckers. Enjoy a selection of fruit cups, salty treats, and quick snacks to replenish your energy immediately after crossing the finish line.

Victory Village & Recovery
While you wait for your Rucker to cross the line, immerse yourself in the spirit of the day:

  • Tough Ruck Gear & Goods: Visit our official tent to grab your commemorative apparel and gear.
  • Patriotic Displays: Check out the military vehicles, Thin Blue Line Vette, faceprinting, meet with Army Recruiting, and more!
  • *NEW for 2026* Athlete Only Recovery Zone (Bib Must Be Visible For Entry): After the miles are logged, athletes can head to the recovery area for professional massage, Normatec therapy, and guided stretching to restore their strength.

THANK YOU TOUGH RUCKERS, FAMILIES OF FALLEN WARRIORS, VOLUNTEERS, SPONSORS, & YOUR FAMILIES FOR STANDING WITH US AS WE CELEBRATE THE GRIT, THE SACRIFICE AND ENDURING BOND OF OUR COMMUNITY.

WE WILL SEE YOU AT THE START LINE!