John (Mark) Sedwick

John (Mark) Sedwick, Army Chaplain Veteran
Steeleville, Illinois

Competitive Tough Ruck History:
First Year

Donate today to support Mark’s Tough Ruck mission:
https://runsignup.com/Race/96803/Donate/r37uwTG89jhxIDDs

For Mark Sedwick, participating in the 2026 Tough Ruck Marathon is another way to continue a lifetime of service.

A retired U.S. Army Chaplain with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Mark dedicated nearly three decades – 29 years and nine months – to supporting soldiers and their families. Over the course of his career, he deployed five times to the Middle East, providing spiritual guidance, counseling, and care to service members during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

Among the most difficult responsibilities he carried were casualty notifications. During his military career, Mark participated in 12 notifications – solemn moments when military representatives must inform families that their loved one has made the ultimate sacrifice.

Those experiences remain with him.

For Mark, the Tough Ruck Marathon represents a meaningful way to honor fallen service members while staying connected to the community he served for so many years. Carrying the weight of a rucksack is both a physical challenge and a powerful symbol of remembrance.

“Rucking keeps me connected in a positive way to my years of military service,” Mark noted.

As a first time participant in 2026, he is especially looking forward to the camaraderie that defines the Tough Ruck community. The event brings together veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and civilians who share a common mission – to honor the fallen and support their families.

For Mark, the miles ahead represent both reflection and connection. He looks forward to meeting fellow participants, sharing stories, and experiencing the unique bond that comes from completing the 26.2-mile journey together.

John (Mark) Sedwick, Army Chaplain Veteran
Steeleville, Illinois

Competitive Tough Ruck History:
First Year

Donate today to support Mark’s Tough Ruck mission: 
https://runsignup.com/Race/96803/Donate/r37uwTG89jhxIDDs

For Mark Sedwick, participating in the 2026 Tough Ruck Marathon is another way to continue a lifetime of service.

A retired U.S. Army Chaplain with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Mark dedicated nearly three decades – 29 years and nine months – to supporting soldiers and their families. Over the course of his career, he deployed five times to the Middle East, providing spiritual guidance, counseling, and care to service members during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

Among the most difficult responsibilities he carried were casualty notifications. During his military career, Mark participated in 12 notifications – solemn moments when military representatives must inform families that their loved one has made the ultimate sacrifice.

Those experiences remain with him.

For Mark, the Tough Ruck Marathon represents a meaningful way to honor fallen service members while staying connected to the community he served for so many years. Carrying the weight of a rucksack is both a physical challenge and a powerful symbol of remembrance.

“Rucking keeps me connected in a positive way to my years of military service,” Mark noted.

As a first time participant in 2026, he is especially looking forward to the camaraderie that defines the Tough Ruck community. The event brings together veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and civilians who share a common mission – to honor the fallen and support their families.

For Mark, the miles ahead represent both reflection and connection. He looks forward to meeting fellow participants, sharing stories, and experiencing the unique bond that comes from completing the 26.2-mile journey together.