Above: Bob Savin (on the right) will earn a Boston Marathon medal before runners in the upcoming famous race, by powering through a different 26.2 mile grueling challenge. (photo with permission, © Maia Kennedy Photography)
This is the time of year when I start sharing stories about Southborough residents training for the Boston Marathon. But before I get to that this year, I’m sharing news on a Southborough business owner who is playing an important part in a special partnering marathon one day earlier.
The “Tough Ruck” marathon in Concord raises funds to “support our warriors and families of the Fallen”.
Rather than running, participants hike the 26.2 mile course with weighted rucksacks that hold the names of fallen military service members, police, firefighters and EMTs.
Bob Savin of Fitness Together is training to take part in the ruck for the 6th consecutive year. He is also helping several other teams to prepare. That entails physical training (including through his Southborough facility). But a representative of Tough Ruck explained it goes beyond that:
Bob learned at his first Tough Ruck in 2019 that the event is more physically demanding than most people imagine. He also discovered that it is just as important to prepare mentally for the challenge of rucking the 26.2-mile course. He’s used that experience and expertise to help train other ruckers for the intense event. And he’s really benefited from the inspiring comradery that he experiences each year that the event.
To support Savin’s fundraising for the 501(c)3, click here.
Below are photos Savin shared from his past participation. (Click images for photo credits):
Savin, who also has a fitness facility in Ashland, was recently interviewed by Ashland Cable’s “All Politics is Local” program.
In the interview, Savin explained that he had long wanted to take part in the Boston Marathon, but isn’t a runner. When others encouraged him to join them in the Tough Ruck, he was enthused to learn that the event is in partnership with the Boston Marathon and participants receive a Boston Marathon medal.
You can watch that interview below:
(You can click on the ⛶ button in bottom right corner to expand to full screen, or here to go directly to YouTube.)
