Kayla McCann answered the call to serve at an early age. 

A 2020 graduate of Hopkinton High, McCann is now a junior at Northeastern University in the Army ROTC Nursing program. This spring, she will be joining Tough Ruck Nation to complete a marathon carrying a 35-pound rucksack (backpack).

Tough Ruck 26.2 Boston is an elite group of 1,000 who ruck to honor America’s fallen military and first responders. The names of the lost are carried on the rucks so that they are never forgotten. It is a grueling but worthy challenge.

All funds raised go to support the families of fallen veterans.

Like all heroes, Tough Ruckers run toward a fire instead of away. On April 15, 2013, Tough Ruckers were at the finish line of the Boston Marathon and joined the first reponders to help those wounded by the blasts.

Tough Ruck takes place the weekend before Boston Marathon Monday. It is the only ruck march partnered with the Boston Marathon and finishers are awarded the official Boston Marathon Medals and receive recognition from the Boston Athletic Association. 

“I am honored to serve my country, and to run with this incredible group of people as we remember the sacrifice of those that gave everything,” said McCann.

Click to support McCann and the families of the lost in this fundraiser.