Carrying More Than Weight: Why We Take on the Tough Ruck
On 19 April 2026, one day before the Boston Marathon, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) Principal John Thomsen and Intern Olivia DeMelo will take on the Tough Ruck 26.2 Boston, completing a marathon while carrying a weighted rucksack in honor of fallen military members and first responders.
Each participant carries the names of the fallen on their pack, a powerful reminder that these individuals will never be forgotten. For John and Olivia, the event is deeply personal, though their paths to it are very different.
What inspired you to participate—and what does this cause mean to you?
John: I walk in memory of my friend Brian Sousa, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) police officer who tragically passed away. We were supposed to be on a shared family vacation together. Instead, I helped his wife and children plan his funeral.
What we didn’t know at the time was that Tough Ruck Nation had paid for the funeral in full, without ever having interacted with the family before. That act of generosity left a lasting impression on all of us. The following year, Brian’s son participated in Tough Ruck to give back, and he later encouraged me to join.
For me, this is about honoring Brian and supporting families like his. The impact Tough Ruck had on his family was incredible, and this is my way of continuing that support.
Olivia: As an Air Force ROTC cadet with the goal of becoming a pilot, service is very important to me. Tough Ruck felt like a meaningful way to honor those who came before me and made that path possible.
I’m also participating alongside fellow cadets, which makes the experience even more motivating. For me, this is about recognizing the strength and sacrifice of those who served, and honoring the freedoms they made possible.
What is Tough Ruck like, and how are you preparing for it?
John: This is my third year participating. There are about 1,000 participants each year, and the atmosphere is filled with lots of positive energy from both participants and volunteers. In terms of preparation, I do numerous four- to seven-mile walks in the two months leading up to the event, along with one or two longer walks (up to fifteen miles) on the weekends beforehand. The most important thing is making sure that your footwear fits well to avoid blisters and that your ruck is comfortable so your back and shoulders hold up over the full distance.
Olivia: This will be my first Tough Ruck, but I have many friends and fellow ROTC cadets who have completed it. They describe it as one of the most physically difficult things they’ve done, but also one of the most meaningful. As a regular runner, I’ve focused on maintaining weekly mileage and spending time on my feet, while incorporating longer, heavier rucks. Through ROTC, I’ve built a strong foundation, but I know that on race day, those 26.2 miles will demand a lot of grit.
What keeps you going during the race?
John: I treat it like spending the day at an amusement park—I know I’m going to be walking a lot, so I set a steady pace and spend most of the time talking with teammates or other participants. I’ll grab snacks and drinks along the way without stopping, and the support along the route is incredible. Once you pass the halfway mark, every step brings you closer to the finish.
Olivia: My biggest motivator is my goal of becoming an officer in the U.S. Air Force. As a cadet, I’m learning to lead and to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Tough Ruck is another opportunity to challenge myself physically and mentally while contributing to something greater than myself.
What will it mean to cross the finish line?
John: Crossing the finish line is an incredible feeling. The crowd is cheering, your name and hometown are announced, and you receive an authentic Boston Marathon Medal right away. Being able to celebrate with family, friends, and teammates at the end makes it even more meaningful.
Olivia: Crossing the finish line will be an incredibly meaningful moment. On a personal level, it represents accomplishing something I never thought I was capable of. More importantly, it’s a way to honor the fallen service members, military personnel, and first responders who came before me. Completing this ruck in their memory is something I will carry with me, and it reinforces why I’m pursuing a career of service.
For me, this is about honoring Brian and supporting families like his. The impact Tough Ruck had on his family was incredible, and this is my way of continuing that support.
Supporting the Mission
Tough Ruck participants raise critical funds for veterans, first responders, and military families through the Military Friends Foundation. These contributions provide essential support to families in times of need.
For John and Olivia, the Tough Ruck is more than a physical challenge. It’s a shared commitment to remembrance, service, and community—and a powerful reminder that no sacrifice is ever forgotten.