Boston Marathon

‘Tough Ruck’ and Boston: He’s taking on two marathons in one weekend

Jeffery Paolino is rucking in memory of fallen service members on Sunday, and then running the Boston Marathon.

By Claudie Bellanger

1 minute to read

In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. Looking for more race day content? Sign up for Boston.com’s pop-up Boston Marathon newsletter.

Name: Jeffrey Paolino
Age: 39
City/state: Methuen, Mass.

Running the Boston Marathon is more than just a personal milestone, it’s a mission, a tribute, and a deeply meaningful journey. This will be my very first Boston Marathon, and I couldn’t think of a better time than 2025 which marks the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. It’s a powerful reminder of sacrifice, service, and the enduring spirit of this country’s values that mirror the very reason I’m running.

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I’m honored to be taking on back-to-back marathons: first, the Tough Ruck, where I’ll be rucking in memory of fallen service members, and then the Boston Marathon itself. I’m running in honor of USMC Captain Ross Reynolds and his family. While I never had the chance to meet Ross, I connected with his family just before last year’s Tough Ruck. I made a promise to carry his memory with me in every step of my training and every race thereafter. I wear his pin and wristband as a constant reminder of his life, service, and sacrifice.

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This tribute is also personal. My grandfather was a Marine, and in many ways, honoring Captain Reynolds helps me keep my grandfather’s memory alive too. Their stories, their courage, and their legacy inspire me to push forward through training, through pain, and through 26.2 miles of the Boston course.

Running this marathon isn’t just about crossing a finish line. It’s about carrying stories that matter, honoring heroes who can’t run beside us, and showing up with purpose and heart. I carry Ross, my grandfather, and every fallen hero with me and that makes every mile worth it.

Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.

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