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Army veteran to ruck Boston for ‘those who never made it home’
"The Tough Ruck Marathon is more than a physical challenge for me - it’s a commitment to remembrance."
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: Ayman Kafel
Age: 44
From: Walpole
The Tough Ruck Marathon is more than a physical challenge for me – it’s a commitment to remembrance.
I am an Army veteran who enlisted after the September 11 attacks and deployed to Iraq in 2005. During that deployment, soldiers in my brigade made the ultimate sacrifice — losses that still stay with me today.
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That sense of duty is what brings me back to the Tough Ruck year after year.
Since first participating in 2016, I have returned again and again – not simply to test myself physically, but to ensure the memory of fallen service members is never forgotten. Carrying a ruck through 26.2 miles is my way of honoring those who never made it home.
Outside of Tough Ruck, I continue to serve my community. I am a police sergeant in Massachusetts and have spent years in law enforcement in roles including patrol officer, detective, and SWAT operator. My experiences in both the military and policing have reinforced the importance of service, sacrifice, and honoring those who gave everything.
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For me, the mission of Tough Ruck aligns perfectly with that lifelong commitment.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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