Worcester Firefighter, Veteran To Run 2 Marathons In 2 Days To Honor Service Members

WORCESTER, MA — A Worcester firefighter and Air Force Veteran is set to take on an extraordinary challenge next month in honor of those in service.

Andrew Staruk will complete two marathons on back-to-back days in April. He said this "double unicorn" challenge is in honor of military members, first responders and families of fallen heroes.

Staruk, a member of Worcester Fire's Ladder 4, will run his first race on Sunday, Apr. 19. With a weighted pack on his back, the 39-year-old will run 26.2 miles in the Tough Ruck Marathon in Concord.

"Each mile I ruck, I will carry with me the names of fallen military and first responders, ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten," Staruk said on his fundraising site.

He, along with hundreds of participants, will raise funds for the Military Friends Foundation.

Just one day later, on Monday, Apr. 20, Staruk will line up in Hopkinton to race the Boston Marathon. He said this is a race he's dreamed of completing as a lifelong Massachusetts resident.

For the Worcester resident, the challenge is a way to represent his community, honor those who have served and support families who continue to carry the weight of loss.

Staruk is fundraising for military families here. With 22 days to go, he has already raised more than $11,000 for the cause.

In both races, he'll be raising funds for the Military Friends Foundation, which provides rapid-response financial aid, wellness programs, and community-building events that ensure no Massachusetts Warrior Family is left behind.

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