Meet Our Marathon Runners!

Rory Burns, Strategic Partnerships Manager at Night Shift Brewing: “Growing up, I was lucky to attend a small, all-girls high school outside of Philadelphia. The experience was transformative. I met teachers, coaches and friends who helped give me the confidence to set and achieve difficult goals.

For me, the hard things in life included passing tests, getting into college, graduate school, moving to a new city, establishing a career, changing my career trajectory and now, my hardest feat of all––raising four small children. However, these “hard things” pale in comparison to what the guests of Women’s Lunch Place face on a daily basis.

I first heard about WLP from a high school classmate. She told me about her experience volunteering at WLP and how dedicated the staff was to providing not only basic needs, but medical and social services as well. She described the long-term relationships guests would develop at WLP. Everything she said stuck with me, and I began to build a connection with WLP over the years through donations from our family business.

I ran one marathon over ten years ago and when I crossed the finish line, I swore off another. But a piece of me kept coming back to my connection to Women's Lunch Place. I’m ready to go the extra mile for the women whose lives are touched by WLP.

Asha King, Software Engineer at ARA: “When I decided to run the Boston Marathon, I knew I wanted to do it for more than just myself—I wanted to run for a cause that truly matters. It was important to me to support a charity that directly impacts women of color, particularly Black women. As I searched for the right organization, Women’s Lunch Place immediately stood out. 

In a world where economic uncertainty and social challenges are growing every day, women experiencing homelessness, hunger, and poverty face unimaginable barriers. WLP's work, providing essential resources, personalized support, advocacy, and a community of care, deeply resonated with me. 

I’ve always believed in the power of community, in the idea that when we lift each other up, we all rise together. WLP embodies this in every way. They don’t just provide a warm meal; they create a space where women are seen, heard, and treated with dignity. They offer healthcare, legal assistance, job training, and, most importantly, a place where women can rebuild their lives with hope and resilience. 

Knowing that WLP is there, walking alongside these women as they find their way forward, moves me beyond words. Running this marathon is about so much more than crossing a finish line—it’s about raising awareness and support for an organization making a real, tangible difference in people’s lives. 

I feel deeply honored to be part of Team WLP. Their commitment to restoring dignity and empowering women is inspiring, and I couldn’t be more excited to contribute to their mission. Every step I take on race day will be for the women who turn to WLP for help, hope, and a fresh start.”

Betsy Lowe, Retired Middle School Math Teacher: “Running the Boston Marathon for Women’s Lunch Place is deeply personal for me. As a retired public school teacher from Grand Rapids, Minnesota, I have spent my life helping others, and I firmly believe in the power of women helping women. When my mom died, I reflected on the impact she had on my life - her strength, her kindness, and her unwavering support for me in all my endeavors. Because of her generosity, I have the ability to pay it forward in her honor, and so I am able to meet my fundraising goals and support Women's Lunch Place.

Living in a rural area, without a running group to train with, my training looks a little different than most. I spend my hours running through the woods with my dog, enjoying the many seasons of Minnesota. In the winter, I log my miles on snowmobile trails in the woods and on a treadmill when it’s below zero. This year is particularly special because just a few weeks before Boston, I’ll be running the Tokyo Marathon; the Boston Marathon will complete my journey to all six World Marathon Majors.

When I visited Women’s Lunch Place for a tour, I was overwhelmed by the depth of services they provide. It’s not just a meal or a place to rest—it’s advocacy, healthcare, legal assistance, and most of all, dignity. The women who walk through WLP’s doors are given the resources, care, and encouragement they need to move forward, and I am honored to play a small part in that. I know what it feels like to be given a hand up in life, and now it’s my turn to do the same.

I am beyond excited to take on Boston, not just as a runner, but as a champion for the incredible women WLP serves.