She’s running Boston to raise money for Homes For Our Troops

Boston Marathon

“I run for veterans who gave everything. I run for the courage it takes to start over. And I run because everyone deserves a home — and a life — that supports who they are now.”

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: Rebecca Ludwig
Age: 34
From: DeKalb County, GA

I recently started therapy which is something I put off for a long time. Years of bullying, self-doubt, and feeling like I didn’t quite belong taught me how to survive quietly. I learned how to show up strong, capable, and dependable, while carrying a lot on the inside

Healing has a way of stripping everything down. It asks hard questions. It demands honesty. And in that space, I kept coming back to one simple truth: having a safe place to land changes everything.

That’s why Homes For Our Troops means so much to me. As a real estate agent, I work with houses every day. But Homes For Our Troops reminded me that a home is more than walls and a roof. It’s freedom. It’s dignity. It’s the ability to heal in peace.

Many severely injured veterans return home to a house that were never built for their new reality — homes that limit movement, independence, and daily life.

Homes For Our Troops builds and donates specially adapted, mortgage-free homes that allow these heroes to regain autonomy and stability. The money raised through my Boston Marathon campaign helps fund the design and construction of these homes, including for example wheelchair-accessible layouts, widened doorways, roll-in showers, adaptive kitchens, and smart-home technology. Donations also support ongoing assistance from a pro-bono financial planner for the first three years, ensuring these homes remain safe and sustainable for years to come. Every dollar helps remove barriers and restore independence.

Training for the 2026 Boston Marathon is my way of honoring that resilience — both theirs and my own. Some days the miles feel heavy. Some days they hurt. But every step reminds me that healing isn’t linear, and strength doesn’t always look loud.

I run for veterans who gave everything. I run for the courage it takes to start over. And I run because everyone deserves a home — and a life — that supports who they are now.

This isn’t just a marathon. It’s a promise to keep moving forward. 🏃‍♀️🇺🇸

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