Héroes que corren: Sandra Pérez

For every virtual race in 2020, NYRR is highlighting frontline and essential workers in our Heroes on the Run series. Running is a source of strength, and especially over these last several months, and we are grateful for the everyday heroes who keep our community safe and keep us running—sometimes while running themselves. These runners inspire us with their bravery, dedication, and selflessness and it is our privilege to recognize them. 

This week with the Virtual New Balance Bronx 10 Mile, we honor Sandra Perez of the Bronx as our Hero on the Run.

Sandra became an NYRR member in the early 1990s, after her husband introduced her to running. Since her start, she has run 44 NYRR races, including racing the New Balance Bronx 10 Mile most years and two New York City Marathon appearances. Three years ago, she joined the Boogie Down Bronx Runners, and has helped grow the club from three members to more than 80.

Sandra works as a registered nurse at the trauma unit at Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, located a mile from her home. Typically, she works in pediatrics in the ER, but when Jacobi Medical became the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Bronx. she received an influx of adult patients as well. Sandra had to treat everyone entering the ER, not knowing if they had COVID-19 or not.

In the spring, Sandra’s daily one-mile commute felt like a trek, and she questioned whether she should keep going in for her 12-hour shifts. “As professionals we are trained to be the gatekeepers and comfort zone for those in times of need,” she said. “It was very scary being at the front line and to understand that with each contact I could become a statistic.” Despite the fear, she kept coming in, shift after shift. She felt it was her duty, and she remains committed to serving the greater Bronx population during this challenging time. 

Running has become a way for Sandra to relieve stress after work. “Running for me during the pandemic has become therapeutic and has given me the strength to continue the challenge each day,” she said. 

Sandra is also a strong believer in keeping kids healthy and active. Before COVID-19, she’d signed up her own children for some NYRR youth events. She also created running routes for the Boogie Down Bronx Runners that are purposely designed to pass groups of schoolkids, in the hopes of inspiring them to run as well. She was originally supposed to run both the Boston Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon this year, but instead is focusing her efforts on the Virtual New Balance Bronx 10 Mile.

Follow #HeroesOnTheRun to join us in celebrating Sandra and all of our everyday heroes. NYRR will feature a runner who is serving or served on the front lines of the pandemic as our Hero on the Run for each of our remaining virtual races in 2020. Learn more and complete our survey if you'd like to be considered as a Hero on the Run. 

Year-round, NYRR recognizes the contributions of the Latinx community. For Latinx Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), we are highlighting stories and achievements from Latinx perspectives.