Heroes on the Run: Claudio Grassi
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, especially over these last several months, and we are grateful for the everyday heroes who keep our community safe and healthy. These are the people that keep us running—sometimes while running themselves. These runners inspire us with their courage, commitment, and selflessness and it is our privilege to recognize them.
This week with the NYRR Virtual Race to Deliver 5K To Benefit God’s Love We Deliver, we honor Claudio Grassi, a delivery driver and partner of a logistics company near Milan, Italy, as our Hero on the Run.
Claudio has been a delivery driver in his native Italy for 10 years and is also a partner of a logistics company that specializes in the health sector. “I mainly transport samples from collection sites to the laboratories where they are analyzed,” he said. “We also provide a delivery service for hospitals and deliver medicines and drugs throughout Europe.”
Beginning in February, the company became active in transporting samples, serological tests, swabs, PPE (personal protective equipment) and other items needed manage the surge in COVID-19 cases that was overwhelming the country. “I had to access COVID wards, both to deliver supplies and to collect samples,” said Claudio.
“It was really heavy to be involved in such a duty," he said. "But it was also an extraordinary opportunity to be in contact with doctors, nurses, and some patients."
He added, “Being of some help is what gives me and my colleagues the strength to go on, despite some anxiety. I've learned how to smile not only with my mouth but also with my eyes.” He found that simple expressions of kindness could help alleviate patients’ anxiety—and his own.
A dedicated runner, Claudio has completed half a dozen NYRR Virtual Racing events this year. “Running is really important to me as it gives me time for myself, time to meditate and to escape from anxiety,” he said. It has also become a way to help others. A running crew he formed 11 years ago set up a charity branch this year to fundraise through runs.
“Virtual races are the best way to still set a goal,” said Claudio. “They provide a solid motivation.”
He is optimistic about the return to in-person racing. “The New York City Marathon is my dream marathon,” he said. “It’s the one I'd like to run.”
Follow #HeroesOnTheRun to join us in celebrating Claudio 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.