“A Saving Grace in a Year Marked by Tragedy”

Ever since he watched the 1968 Olympics in his home country of Mexico, Juan Perez has been inspired by runners. And though he didn’t take up running himself until he was 50, when he started he committed passionately to his new hobby.

Juan found he had not only drive but also talent as a distance runner. He finished well up in in his age division in major half marathons and marathons all over North America: third at the 2017 San Diego Half Marathon, sixth at the 2017 San Antonio Marathon, ninth at the 2018 DC Marathon, 11th at the 2019 Montreal Half Marathon, and fifth at the 2019 Toronto Marathon. He poses below with a customized compilation of some of his many medals.

Following a year in which in-person racing around the world was canceled due to the pandemic, Juan, now 61, is hoping to get a top-three finish in his age group in one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors races this fall. He ran all six races virtually in 2020, as well as many other virtual races of shorter distances.

Juan considers running his saving grace during a year marked by tragedy, as he lost his son, Juan Alberto, to cancer in December and multiple friends and relatives suffered from COVID-19, with several losing their lives. Through running, he’s been able to continue to live fully and persevere through sorrows.

“My goal is to share a positive mentality with family and friends, despite the pandemic, by chasing new achievements,” said Juan. “Running every day has helped me to keep up my enthusiasm and motivation." 

He’ll run the Virtual United Airlines NYC Half in his hometown of Guadalajara on the same roads where he does his training. "I have a circuit of 3.8 kilometers," he said. "I will run five rounds plus 2.1 kilometers to complete the half." His run will honor the memory of Juan Alberto and other loved ones.

Juan is grateful for all that running brings him. “The miracle of running motivates us to always pursue new personal records and goals, no matter the circumstances,” he said.