As The Bronx continues to rank last out of 62 New York State counties in terms of overall good health, those who choose to never stop fighting to change this ranking showed up once again for the 46th Annual “Run the Bronx” event hosted by Bronx Community College on Saturday, May 4.

 

Proceedings kicked off at 10 a.m. on the college campus with some motivational speeches delivered ahead of the event, which incorporates 10K and 5K runs and a 2-mile family fitness walk, all with the aim of improving the health outcomes of Bronx children and their families.

 

With Bronx residents having an estimated 85% higher risk of obesity than their Manhattan counterparts, and a 10% diabetes rate, BCC officials said the event celebrates fitness and wellness in the borough, while also showcasing the beauty of the college’s University Heights campus and surrounding areas.

As reported, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson outlined the measures taken by her team in her recent State of the Borough address to improve health outcomes for Bronxites, as well as the future plans for improving the health of Bronxites.

 

Located at 2155 University Avenue, a former NYU facility, this includes its ornate Hall of Fame, which, as reported in 2019, triggered the question, “What constitutes American greatness?” and the college’s renovated, outdoor gym which, as reported, was formally opened in December 2023, at the same time as the college also formally launched its new shuttle bus service, allowing students commute to and from the campus safely.

As reported, BCC’s Gould Hall Library recently won the 2024 Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award, while nearby Aqueduct Walk was designated the Bronx’s first scenic landmark in a unamimous vote by NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission.

 

Some local elected officials joined more than 2,000 participants from around the borough, the State of New York, and the world! BCC officials said this year, international participants included runners/walkers from Poland, France, England, and the Dominican Republic, while other participants included children, parents, students, and residents.

A long table filled with awards was later emptied as the medals and plaques were gradually presented to the various participants in different categories and age groups. Co-founded in 1978 by the late, distinguished Bronx Community College (BCC) President and Tuskegee Airman, Roscoe C. Brown Jr., Run the Bronx is the 2nd oldest footrace in NYC according to BCC officials.

 

Norwood News spoke to runner Michael Max Knobbe, BronxNet Television’s executive director, on the day. “This run, the Roscoe C. Brown Hall of Fame, ‘Run the Bronx’ at Bronx Community College is inspiring,” he said. “For so many, I participate.”

Knobbe continued, “I live in The Bronx, born and raised in The Bronx. I’ve been part of this race for decades. Why? Because I feel like I have a lifelong commitment to health and fitness and the viability of our communities in The Bronx.”

 

The “Run the Bronx” race routes start and end on BCC’s campus and traverse surrounding neighborhoods and landmarks, including the legendary Grand Concourse. BCC officials said about half of this year’s participants were K-12 students from The Bronx, and a new feature this year was the PeeWee Pavilion, which included child-friendly obstacle courses, hula hoops, bubbles, giveaways and more. Participation costs were covered for Pre-K-Grade 12 students and all CUNY students.

Elected officials in attendance included local City Councilwoman Pierina Sanchez (C.D. 14), a martial arts aficionado who represents some or all of Kingsbridge Heights, Fordham, University Heights, Mount Eden and Mt. Hope, and State Sen. Robert Jackson (S.D. 31), who is known for having organized several walks/runs to Albany and who represents parts of northern Manhattan and the west Bronx.

 

The men’s race (distance not specified) was won by Slawek Galeza, 44, in a time of 36 minutes, 58 seconds, while the first woman home (distance not specified) was Sammie Howe, 31, in a time of 44 minutes, 22 seconds.

We also spoke to Luis Soltero on the day. “I run for the veterans who can’t run, who are serving now or will serve in the future,” he said. “I’m a U.S. Army veteran. I served one tour in Afghanistan. I work for Lehman College. We’re here with Team Lehman today. We have 50+ Team Lehman folks that came out to run and it’s just to promote health and wellness, as well as networking.”

 

To view the full results, click here.