Run the Bronx 2026 at Bronx Community College, University Heights, Saturday, May 2, 2026 V1 Video by Síle Moloney

Run the Bronx, the annual race comprising a 5K run, 10K run and 2-mile walk, was held once again this year on Saturday, May 2, at Bronx Community College in University Heights, where a host of shiny trophies and medals were awarded to pumped up runners in the presence of Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. A kid’s fun run was also held.

 

As reported, The Bronx has ranked 62 out of New York State’s 62 counties every year for several years now when it comes to health rankings according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s county health ranking report. The Run the Bronx event was born out of a need to address the disparity.

 

Run the Bronx 2026 at Bronx Community College, University Heights, Saturday, May 2, 2026 V2 Video by Síle Moloney

Norwood News spoke to some of the runners on the day to get their reaction. First-place trophy winner in her age group, Ariella Trotsanko, was absolutely jubilant as she accepted her trophy, alongside her friend, Cira Cardaci, who also ran on the day.

 

Asked if she was surprised that she won in her category, Trotsanko, who has been running since 2022, said, “I was! I won second place in my age group last year. This year, I’m in a different age group. I work for the CUNY Office of Central Research so it’s great to be part of the CUNY running community and to be representing all the campuses, and to help spur [on] this great community.”

Trotsanko continued, “Bronx is a very special place, and this race means a lot in terms of spurring health and wellness for the local community, so I’m so happy to be a part of it.”

 

Asked what the best thing was about running (apart from the wins!) laughing, she said, “To be part of an amazing community; I’m part of a run club in my local neighborhood and it’s just so much fun to get out there everyday and chat with people, to be taking care of myself, and just pound the pavement every day, to get better for myself.”

Asked if she had any words of advice for those who might be considering running for the first time, she said, “Just take it slow. Go easy. Get yourself into a sport that you like, and running is so accessible; all you need is a pair of sneakers!”

 

Run the Bronx 2026 at Bronx Community College, University Heights, Saturday, May 2, 2026 V4 Video by Síle Moloney

We also spoke to Aylin Villada, 28, and asked her how the race went for her. “It was really good!” she said. “It was really nice seeing everybody come out and support, people outside with water bottles, people outside of their houses. We were looking at everyone, so it felt really nice to be supported in that way. There were a lot of hills so it was really hard. I did the 5K and it was really good!”

 

Asked if she was a regular runner, Villada said, “No… a little bit, yeah! I try to run once or twice a week, but max is like 3 to 4 miles.” Asked if she participated in a lot of races, she said, “I don’t! This is my only one! I participated in it last year. I ran it with my friend who’s a teacher in The Bronx so I come and support her and her school.”

 

Run the Bronx 2026 at Bronx Community College, University Heights, Saturday, May 2, 2026 V5 Video by Síle Moloney

Asked what prompted her to take up running, Villada said, “When I was growing up, my dad took me and my sister out running to the park and he was always very adamant that we were always doing some sort of sport, whether it be running, swimming so I kind of grew up doing sports.”

 

Asked what the best thing about running was, she said, “I guess now that I’m older, just pushing myself mentally and seeing how far I can go.”

 

Run the Bronx 2026 at Bronx Community College, University Heights, Saturday, May 2, 2026 V6 Video by Síle Moloney

Asked if she had any words of encouragement for those who might be considering taking it up, she said, “I would say it gets easier. Just try and push yourself a little bit. Don’t give yourself too many expectations. If it’s for the first time, just be happy that you’ve even stepped outside and even attempted to run…or walk. You don’t have to start off running. You can just walk.”

 

Abdel Khalil was the first man to win the 5K in a time of 16 minutes, 51 seconds, while Ari Gibbs was the first woman to cross the line in the 5K in a time of 20 minutes, 19 seconds.

Run the Bronx 2026 at Bronx Community College, University Heights, Saturday, May 2, 2026 V7 Video by Síle Moloney

In the 10K race, Abelino Aletorre was the first man to cross the finish line in a time of 33 minutes, 5 seconds, while Tiasha Roberts-Liverpool was the first woman to finish the race in a time of 38 minutes, 26 seconds.

 

Check out Norwood News’ YouTube channel for more clips of the day in addition to those linked here.

 

Click here and here to read our previous coverage of the New York City marathon.

Run the Bronx 2026 at Bronx Community College, University Heights, Saturday, May 2, 2026 V8 Video by Síle Moloney

Local running group Bronx Nomads meet at the entrance to the Williamsbridge Oval park in Norwood each Monday evening around 6 p.m. for group running sessions catering to all levels in a supportive environment. Follow the group on Instagram at @BronxNomads.You can also check out @BoogieDownBronxRunners on Instagram.