by Dennis Harvell
Legends of Endurance
Gisela Perez: The Marathon Matriarch
Gisela Perez, affectionately known as “Coach G,” is a testament to the long-game of Bronx endurance. A veteran of over 40 marathons and a staggering 100-plus half-marathons, Gisela didn’t just find a hobby in running; she found a calling. Based in Concourse Village, she has spent decades turning the borough’s pavement into a training ground for herself and countless others, proving that the “Concrete Pulse” only grows steadier with time and consistency.
Her achievements extend far beyond the marathon finish line. At age 64, she tackled the grueling Empire State Building Run-Up—climbing 1,576 stairs to the top of the world—simply because it was on her bucket list. As a coach for the NYRR Striders and founder of the Bronx Endurance Runners, Gisela has shifted the narrative of aging from one of slowing down to one of stepping up. She views running as a “celebration of the heart,” a mantra that has kept her energized and youthful into her 70s.
Gisela’s impact is most felt in the community she has built. By leading group runs through the Bronx and serving as an ambassador for Black Girls RUN!, she has become a beacon for women of all ages to reclaim their health and sovereignty. She coaches with a focus on mental motivation and “respecting the distance,” showing that a life well-lived in the Bronx is measured not just in miles, but in the confidence and well-being she inspires in every runner who follows in her footsteps.
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