UTICA, N.Y. (June 27th, 2025)-Juan Pablo Lenero Ochoa, the 2025 Wheelchair Challenger, is ready to tackle the Boilermaker 15K this year in his everyday chair.
Ochoa, who grew up an athlete in Guadalajara, Mexico. To this, which he attributes to his discipline and dedication. In June of 2014, however, things changed when he sustained a spinal cord injury due to a car accident. Despite the initial challenges he faced after the accident, Ochoa’s competitive nature carried on.
To date, Ochoa has completed thirteen half marathons and three full marathons using his manual every-day wheelchair, but he hopes that through the Sitrin Wheelchair Challenge, he will be able to reach new heights. “These races are not just physical achievements,” Ochoa says; “they represent milestones in my journey of resilience and continued pursuit of excellence.”
The Sitrin Wheelchair Challenge awards a racing wheelchair to the program participant who can complete the Boilermaker 15K in 2 hours and 15 minutes or less using a traditional chair. Program participants who meet the time requirements are fitted for specially made chairs, which typically cost upwards of $5,000, according to Marc DePerno, STARS adaptive sports program director for Sitrin. Since 1997, 33 racing wheelchairs have been awarded to challengers. Program participants are chosen through an application process.
“These chairs are designed for speed and stability,” DePerno said. “We are proud to be in a position to sponsor the challenge and truly make a difference in the lives of these athletes.”
Unlike traditional wheelchairs, racing chairs are ergonomically designed to allow athletes to propel themselves safely and efficiently at speeds that are impossible to reach in a traditional chair. Riders sit closer to the ground for stability, especially on uneven or rough terrain, and are positioned securely, with their legs fastened safely beneath the seat.
Ochoa says that completing the challenge and earning his custom-built chair would be “life changing” as it would allow him to continue to set ambitious goals and perhaps even one day represent Mexico on a world stage. “Competing on behalf of my country would be a profound honor,” explained Ochoa. “And a way to showcase what is possible through perseverance, opportunity and the right support.”
The Sitrin Wheelchair Challenge is part of the Boilermaker 15K Road Race presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield on Sunday, July 13, 2025. For more information about the challenge, visit: https://www.boilermaker.com/wheelchair-15K. To apply to be the 2026 wheelchair challenger, please email mdeperno@boilermaker.com.
