Corpus Christi sophomore student aims to make Beach to Bay history as first wheelchair racer

Veterans Memorial sophomore Sara Flores is set to make history as one of the first wheelchair racers to compete in the Beach to Bay Relay Marathon.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Preparations for the Beach to Bay Relay Marathon are underway, and this weekend, a paraplegic athlete will take part in the race.

Thousands of runners are set to hit the streets for the annual Beach to Bay Relay Marathon, including Sara Flores, a sophomore at Veterans Memorial High School who is breaking barriers and inspiring others along the way.

But she’s not just taking part — she’s making history before the race even begins.

“I’ve always loved racing, but Beach to Bay is different because I will be one of the first wheelchair racers to ever compete in Beach to Bay,” Sara said.

Sara said she’s just getting started.

“So it was last year, my freshman year, I had talked with my parents and I told them that I wanted to do track. So we talked to my school, and then I got a chair from one of my coaches. He’s a Paralympic gold medalist, and he brought the chair to me.”

With her custom-made wheelchair, she’s now racing on the track, and her parents couldn’t be prouder of everything she’s achieved so far.

“We live inclusion all the time, and so her mission and vision for Beach to Bay was inclusion. She wanted to show her community, her city here, that you can do it. It may look different for some, but you can still do it,” Laura said.

“She’s really become a pillar of the community. A lot of people know her, a lot of people are very familiar with her, and just being able to be that example that there are no limits to what you can do if you put your mind to it — you can do it,” Eric said.

This will be Sara’s longest race, but Eric said she’s ready.

“So usually what our week looks like is Monday through Thursday, she’s in the weight room at 7 o’clock in the morning, and then she’s at practice until 5 p.m. after school. So we do that usually three to four days a week,” Eric said.

Organizer Doug McBee said this moment is more than just another race milestone. It’s a reminder that the event is for everyone and that determination can redefine what’s possible.

“I think it’s wonderful. We always try to include everybody, and it means a lot. We’re extremely proud. It’s really fantastic. I look forward to seeing her cross the finish line,” McBee said.

And this isn’t the only race Sara’s got this week.

“So I will be going to our track and field state championships this week in Austin, and I will be competing against, I think, eight other people,” Sara said.

Just a girl, her racing chair and a mission to inspire.

“What really drives me is I want to make a difference in the community, and I also want to show people that no matter your circumstances, no matter what you go through, anything you want is possible. You just have to reach for it,” Sara said.

And when the race begins this weekend, Sara won’t just be heading for the finish line — she’ll be making Beach to Bay history and inspiring others along the way.