25th Annual Tiger Run Gathers Record-Breaking Turnout

Story by Ethan Kwak
Staff Writer 

Photo by Emiko (Emi) Essmiller
Staff Photographer

The 25th Annual Tiger Run, organized by SPHS Booster Club co-chairs Bill Buckley and Katie Clark, took place on Saturday Dec. 3. The event brought a record-high turnout of 794 registered individuals. Along with the 5k and 10k races, a 300m Tiger Cub Run also took place.

The event began by honoring Therese Molina, who re-initiated the Tiger Run in 1998 after years of inaction, and Marty Parkinson, the son of the founder, Mike Parkinson, who passed away this year. Among the esteemed guests, South Pasadena Mayor Michael Caciotti and Assembly Member Mike Fong joined the event to present the SPHS Booster Club a certificate of recognition on behalf of the California State Legislative Assembly. 

An airhorn marked the beginning of the race at 8:00 a.m. as the crowd of participants surged forward. The 5k route, dotted with water stations, wound through South Pas streets. The 10k route took a longer trail up to the South Pasadena Water Tower. 

All participants received 25th Annual Tiger Run medals, and division winners also won individualized awards. Luis Gutierrez finished first in the 5k race and Arcadia resident Phillip Gonzalez finished first in the 10k. Later at 9:30 a.m. children ages ten and under participated in the Tiger Cub Run, a 300 meter race on the SPHS athletic track. 

“It’s been a great year. This Tiger tradition goes back many years. There are hundreds of people –families, neighbors, people from outside the city – who are coming out here. It’s just a great event and it really brings the community together,” Caciotti said. 

The Tiger Run will contribute to the funds of over 50 student clubs and activities, supporting team travel funds, school equipment, and scholarships.

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