By Olivia Chiu
Copy Editor
Photo by Brian Kojima
Runners and walkers of all ages from South Pasadena and surrounding communities participated in the eighteenth annual city-wide Tiger Run on December 5. The event was highly anticipated, with preparations beginning two months in advance.
Both the 5k (3.1 mi) and 10k (6.2 mi) races began on Diamond Street in front of the SPHS gym at 8 a.m., and finished on the high school track. The 5k course was flat while 10k runners took on the formidable Via del Rey and Camino Verde in the Monterey Hills. More than 550 runners were divided into over 50 groups by age, sex, and course length.
South Pasadena High School was well-represented in the age groups of 14-17 years and 18-19 years. All of the winning runners from SPHS were from the cross country team. In the women’s 5k, freshman Elizabeth Bock placed third, and junior Kieran Press-Reynolds and sophomore Jacob Wielenga secured second and third, respectively, in the men’s race. Seniors Maaike Wielenga and Fiona Bock placed first and second in the 10k, followed by sophomore Bailey Wu who took third. Senior Briana Nuñez secured first in her age group of women’s 18-19 as well. Sophomore Ben Clark and junior David Seo took second and third respectively.
The event was coordinated by Jose Zavala of Aztlan Athletics and Commissioner of Athletics Alexis Mora.
“I like the fact that there are a lot of students out here as volunteers and runners,” history teacher Mrs. Maryann Nielsen said. “Everyone’s just being friendly and supportive—it’s a very friendly atmosphere.”
All of the proceeds from the fundraiser will go to the SPHS Booster Club, which supports a range of extracurricular activities for SPHS students.
“I think it was really cool being able to run it with adults all over town and getting to see everyone,” sophomore Helena Fu said. “I like that the whole community came together to run it.”
