If it’s the first Saturday in December, it must mean the return of the much-anticipated, long-standing Tiger Run through the streets of South Pasadena.
Hosted by the SPHS Booster Club, like clockwork, the large-scale event featured a 10K, 5K, and the always-popular Cub Run – a quarter-mile sprint around the school’s track for young athletes – as nearly 800 participants took part in the latest get-together.
What began in 1981, paused occasionally, then restarted, the yearly winter experience just reached its 28th consecutive year of bringing the community together to support student-run clubs, activities and sports teams at the high school.
The Tiger Run is one of the Booster Club’s two major fundraisers along with Tiger Bingo – a longtime Saturday night tradition held inside the gymnasium on campus.
This year’s event was co-chaired by Bill Buckley and Kristen Swift, with race director Jose Zavala and his team overseeing operations.
Zavala, an operating partner of the event, brought the expertise of his firm, Aztlan’s Athletics, which co-sponsored the 10K, 5K and Cub Run, along with the City of South Pasadena. Additional sponsors at the Platinum, Silver and Bronze levels, along with a collection of in-kind contributors, helped further fuel the event’s ongoing success.
In a joint statement, Buckley and Swift said this year’s go-around was successful thanks in large part to the South Pasadena community and the walk/run’s solid reputation developed over the long haul.
“From first timers to those who have been running/walking for years, the consensus is the Tiger Run is a tradition that re-affirms why we all live here,” they said. “In addition to benefiting the students at SPHS, it brings together friends that might only catch up once a year at the Tiger Run and it’s something that they look forward to.
“For new families, the Cub Run is a chance to meet other families with young children and get a better sense of the community and all that it has to offer,” the pair continued. “With our So Pas sponsors, the Tiger Run offers them a chance to engage with the community in a different way.”
While category winners were crowned across various age groups in the 10K and 5K races, at the heart of the Tiger Run are those seeking nothing more than a morning full of camaraderie, joining the smiles and laughter of friends, neighbors, even strangers.
It’s all about celebrating South Pasadena’s long-standing tradition of community connection. It’s also about acknowledging the singing and artistic talents of local high school students as Andres Urzua offered a moving rendition of the National Anthem to kick off the proceedings, and Maxwell Weng designed the commemorative t-shirt handed to all those taking part in the Tiger Run while Natalia Avila was responsible for creating the look for the one presented to youngsters tackling the Cub Run.
Of course, the day wouldn’t be complete without a large group of elite runners. The top two male finishers in the 5K were Kai Tilley and Dylan Shugg while Liz Anderson and Sabrina Zavala were 1-2 on the girls’ side, respectively.
In the 10K, Luis Gutierrez and Kai Dettman took the first two spots for males as Melanie Romo and Kate Beach wound up first and second in the female competition.
From seasoned competitors chasing personal records to Cub Run kids discovering the thrill of dashing along the track for the first time, the Tiger Run offers something for everyone.
And as the final runners and walkers came across the finish line, one aspect of the day was made clear – it remains a cherished South Pasadena staple, continuing to strengthen the citizenry it serves one step at a time.
“From what we’ve heard, there’s no other local event that has the same energy and positivity like the Tiger Run,” said Buckley and Swift when asked what makes it so special. “With ASB, Skills USA, clubs and teams lining the 5K and 10K routes cheering and ringing their cowbells along with the energy for every runner at the finish line, the Tiger and Cub Run showcase our South Pas spirit.”
And the gratitude doesn’t stop there.
“We’re incredibly grateful to all the participants and volunteers who choose to be part of this 28-year tradition,” the co-chairs said. “Simply, without all these people, the Tiger Run couldn’t be the success that it is.”
Further they noted: “As co-sponsors, the City of South Pasadena and Aztlan Athletics continue to be outstanding partners in their support of the Tiger Run.
Oh, and the duo never seem to quit working, adding: “Help us kick off the 29th Annual Tiger Run on Saturday, December 5, 2026.” Registration is open at www.SPTigerRun.com
For a complete list of Tiger Run finishers CLICK HERE
