Angwin to Angwish Gathers Nationwide Runners

For the third year, Angwin to Angwish sold out, with about 160 participants from the community, the state, and some flying in from Tennessee, Arizona, and Oregon to compete in the event on May 3 at Pacific Union College. Runners ranged in age from 5 to the 60s to compete in the 10k, 26k, and the kids' 1-mile race.

Running among the forest trails of the college, PUC senior Andrea Maidan won first place at 2:40:16 in the women’s race, with Tegan Henry coming in second at 2:58:56, followed by Haley Wight coming in third with a time of 3:13:41. For the men’s 26K, PUC alumni Pablo Garrido won first place at 2:12:30, with Menso De Jong coming in second at 2:16:32, and David Pillard placing in third place at 2:20:07.

Since 2023, PUC alumnus and Enrollment Counselor Abraham Garrido has been the director of Angwin to Angwish and has been looking for ways to enhance the event each year. This year, he and his team encouraged additional community support at the line to rev up and support the runners and included more course signage throughout the forest to provide clearer direction for runners on their route. This year’s event also had more volunteers spread throughout the trail and assisted with all race needs.

This year’s Angwin to Angwish had five sponsors, with the Redwood Trail Alliance helped clearing and maintaining the trail, Speedland, a trail running brand, contributing shoe demos and giveaways for runners, sports nutrition company Skratch Lab supplied hydration on the course, the Napa Running Company store provided gels and drinks, and St. Helena outdoor sports store Sportago hosted bib pick-up and offered store discounts to participants. All profits from Angwin to Angwish will support the PUC athletics program in funding new equipment, team travels, and development.

Every year, Garrido hopes participants have a great experience on the Angwin to Angwish route. For some, it was their first time attending the event, and although the race was challenging, many participants told Garrido how enjoyable it was and can’t wait to race again next year. “I want it to be something positive, healthy, and challenging in a good way,” he said. “My goal is that people leave feeling motivated to take on more challenges in life and continue doing things that support their overall health and well-being.”