Diné College Crownpoint Center Promotes Heart Health with Cupid’s Crush Walk/Run
CROWNPOINT, N.M. Feb. 12, 2026. Diné College Crownpoint Center hosted the Valentine’s Day Kickoff Cupid’s Crush Walk/Run to encourage physical wellness and community connection. Approximately 60 participants, including students, alumni, and residents from surrounding areas, gathered at the center to walk or run along the campus trails.
Tyrel Pablo, Academic Success Coach at Diné College, organized the event to promote healthy lifestyles. He noted the strong turnout and the participants’ positive energy.
“It was a full house,” Pablo said. “A lot of people were engaged and appreciative. We had a good number of students here, and some former alumni joined us.”
The event drew participants from across the region, including runners from as far as Black Mesa, Ariz. While the turnout included a significant number of community members aged 35 and older, the event served a broad demographic. The Cultivating Native Student Success (CNSS) grant funded the walk/run as part of an ongoing effort to provide wellness incentives for the community.
Pablo highlighted the importance of taking breaks from sedentary work and study habits to reconnect with the outdoors.
“If you’re a student behind the computer every day, or if you’re working behind the computer, take some time for yourself to get out, get some sunshine, and get some fresh air,” Pablo said.
The course utilized the college’s enclosed trail system, which measures just under two miles. Organizers adjusted the route to offer three different course options, ensuring variety for returning participants who attended previous seasonal events, such as the Jingle Bell Run.
Collaboration strengthened the event’s impact. Sterling Walter represented the Newcomb Center to support the initiative, highlighting the cooperation between external college centers. Looking ahead, the Crownpoint Center plans to host a St. Patrick’s Day run on March 17. Organizers aim to attract a younger crowd to the next event during the local schools’ spring break.
Pablo concluded by acknowledging the support from the center leadership and the residents who made the event successful.
“I want to thank our community members for showing up and being a part of these types of events,” Pablo said. “They are really thankful that these wellness events have been going on throughout the winter.”
For More Information may contact:
Tyrel Pablo 505.786.7206
