by Mariah Gonzales and Juliani Plazola
Contestants LeeAnna Sisneros (Runner-Up), Jillian Crandall (Miss Run To Raton 2022), and Victoria Gonzales (Miss Rose of Raton 2022)
Jillian Crandall was crowned Miss Run to Raton this past Saturday on July 22 during the Run to Raton (R2R) weekend. First runner up was 111 Park Espresso Barista Leeana Sisneros. Victoria Gonzales won the title of Miss Rose of Raton, which goes to the judges favorite local contestant. The event was hosted by the nonprofit, Run to Raton in downtown Raton, New Mexico on Historic First Street.
The weekend was warm and sunny, perfect for motorcycle rides. Visitors from all over came out to listen to live music and see classic vintage cars, hot rods, and applaud the pinup competitors.
Run to Raton has the best beauty pageants for both men and women. This year, Run to Raton held a Beard and Mustache Competition where the crowd’s cheers determined which man had the best facial hair and style. John Duran took home the trophy for best beard and mustache by popular crowd vote.
Beard and Mustache Contest Winner John Duran with Miss Run to Raton Winners
The Miss Run to Raton competition had 17 beautiful contestants and we had the opportunity to speak to the contestants about their lives and why they joined the pinup contest. Half of the contestants have been competing for years and for some, this was their first competition. Let’s see what they had to say!
Jillian "Miss Jilli Jade" Crandall - Contestant #14 (Miss Run to Raton 2022)
Where are you from?
Aurora, CO
When did you first become a pinup girl?
1 year ago
What’s your occupation?
I work in Title Services
What do you plan on doing if you win the crown?
Being an inspiration to women and young girls
Why did you decide to join today’s competition?
To join as many as possible.
Do you have a favorite classic car and if so what is it?
1968 Chevelle Super Sport
LeeAnna Sisneros - Contestant # 1 (Miss Run to Raton Runner Up)
Where are you from?
Raton, NM
When did you first become a Pinup Girl?
4 years ago
What’s your occupation?
Barista at 111 Park Espresso Bar
What’s the inspiration for your look today?
I wore a green army dress today to support our veterans.
What do you plan on doing if you win the crown?
Celebrate with friends and family.
Who inspires you in life?
Women in power!
Do you have a Favorite classic car and if so what is it?
68 Impala
Contestant #11 Victoria Gonzales (Miss Rose of Raton 2022)
Where are you from?
Raton, NM
When did you first become a pinup girl?
This is my first year and I'm excited to be here.
What’s your occupation?
Teacher
What’s the inspiration for your look today?
The Pachuca-look.
Why did you decide to join today's competition?
Give it a try and see what happens
Who inspires you in life, and why?
My son because he’s been through so many obstacles in life. He just keeps pushing through.
Do you have a favorite car, and if so, what is it?
1968 Charger
Jenny Sisneros - Contestant #2 (2021 Miss Run to Raton)
Where are you from?
Raton, NM
When did you first become a pinup girl?
The first year Miss Run to Raton started.
What’s your occupation?
Stay-at-home mom
What's the inspiration for your look today?
My inspiration today was outer space.
What do you plan on doing if you win the crown?
Celebrate with my family. I won the crown last year.
Why did you decide to join today’s competition?
I’ve been doing it for so long now, that it's just hard not to do.
Who inspires you in life and why?
My kids because they inspire me to be a better person.
Do you have a favorite car and if so what is it?
1971 Chevelle
Mikayla Castillo - Contestant #3
Where are you from?
I grew up in Pueblo, CO and I live here in Raton.
When did you first become a pinup girl?
2 weeks ago
What’s your occupation?
Dishwasher and Cook. I sell and make my own jewelry and art, as well!
What’s the inspiration for your look today?
Throwback to middle school
Why did you decide to join today's competition?
To get out of my own element.
Who inspires you in life, and why?
My dad, he is a determined man.
Do you have a favorite classic car and if so what is it?
1980 GMC Sierra Grande
Jayna Saiz - Contestant #4
Where are you from?
Raton, NM
When did you first become a pinup girl?
When I was 20 year old.
What’s your occupation?
Administrative Assistant
What’s the inspiration for your look today?
Marilyn Monroe–I am a very big Marilyn Monroe fan.
What do you plan on doing if you win the crown?
Doing charity and inspiring others.
Why did you decide to join today’s competition?
To inspire other women!
Who inspires you in life and why?
Albert Einstein because he is brilliant.
Do you have a favorite classic car and if so what is it?
Any Mustang
Alex Zufall - Contestant #5
Where are you from?
Washington
When did you first become a pinup Girl?
This year!
What’s your occupation?
I’m a Bartender at Gate City Craft Bar.
What’s the inspiration for your look?
I got my inspiration from the movie “Cry-Baby” with Johnny Depp and Amy Locane.
What do you plan on doing if you win the crown?
Proving that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
Why did you decide to join today’s competition?
I joined today’s competition because I wanted to prove that beauty takes confidence. If I can have it, so can you!
Who inspires you in life, and why?
My sister, because she’s done so good in life and she's someone that I’ve always looked up to.
Do you have a favorite car and if so what is it?
1969 Chevy Panel
TieAnna Lopez - Contestant #6
Where are you from?
Raton, NM
When did you first become a pinup girl?
I got into pinup when I was 15 years old.
What’s your occupation?
I am a law student.
What’s the inspiration for your look today?
New Mexico is my inspiration for today’s look.
What do you plan on doing if you win the crown?
Be a representative of my hometown.
Why did you decide to join today’s competition?
I love the culture of it.
Who inspires you in life and why?
Robin Williams because he made people happy even when he wasn’t.
Do you have a favorite classic car, and if so, what is it?
1952 Hudson Hornet
Clarissa Segura - Contestant #7
Where are you from?
Raton, NM
When did you first become a pinup girl?
It is my first year.
What’s your occupation?
Housekeeper
What’s the inspiration for your look today?
Old style like Rosie the Riveter.
What do you plan on doing if you win the crown?
Inspire other people
Why did you decide to join today’s competition?
To support the Run to Raton event.
Who inspires you most in life and why?
My kids because we have grown together!
Do you have a favorite classic car and if so what is it?
1965 Mustang
Miriah Garcia - Contestant #8
Where are you from?
Pueblo, CO
When did you first become a pinup girl?
2012
What’s your occupation?
I works as a Detention Specialist
What’s the inspiration for your look today?
I decided to go with a dark look so I chose spider webs.
What do you plan on doing if you win the crown?
Hanging out with the rest of the contestants and just having a good time.
Why did you decide to join today’s competition?
I was invited by a friend and thought why not try it out and see how it goes.
Who inspires you in life?
My mom and dad
Do you have a favorite classic car and if so what is it?
1956 Hearse Cadillac
Julia Trujillo Knodle - Contestant #9
Where are you from?
Garden Grove, CA
When did you first become a pinup Girl?
Today!
What’s your occupation?
I’ve been a pet groomer for the last 20 years and I own my own business, Dottie’s Doggie Day Spaw.
What’s the inspiration for your look today?
My love of classic horror movies and horror era.
What do you plan on doing if you win the crown?
I would try not to cry.
Why did you decide to join today’s competition?
To support my friend TieAnna who won a few years ago and to see if I could get up there and do it.
Who inspires you in life and why?
My kids, I will try not to cry, but I want them to have a good life and I want to be better for them!
Do you have a favorite classic car and if so what is it?
1955 Chevy Nomad, I really like the wagon's body style.
Michelle Doebele - Contestant #10
Where are you from?
Shamrock, TX
When did you first become a pinup girl?
Today is my first time!
What’s your occupation?
I rebuild car parts, I am a Rebuild Transmission Specialist.
What’s the inspiration for your look today?
The 50’s era.
Why did you decide to join today's competition?
It’s something new and fun!
Do you have a favorite classic car, and if so, what is it?
1963 Vet
Megan Pacheco - Contest #12
Where are you from?
Raton, NM
When did you first become a pinup girl?
A few weeks ago!
What’s your occupation?
Education Assistant
What’s the inspiration for your look today?
Whatever I could find in my closet.
What do you plan on doing if you win the crown?
Setting a good example.
Why did you decide to join today’s competition?
I made a promise to my friend to join the competition with her since I didn’t get to join the recent competition in Springer, New Mexico.
Who inspires you in life?
My mother and mother-in-law
Do you have a favorite classic car and if so what is it?
Gran Torino
Annie Lovato - Contestant #13
Where are you from?
Chacon, NM
What’s your occupation?
Pharmacist and Wildlife Firefighter/Truck Driver
Why did you decide to join today’s competition?
Be in a pageant
Who inspires you in life?
Queen Elizabeth
Do you have a favorite classic car and if so what is it?
Ford Mustang
Darcy Riley - Contestant #15
Where are you from?
Raton, NM
When did you first become a pinup girl?
Been interested since I was 14.
What’s your occupation?
Home Worker
What is the inspiration for your look today?
My grandmother was younger, she had a great style and always dressed really nice.
Beki Laird - Contestant #16
Where are you from?
All over, currently live in Raton, NM
When did you first become a pinup girl?
2005
What’s your occupation?
Database Administrator
What’s the inspiration for your look today?
Sandy from Grease
What do you plan on doing if you win the crown?
Smiling, giggling and congratulating the rest of the winners
Why did you decide to join today’s competition?
Always been behind the scenes and wanted to try it out.
Do you have a favorite classic car and if so what is it?
Anything with a stick shift?
Jaime Primmer - Contestant #17
Where are you from?
Trinidad, CO
When did you first become a pinup girl?
In 2000
What’s your occupation?
Owner of Skateland in Trinidad.
Why did you decide to join today’s competition?
Big fan of Jenny and bikes
Do you have a favorite classic car and if so what is it?
1957 Chevy
Contestants lining up in front of the stage.
To join next year's Miss Run to Raton competition, keep an eye for the details on RunToRaton.com
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