francisco "kiki" Contreras

March 18, 1937 - December 26, 2011

Francisco “Kiki” Contreras Jr. was born on March 18, 1937, to Luisa and Francisco Contreras in El Paso, Texas. He grew up in the Sunset Heights neighborhood with his brother Guillermo “Memo” and

younger sister Alicia, near Texas Western College (now UTEP). From an early age, Kiki discovered a passion that would define his life—running.

Kiki entered his first race while in the third grade at Vilas Elementary, winning first place and setting the course for a lifelong love of competition. He collected ribbons throughout his school years, which he proudly kept even decades later as reminders of where it all began.

At El Paso High School, Kiki ran under Coach Jack Marcel, excelling in the 880-yard run, the mile, and the mile relay. As a freshman in 1953, he won the 880 at the regional meet with a time of 2:08 and

advanced to the State Track and Field Finals in Austin. In 1954, he set a new regional record in the half mile with a time of 2:03.2. The following year, he again captured the 880 at the El Paso County meet in 2:05.1 and placed sixth in the mile at the state finals. His senior season was cut short by injury, but by then Kiki had already established himself as one of El Paso’s most promising young runners.

Kiki’s high school years were filled with more than just track. He played linebacker for the football team, marched in the band, and served as vice president of his class. He also earned a spot on the 1951 Junior High All-City Football Team. At El Paso High he also met Estella, who would become the love of his life.

Although he was offered a full track scholarship to Texas Western, Kiki chose family responsibilities over college. Still, he never gave up running. Over the following decades he became a familiar sight on

El Paso streets, running five to ten miles daily along his favorite routes—Edgemere, Gateway, around Burges High, Scenic Drive, McKelligon Canyon, and even to the summit of Mt. Franklin. He entered countless races, earning the nickname “El Paso’s Running Machine” from the El Paso Times in 1980.

In the 1970s, Kiki and fellow runners founded the El Paso Half-Fast Track Club, creating opportunities for local runners to train and compete. He dominated his age group in road races across the region, winning the majority of the events he entered.

Kiki’s running was not just about personal glory—it was about sharing his passion. He mentored friends, family, and fellow athletes, generously offering advice on training, endurance, and mindset. His encouragement inspired a new generation, including his son Bobby, who ran for the University of Texas, and nephews Gilbert and Michael, who competed for the University of Arkansas and Texas A&M;, respectively—all earning full scholarships.

Even as the years passed, Kiki’s competitive fire never dimmed. At the El Paso Senior Games, he became the top 1500-meter runner, posting impressive times well into his sixties. He also competed in

the Trans Mountain Challenge 5K at age 70, winning first place in his division. One of his proudest accomplishments came in 1979 when, at age 42, he ran the Boston Marathon in 2:55:19—fulfilling a

lifelong dream.

Over the course of his career, Kiki entered 115 registered races, finishing first in his age group an astounding 102 times. His motto reflected his outlook: “If you are going to do it, do it right!” That

philosophy defined not only his running but his life.

Kiki Contreras ran with passion, humility, and joy until his passing on December 26, 2011. His legacy endures in the countless runners he inspired and in the city that came to know him as its very own

running machine.

A Race of True Grit

Kiki Contreras, El Paso High’s determined runner, showed the kind of grit that made him unforgettable.

At a meet just before the 880 event, his teammates begged him not to run. Kiki had injured his ankle only a week before and was still in pain. Friends, coaches, and even rivals warned him against racing.

But when somebody told him he couldn’t do it, Kiki’s answer was simple: “I’ll run.” So he lined up for the 880-yard race, limping badly at first. As the runners surged forward, Kiki trailed. Then, with his trademark determination, he pushed harder, rounding the track despite the pain and his obvious disadvantage. Spectators and classmates wondered why he was even running—but they knew

the answer: Kiki ran because his school needed him.

And he delivered. Though limping, he finished second—earning critical points for El Paso High. For Kiki, the race wasn’t about personal glory. It was about giving his all for his team, his school, and the pride of wearing the orange and black.

That day, Kiki proved that winners aren’t just those who cross the finish line first, but those who give everything they have for a cause greater than themselves.

Francisco “Kiki” Contreras was inducted into the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame Posthumously in 2012.