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Baker to Vegas relay race is teamwork in action

May 2, 2025

The annual Baker to Vegas relay race is about more than crossing a finish line, it’s about teamwork. For CDCR and CCHCS staff volunteers, the run is the culmination of months of planning and training.

Giovani Perezchica, a correctional officer at Wasco State Prison, is one of those who laces up his shoes to hit the pavement.

“When it comes to Baker-to-Vegas, I start getting serious about the beginning of the year in January,” he explained. “I start increasing my runs, doing longer runs. (Also) I start doing more workouts.”

Lt. David Gonzales, the public information officer and administrative assistant at California State Prison, Sacramento, said he also begins training a few months before the race.

“I’ve been running twice a week for about two months (doing) two miles, three miles, four miles,” he explained. “I’m not a runner but I can run. I’m just looking to challenge myself and do well for us.”

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Teamwork is key

Onyaga Dean, a southern district regional administrator for the Division of Adult Parole Operations, said he’s been a runner most of his life.

“I started running in high school (but) I didn’t get into distance running until I was in the Air Force,” Dean said.

As far as the Baker-to-Vegas run goes, each said it’s all about teamwork.

“You’re not only counting on yourself, but your team,” Dean said.

Gonzales said there are about 10 runners from his institution. The high turnout is due to a sergeant who wanted to see more participation.

Perezchica said he was recruited in 2006 while at the academy.

“I am a runner and run throughout the year,” he said, explaining he also takes part in half-marathons and other races.

Gonzales said there is a sense of camaraderie at the race.

“Doing it for my institution motivates me,” Gonzales said. “And doing it for my immediate teammates.”

The California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA) sponsored two CDCR teams: CCPOA Green and CCPOA Gold.

The Gold team came in 21st place with 15 hours, 18 minutes while Green placed 223rd with 20 hours, 46 minutes. In all, 241 teams completed the relay.

Officer Giovani Perezchica and his coach at Baker to Vegas race. — Officer Giovani Perezchica and his coach.

Baker to Vegas relay with Officer Giovani Perezchica. — Officer Giovani Perezchica and his coach.

What is Baker to Vegas?

The run traverses 120 miles of pavement in 20 stages beginning in Baker, Calif., and ending in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Organizers describe the relay as featuring “over 10,000 runners, guests, family members and support staff (through) hot days and cold nights.”

The run begins at 474 feet above sea level and climbs to 5,500 feet by stage 15. It’s the highest point in the race and, as organizers say, it’s not unusual to see snow.

Baker to Vegas in photos

A runner along the road during a relay race in the desert.

>> Learn more about the history of the race on their website.

Video by Richard Tan, TV Specialist
and Christopher Medina, Director, TV Communications Specialist
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Office of Public and Employee Communications

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