200-mile run to pass through the valley

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A 200-mile run will pass through the San Lorenzo Valley in May as part of The Relay, a massive all-night run held to benefit organ donation through the group Organs R’ Us.
Participants will run from Calistoga in the Napa Valley to the Pacific Ocean over a period of two days. As part of the race, participants may stop in Ben Lomond for some rest and food.
More than 1,200 people will trod through their 3 to 8-mile legs of the race and can choose to take a break at Saint Peter and Saint Paul Orthodox Church in Ben Lomond on May 5 or 6.
Kris Saad of Scotts Valley Jewelers puts on refreshments and a barbeque at the church to revitalize the teams as they set out on their last several legs of the race before finishing in Davenport.
“We put together the barbeque, and the teen group at the church does most of the work,” Saad said. “They use the proceeds for various activities and ministries throughout the year.”
Runners in 12-person teams break up the race into 36 legs that are run portions of 3 to 8-miles. The San Lorenzo Valley legs are 33 and 34.
The course is grueling. The run makes its way into Boulder Creek from Skyline Boulevard with a handoff at Redwood Elementary School. Runners then make their way to the church in Ben Lomond and then along Highway 9, through downtown Felton and to the Felton Quarry. They will travel up Smith Grade to Bonny Doon and then down to the coast on Bonny Doon Road and Highway 1. The relay finishes at Swanton Berry Farm near Davenport.
The runners are afforded no traffic control, road closures or aid stations and will hug tightly to the edges of the roadway as they make their way toward the coast. Team vans will be in slow pursuit carrying needed supplies for the runners.
Many of the runners are raising money for friends or relatives who are in need of a transplant or assistance with existing organ replacements.
For information: www.therelay.com