Runners from all over the Bay Area will head toward Felton next weekend for the 42nd annual Race Thru the Redwoods.
A year after fewer runners than expected braved the smoke that drifted down from the July 2009 Lockheed Fire in Bonny Doon, race organizer Gary Hafley said he expects close to 700 participants this year.
A total of 459 racers crossed the finish line a year ago.
“The race is growing and has a good reputation,” Hafley said. “I’m sure after this year we’re going to have to cap the number of runners.”
Although the trail has not yet been filled to capacity, Hafley said parking is becoming more difficult.
“We’ve packed every nook and cranny in the park to get all the cars in,” he said.
The use of racing website Active.com has encouraged more people to sign up in advance online, Hafley said. With a week remaining, 400 people had paid their racing fees, and at least 200 are expected to register the day of the race. Online registration will remain open until the end of the day Wednesday, Aug. 11.
Hafley said the race is popular among not only locals, but also folks from other places around the country, thanks to an affordable price that includes a T-shirt, breakfast and a raffle ticket. Last year’s overall winner, Dominic Grillo, was from New Jersey.
The race starts and ends in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Felton.
The course is the same as it has been since 2005, including a 300-foot climb that leaves racers huffing and puffing midway through the 10-kilometer course.
Medals are awarded to the top three runners in age categories split up by five-year increments, and racers cap the run with a pancake breakfast, this year hosted by the Felton fire team at the Felton Fire Protection District, 131 Kirby St., in Felton.
Registration the day of the race begins at 7 a.m. at the state park, and the 10K race kicks off at 8:30 a.m., following the children’s mile at 8:10 a.m.
Hafley said new sponsors have signed on this year, including Scotts Valley Cyclesport, which will give away a Specialized Hardrock children’s mountain bike as a raffle prize; Oak Tree Ristorante, which donated dinner certificates; and Running Revolution in Santa Cruz, which gave eight pairs of Brooks running shoes.
