Bang!
It’s almost time for the starting gun to blow for the 41st annual Race Thru the Redwoods.
The annual 10-kilometer race through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Felton is growing as the online registration service organizers use reaches more and more people throughout the Bay Area.
“Last year we had almost 500 in the 10K,” race organizer Gary Hafley said. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see 100 more than that.”
The Web site www.active.com handles the online registration for the race and sends out reminder e-mails to participants of other road races in the Bay Area, Hafley said.
“We’re getting a lot more people from over the hill (in the surrounding Bay Area) than ever before,” Hafley said.
There is no cap on registration, but that might change next year if parking and the trails in the park become too crowded during this year’s race.
“I’m going to take a hard look at this year’s event,” Hafley said. “To make it enjoyable for everyone, I might have to put a limit on it.
“I won’t be able to (cap it) this year, because you have the walk-up registration. You get at least 30 to 40 percent of registrants on race day.”
The course is the same as it’s been since 2005, including a 300-foot climb that leaves racers huffing and puffing midway through the course.
Medals are awarded to the top three runners in age categories split up by five-year increments ,and racers enjoy a pancake breakfast in Felton Covered Bridge Park hosted by the Felton fire team.
Hafley is also offering two types of T-shirts, a stonewashed green and stonewashed blue, which runners can choose from at the finish line.
Plus, free race-day admission to Henry Cowell is an added bonus for families who want to spend the day in the park.
“The park and course is beautiful,” Hafley said.
At a glance
WHAT: Race Thru the Redwoods
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 16: 8:10 a.m. kids mile, 8:30 a.m. 10-kilometer race
WHERE: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, main picnic area
COST: $20 pre-race, $25 race-day, $10 for kids 1-mile fun run
INFO: www.racethrutheredwoods.com
