With last year’s winners not returning, the 2011 Race Thru the Redwoods title is up for grabs. Because of recent growth related to online registration, however, race-day entries for the popular 10-kilometer race on Aug. 21 may have to be turned away.
For the first time, race organizer Gary Hafley capped total registration in the race. No more than 700 runners will be accepted, to keep the course — which winds through the trails of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park — from simply being too crowded.
As of Wednesday, Aug. 3, the rolls held the names of 600 runners for the 43rd annual race.
“Within the next 10 days, it will be full,” Hafley predicted.
He encourages locals who typically sign up the day of the race to send in their entries early or register instantly at www.active.com.
“I still know we’re going to get an onslaught (on race day),” Hafley said. “It’s good we’re getting these numbers, but there could be some disappointed people who run every year.”
Hafley said that once registration is full, the Active.com site will be closed to entries. He hopes not to have to alert mail-in entries that they are too late.
The race
Kevin Chavez, of Los Altos, the men’s winner in two of the past three years, will not race this year, as he is completing a graduate program with Stanford University in Germany this summer.
Hafley said he has not heard from the 2010 women’s champion, Melissa Rangel of King City.
“The course is the same as the past few years,” Hafley said this week. “I had some volunteers out clipping vines. It’s in the best shape it’s ever been in.”
The ever-popular 1-mile children’s fun run will take place before the race, and a raffle will give away a Specialized Hardrock bicycle donated by Scotts Valley Cyclesport.
Following the race, the Felton Fire District will host a pancake breakfast — free to runners and $8 for others — at the fire house, 131 Kirby St., in Felton.
The San Lorenzo Valley High School cross country team and the Scotts Valley High girls soccer team will help on race day, and John MacDonald from Felton Feed painted the race poster.
Runners will receive a T-shirt or tank top in one of three colors for participating in the race.
At a glance
What: 2011 Race Thru the Redwoods
When: Aug. 21, 2011
Where: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Cost: 10-kilometer race, $25; children’s mile, $15
Register: www.racethrutheredwoods.com
