Race Info

The 37th Annual Race Thru the Redwoods 10-kilometer run shakes up tradition with a new course entirely within Henry Cowell State Park.

In the past few years, the course began and ended on Highway 9 in downtown Felton. The Felton Business Association sponsors the race and hoped that a downtown starting line would bring more business to the area.

However, increased California Highway Patrol and CalTrans fees for the highway closure caused race directors to consider moving all 6.2 miles of the course inside Henry Cowell. According to race director Gary Hafley, a downtown start would have cost about $1,000 in fees.

The new course starts and ends in the main picnic area off Highway 9. It includes almost every trail previously used in the race. The first mile follows roads in the entrance area to spread racers out before they enter the single-track trails.

The course is still pretty similar. The infamous steep hill near the middle of the course remains part of the race, and the uphill to downhill ratio is the same as past years.

The kids’ 1-mile course will change completely, since the old route used to be an up-and-back jaunt down Highway 9. This year, children under 14 years old will race on a loop made entirely of trails. The kids will like this better.

Carlos Siqueiros won the men’s race last year. Ellen Beebe was the women’s winner.

The top three finishers in each men’s and women’s age group will receive a medal. After the race, Felton Fire provides a pancake breakfast, free for runners. Proceeds from the race go to the Felton Business Association, San Lorenzo Valley High’s cross country program, local charities and the Felton California State Parks.