News Release

5th Annual Fun Run

Redwood Parks Conservancy

News Release Date: July 25, 2018

Contact: Debi White, [phone]

Join us for the fifth annual “Run in the Redwoods” 5k Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, Sept.15 at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

Early registration is now open at Redwood Parks Conservancy.

Deadline is Sept. 4 to guarantee an event shirt. Registration at the event on Sept. 15 starts at 8:30 a.m. The run/walk begins at 10 a.m. and is limited to the first 200 participants.
 
Each year the fun run celebrates our redwood parks and public lands and raises funds for educational and stewardship programs that connect individuals and families to our ancient old-growth forests. This year we will commemorate the 50^th anniversary of Redwood National Park, established in 1968.
 
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway will be closed to all vehicle traffic on race-day,Sept. 15, creating a wonderful opportunity for runners, walkers and cyclists. (You do not have to participate in the race to take advantage of the vehicle-free road.) The parkway winds through the heart of old-growth redwoods in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park unit of Redwood National & State Parks and is located off U.S. Hwy. 101 six miles north of Orick, Calif., or four miles south of Klamath, Calif.
 
The parkway is ten miles long. On the day of the run, Sept. 15, access will only be from the south gate.  Visitors should park vehicles south of the closure and park only in designated spaces parallel to the roadway and adjacent to Elk Prairie. Please do not block the gate or park in lots reserved for visitor center or backcountry use.
 
The parkway closure to vehicle traffic offers the public a chance to safely explore the beauty of the redwoods on foot or bike without worry of competing traffic. Redwood National and State Parks staff hope that families will take advantage of the closure and bring their children out for a walk or bike ride. Dozens of studies from around the world show regular time outdoors produces significant improvements in creativity, physical health, and mental, psychological and emotional wellbeing. Most importantly, it is just plain fun for all ages!
 
For more information about the Prairie Creek “Run in the Redwoods” 5k Fun Run/Walk, contact Redwood Parks Conservancy at 707-464-9150. For maps and suggestions for exploring your parks stop by any of Redwood National and State Parks visitor centers or visit www.nps.gov/redw.