SANTA CRUZ — Runners and walkers will test how quickly they could reach safety during a wildfire as part of a new emergency preparedness event at UC Santa Cruz.
The city of Santa Cruz and university will host the first Race the Flame on Oct. 17. The 2.2-mile run and walk is designed to help residents think about wildfire evacuation routes while learning how to prepare their households for a disaster.
The race will begin at 8 a.m. at UCSC’s East Upper Field, 1156 High St. Walkers will start at 8:05 a.m.
Participants will follow a route down Coolidge Drive and finish near the Bay Tree Campus Bookstore and High Street.
“Preparedness starts long before a disaster occurs. Race the Flame is an opportunity for our community to learn, prepare, and build resilience that can make all the difference when every second counts,” Santa Cruz Fire Chief Rob Oatey said.
The event follows last year’s Race the Wave, which received a CAPIO Award for Excellence. This year’s event shifts the focus to wildfires and asks participants to consider how long it would take them to leave a threatened area and whether they would know which direction to travel.
An emergency preparedness fair will be held at the finish line. Community organizations will offer information about wildfire safety, emergency planning and the supplies households should have during the first 72 hours after a disaster.
Participants will receive safety information, refreshments and a commemorative T-shirt while supplies last. Everyone will receive a race bib with a timing chip, although people do not have to compete for time.
Registration is $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and younger. Online registration closes Oct. 15.
Parking will be available at the East Remote Parking Lot on Hagar Drive. Shuttle buses will take participants from the finish line back to the parking area. Dogs are not allowed because of UC Santa Cruz campus rules.
Net proceeds will benefit Friends of Parks and Recreation Santa Cruz, a nonprofit organization that supports city parks, recreation programs and facilities through fundraising and community involvement.
•••
For info or to register, visit santacruzca.gov/RaceTheFlame.