Race the Flame
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
About the race
Race the Flame is a community run and walk on the University of California, Santa Cruz campus that pairs a short course with an emergency preparedness fair at the finish.
The event offers two participation options:
- 2.5 Miles run
- 2.2 Miles walk
The route begins at the East Field, follows Coolidge Drive, and finishes near the Bay Tree Campus Bookstore and High Street. The finish area hosts an emergency preparedness fair where community-based organizations share information about wildfire response and the recommendation to prepare for 72 hours of personal and household needs.
Each participant receives a bib with a timing chip regardless of category. Competitive runners are asked to select the run option; walkers and strollers will start after competitive runners. Because the event takes place on the UCSC campus, a strict no dogs policy is enforced.
Registration details state adult pricing at $20 and a reduced price of $15 for participants 12 and under. Registration opens August 14, 2026 and closes October 16, 2026. During registration there is an option to opt into Cruz Aware, the local emergency notification service.
Parking is available at the East Remote Parking Lot on Hagar Drive, with shuttle buses running from the finish area to parking areas. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
