Whistle Punk - The Deuce Half Marathon

Race - Feb 16, 2020

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Experience the beauty of running in Purisima Creek Redwoods. You'll have distant views of Half Moon Bay and the coastline with Montara Mountain and other hilltops and ridge lines of the Santa Cruz Mountain Range.

High up on Skyline Boulevard in the Santa Cruz Mountains between the towns of Woodside and Half Moon Bay, California lies the magnificent Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve that is open year round for trail runners to enjoy. Within the boundaries of this undeveloped and protected parkland you'll find exquisite singletrack that offer sweeping views of the Northern California coastline. This extensive trail system winds through dark, dense strands of first and second growth redwoods and along the peaceful Purisima Creek.

At the height of the lumbering industry and during the Gold Rush, Purisima's overflowing redwood forests were being clearcut to supply the demand for the prized wood. Imagine a time when teams of oxen, lumberjacks, wagons and small cabins crowded the forests. To warn of falling trees, whistle punks would alert these bustling mills with a blaring ring of his steam whistle.

The BayTrailrunners Whistle Punk Half is the first organized trail race ever held in Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP! It is open to all levels of trail runners. While it is mostly non-technical, there are some considerable uphill climbs. Experts can use this race to measure their progress, while first time racers looking for a new challenge will find this to be an excellent starting point to their trail racing adventures.

Redwoods, ferns, wild mushrooms. Hawks, owls, salamanders.