Polly F.  8/12/10

This was a fantastic way to start my Tuesday! The race was definitely challenging from running on the beach to navigating through the kelp beds, but it was well worth getting up at 4:45am. It is such a great low key event, I wish they would put it on more than once a year. The swims had plenty of lifequards to help you navigate the waters, and the food at the finish line was amazing. I absolutely recommend this race to anyone, especially those who live in the area and can get in a great workout before heading to work.

    Marie S.  3/10/09

The Core RSRSRSRS or whatever they call it these days is the most unique race that I have ever participated in. The racing group mainly consists of really fast surfer kids from Santa Cruz, the kids' family members, and local triathletes desperate to show up the county youth - its so true. Let the teenager win for God's sake.

Ok, back to the race. you start at the Santa Cruz Wharf at super low tide. It is important to note that the date changes every year to coincide with the lowest tide possible. Sometimes the race is at 6am on a Monday, sometimes on a Thursday. It is seriously the best way ever to start a work day. you take off in two groups, boys first, then the ladies and run down the main beach in front of the Boardwalk, swim around the rock to Seabright Beach, run down that beach, then back in the water to swim past the harbor mouth (ewww) to run along Twim Lake beach, then back in the water to do a longer swim past Sunny Cove beach towards Pleasure Point area, there are lots more runs and swims until you end up at Capitola Pier. You used to swim/run the whole way on the beach but I think the last 1/2 mile or so is on the main road because they had someone hurt themselves on the beach. Or at least that is what I heard.

At the end you get a tasty pancake breakfast, the take a big group photo, then all the kids go off to Junior Guards and the big Kids (me) take a cold shower on the beach, get dressed and go to work. Living in Santa Cruz is too cool sometimes.

    Austin B.  3/9/09

I loved this race! I was a little skeptical about the running on the sand part, but once you get tired of running, you take a swim in the ocean, which is my favorite part! At the end you are treated to an awesome breakfast feast and you receive a shirt that has the course outlined on it, and all the famous beaches you swam through! Make sure you're a good swimmer in order to do this race!

    Colleen B.  3/5/09

I loved this race. You start on the beach under the Santa Cruz Wharf and run to the Band Stand at Capitola Beach. Where else can you compete in such a unique setting. But the best part is you run on the sand where you can run and when you reach a land obstacle, you jump in the ocean and swim around it! I had never swam outside the entrance of the Santa Cruz Harbor. Gain a whole different perspective from the water view.It is different every year due to tides and surf conditions. You feel very safe in the water because it is well staffed with experienced surfers and paddleboarders guiding you along. I have done marathons, long distance open water swims, triathlons, races of all types and this one was ranked as one of the BEST! What can top running barefoot on the sand and then jumping into the Ocean. I would recommend this race to anyone who likes a challenge and wants to compete in a unique race and setting. It will be a memory you savor for years. I cannot wait to compete again this year! It was AWESOME!