Wharf to Wharf - Santa Cruz to Capitola
Santa Cruz, CA
Official Website : http://www.wharftowharf.com/
Date : July 25, 2010
Race Type : Running
Race Distance : 10K
Race Description: Each year, on the fourth Sunday in July, thousands of runners from across America and around the globe return to Santa Cruz, California for the annual six-mile race to Capitola-by-the-Sea. First run in 1973 by a handful of locals, the Wharf to Wharf Race today enjoys a gourmet reputation in running circles worldwide. Its scenic, seaside setting, perfect weather, and festive beachparty atmosphere make it a favorite of casual joggers and elite athletes alike. Limited to 15,000 runners on a first-come-first-served basis, its field sells out months in advance. Runners are thrilled just to get in!
While most come for sun, fun, and fitness reasons, serious athletes run to test their mettle against the best. The race draws an elite, international field. Runners know that a good showing at Wharf to Wharf is a guaranteed boost to their running career. The roll of past champions numbers several Olympic stars.
Widely acclaimed "The best little roadrace in California", Wharf to Wharf is the biggest summer event of its kind on the West Coast and a boom to the local economy. Industry figures calculate that it brings more than a million dollars annually to Santa Cruz County.
2 Reviews for Wharf to Wharf - Santa Cruz to Capitola
I ran this race in 2007 for the first time. The course goes along the water from the Boardwalk to Capitola. The scenery is georgous. Like the first poster below pointed out, the race sells out very early. I would also recommend hat the race directors let more people in so they make more money! I wanted to run this race in 2008. My husband snuck in at the last minute (he did not drink the water or have the food), and now I wish I would of ran it with him. I felt too guilty at the time though. I have never jumped in a race without registering. I have heard this race called the dubbed down version of the Bay to Breakers. Not crazy, but very packed and lots of runners with decorated shirts. You do not run this race for time as it always takes a while to get out of the huge pack. I would recommend this run to anyone looking to have a great time, with good company and a wonderful beach view. I would like to run this again next year.
Oh no, I am going to admit it in public, the Wharf to Wharf is the only running race I have raced in for free, yes I sneaked in! I am so embarrassed, but can I blame the race directors? They cap the race registration at like 2,000 people and it always sells out really early. I never know if I am going to be in town and have to sign up last minute, only for it to be sold out. I am a cheater 2 times over. But don't worry, I don't eat the snacks, but I did take a glass of water or two...
The Wharf to Wharf is to Santa Cruz racing what Bay to Breakers is to San Francisco. 90% of the racers are just there to walk, enjoy the view, and all the great bands, but 10% are there to haul and get PRs. The first 100 people get finisher sweatshirts which they jealously guard and brag about. You start in front of the Boardwalk, then go up past Seabright, past the harbor, Twin Lakes Beach on Portola, then on East Cliff past Pleasure Point, the hook, then on Opal Cliffs, down into Capitola Village.
The first year I did it I was training for Vineman Ironman and ran from my house in Aptos to the start, then raced back with everyone, then jogged back to my house. Painful! The next year I walked it with 3 girlfriends at the literal back of the pack - the short bus was on our tail - and I ditched a mile short to go to brunch at a friend's house on Opal Cliffs - but that day was much more fun.
If you can get entry definitely do the race. But if you can't get entry.... do it anyways. Hey race directors, let more people in. You will make lots more $$. Or put a donation bucket at the start so we can anonymously pay for our illegal entry, that way I won't feel so dang guilty.
Oh yeah, the bands are fantastic. They put the Rock n' Roll half marathon series to shame.