Wharf to Wharf Race - Santa Cruz, California - Running

The Wharf to Wharf Race is a Running race in Santa Cruz, California consisting of a 6 Miles.

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 beach party atmosphere make it a favorite of casual joggers and elite athletes alike. Limited to 16,000 runners on a first-come-first-served basis, its field sells out months in advance. Runners are thrilled just to get in!

While many 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 includes a numbers of former Olympians.

Widely acclaimed aThe best little road race in Californiaaiiii¿½i¿½ii¿½i¿½iii¿½i¿½ii¿½i¿½, Wharf to Wharf is the biggest summer event of its kind on the West Coast and a boon to local business, annually infusing more than 8 million dollars into the Santa Cruz County economy. It receives broad print and electronic media attention, is highlighted in all running industry publications as one of the top races in America each year.

The Race is produced and administered by Wharf to Wharf Race Inc., a California nonprofit corporation chartered to promote running as a means to health and fitness. In service of this mission, the Race has, since its inception, contributed more than 5 million dollars to Santa Cruz County youth sports programs in general and the running community in particular.

The scenic six-mile race is run on gently rolling hills in local seaside streets. The weather conditions for race morning are typically perfect: cool, 60 degrees, calm and foggy, but by noon, the skies are clear and warm.

START: The race begins at the corner of Beach & Cliff St, near the Santa Cruz Wharf.

MILE 1: The first mile is flat and picturesque, as you run alongside the iconic Giant Dipper in front of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. At the end of the first mile, you reach the base of the races biggest hill a a fairly steep, yet short hill that overlooks the Pacific Ocean & Boardwalk.

MILE 2-4: The next 3 miles are gently rolling with frequent breezes as you dip in and out of ocean view.

MILE 5: Mile 5 is flat and hugs the coastline by the legendary surf spots, aThe Hooka and aPleasure Point.aiii¿½i¿½ii¿½i¿½

MILE 6: The final mile drifts through local seaside streetsaiii¿½i¿½ii¿½i¿½ once the ocean reappears; it's all downhill to the finish.

FINISH: The Finish Line is at the corner of Cliff & Wharf Rd by the Capitola Wharf.

For your safety, the course is closed to all vehicular traffic, including skateboards, bikes, wagons, wheelbarrows, roller skates/blades and baby jogger/strollers. Pets are prohibited. Mile posts are marked splits will be called at each mile. All participants must maintain a 15-minute-per-mile pace. The race is over and the course re-opened to traffic at 10:30am. You must abandon the course at that time.

THE FINISH

FINISH LINE: The Finish Line is at Wharf Road in Capitola, but don't stop there. Follow the signs to the beach to retrieve your giftpak, refreshments and post-race festivities. On the beach is where you can meet up with your family and friends at the aFRIENDS & FAMILY MEET UP AREA.aiii¿½i¿½ii¿½i¿½