2025 Wharf to Wharf Race – Santa Cruz to Capitola
Race Day Info
START TIME: 8:00am (sharp!)
LOCATION: The Wharf to Wharf Race starts on Portola Drive near 30th Avenue and finishes at the Capitola Wharf (Wharf Rd. & Cliff Dr.) in Capitola Village.
PARKING: Traffic and parking can be a challenge, so plan on getting to Santa Cruz early. We recommend being in town between 6am and 6:30am. There is extremely limited street parking near the start line and many nearby roads are closed for the race. DO NOT PARK ON STREETS THAT ARE POSTED NO PARKING. Parking is available in and around the start line.
Many veteran runners carpool and/or park in Capitola. Please Note: The Capitola Village is closed to ALL traffic from 5am to 12 noon.
THE COURSE
COURE DETAILS: 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 on Portola Dr. between 26th Ave. and 38th Ave.
MILE 1: The first mile is fairly flat and fast on Portola Dr. through the East Side of Santa Cruz.
MILE 2: The second mile winds past Twin Lakes Beach and through the Harbor neighborhoods off 7th Ave.
MILE 3: The third mile wraps around the Harbor onto Lake Ave. and makes its way back onto the traditional part of the Wharf to Wharf course along the ocean.
MILE 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, “The Hook“ and “Pleasure Point.”
MILE 6: The final mile drifts through local seaside streets… 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 17-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 “FRIENDS & FAMILY MEET UP AREA.”