2024 Wharf to Wharf Race – Santa Cruz to Capitola

Race Day Info

START TIME:  8:30am (sharp!)

LOCATION:  The Wharf to Wharf Race starts at the Santa Cruz Wharf (Beach St. & Cliff St.) near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and finishes at the Capitola Wharf (Wharf Rd. & Cliff Dr.) near Capitola Village.

PARKING:  Traffic and parking can be a challenge, so plan on getting to Santa Cruz early.  We recommend being in town by 7:00am. 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.  Free parking is available in Santa Cruz at the Ocean Street Government Center and paid parking is located near River Street Parking Plaza and all throughout Downtown, which is less than 1 mile to the Start Line.  Take advantage of the bus shuttles that run from these two Santa Cruz parking lots to the Start Line of the race beginning at 6:30am.  There is NO shuttle bus service from Capitola to Santa Cruz BEFORE the race.  Here is a map of most of the parking options in Santa Cruz.  Reminder, there is PLENTY of street parking throughout Santa Cruz that is less than 1 mile to the Starting Line, just give yourself time!

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 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 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, “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 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.