Wharf to Wharf Race
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Wharf to Wharf Race
The Wharf to Wharf Race is a road event held along the Santa Cruz coastline. The main course is six miles long and runs on local seaside streets with gently rolling hills and frequent ocean views. The course is closed to vehicular traffic during the event; skateboards, bikes, wagons, wheelbarrows, roller skates or blades, strollers and pets are not allowed. Participants must maintain a minimum pace to remain on the course.
The course starts on Portola Drive between 26th Avenue and 38th Avenue and finishes near Capitola Wharf at the corner of Cliff and Wharf Road. Mile descriptions note a fairly flat first mile on Portola Drive, passage by Twin Lakes Beach and harbor neighborhoods, a segment around the harbor onto Lake Avenue, then several miles of gentle rolling terrain with ocean views, coastline running by The Hook and Pleasure Point, and a final downhill approach into Capitola.
Event logistics include a color coded corral system for the start. Only registered participants with bibs may enter corrals; bibs also serve as shuttle passes. There is no gear check at the start. Parking and shuttle options are organized into drop off, start-area parking, and finish-area parking so participants can choose what best fits their arrival and post-event plans.
Post-race procedures include on-beach giftpak pickup by exchanging the giftpak tag on the bib for a bag and event T shirt; giftpaks are distributed in person only. The event also features a multi-band Road Show along the course and an awards presentation with cash prizes and apparel for top finishers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
