Race Day Info
RACE DATE: September 27, 2025
START TIME: 8:00am
Race Details
REGISTRATION: Registration for the 7th Running of the Little Wharf 3-Miler opens on March 26th through the Wharf to Wharf Race registration page.
LOCATION: The Little Wharf Race starts at the East Cliff Village Shopping Center (21511 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95062) and finishes inside Capitola Village in the Capitola Esplanade.
PACKET PICKUP:
– When: Friday, September 26th from 11am-6:30pm
– Where: Fleet Feet Aptos). 7960 Soquel Dr suite i, Aptos, CA 95003
We highly recommend you pick up your race bib on Friday if you did not pay for bib mailing. However, if for some reason you cannot make bib pickup, race day packet pickup will be available at the Start Line, but lines will be long, so plan accordingly.
RECEIVING YOUR EVENT HAT: If you purchased an event hat during or with registration, your hat will be mailed to you during race week. At latest, you should receive your hat by the end of September.
GETTING TO THE START LINE (Parking & Shuttles): Since the East Cliff Village Shopping Center (21511 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95062) will not be available for participants to park on race day due to the build and setup of the start line, there will be very little parking available in and around the Start Line. Therefore, we encourage participants to utilize the complimentary, pre-race shuttles available at the Capitola Mall. They will be running from 6:00am until 7:30am.
START CORRALS: The Little Wharf 3-Miler starting area is separated into self-assigned corrals in order to organize everyone by their run/walk pace, and to prevent congestion. When you arrive, please pick the appropriate pace area for your current ability.
*As stated on our registration page, on our website and in our Race Instructions, Joggers/Strollers and dogs are not permitted and will not be allowed to enter the Start Corral under any circumstance. This is a safety policy.
BIB NUMBERS: DON’T FORGET YOUR BIB NUMBER! Your bib number is your ticket to access all race venues, including your ticket onto the shuttle buses after the race (Before the race you can access the bus without the timing chip)! The timing chip strip on the back will record your official starting-line-to-finish-line race time enabling you to check your results online.
THE COURSE
COURE DETAILS: The net downhill, coastal three-mile race is a great opportunity to run fast and take in the beauty of the Santa Cruz & Capitola coastline. Early Fall presents some of the best weather in the county, so you are likely going to experience beautiful weather out on the course.
START: The race begins East Cliff Village Shopping Center
MILE 1: The first mile is net downhill, but has rolling hills along the ocean, passing by Blacks Beach, Sunny Cove Beach, and Moe’s Beach at the Corcoran Lagoon, before finishing at 26th Beach.
MILE 2: Mile 2 starts with a small hill, but is mostly flat, hugging the coastline on East Cliff Drive at Pleasure Point, home of the legendary surf spots, “The Hook“ and “Pleasure Point.”
MILE 3: The final mile drifts through local seaside streets… once the ocean reappears; it’s a big downhill past the Capitola Wharf and into the Esplanade.
FINISH: The Finish Line is on Capitola Esplanade in the Capitola Village.
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 and splits will be called at each mile. All participants must maintain a 20-minute-per-mile pace.
FIRST AID: Help is always at hand. Emergency medical services are available on course and at the FINISH. Watch for running medics with fanny packs and specially marked tee shirt interspersed throughout the field.
WATER STATION: There will be 1 water station available on course around 1.5 miles into the race. Water will also be available at the finish line.
THE FINISH
FINISH & POST-RACE: The Finish Line is on Capitola Esplanade in the Capitola Village. Race finishers get food, water, finishers medal and Capitola Beach Bag after they finish. The top 30 overall male and female finishers will receive a coveted Top 30 Top provided by ASICS apparel.
WATER AT FINISH LINE: Everyone will get a refillable PATH water bottle at the finish line.
TRANSPORTATION POST-RACE: After the race, free shuttles will run from Wharf Road near Shadowbrook Restaurant back to the Capitola Mall from 9am until 10:45am.
RESULTS & PHOTOS: Complimentary race photos and results will be available online after the conclusion of the event.
TRANSFERRING FROM IN-PERSON TO VIRTUAL: The Little Wharf 3-Miler will be offered as a live event OR virtual.
- If you register for “In-Person Little Wharf,” but would like to transfer to “Virtual Little Wharf,” you had to do so by August 30th.
- However, if you register for “Virtual Little Wharf”, you cannot transfer to “In-Person Little Wharf.”
- If you do transfer to complete your race Little Wharf 3-Miler virtually, you will have to purchase Virtual Race shipping to get your swag.
Capitola Beach Festival
The 6th Running of the Little Wharf 3-Miler will once again be partnering with the Capitola Beach Festival. For 65 years, the Capitola Begonia Festival was a staple in the Santa Cruz County event world, but when the events bloom growing partners ceased operations, the Begonia Festival came to an end as well.
However, the committee reorganized and created the Capitola Beach Festival with many of the same fantastic events, and also decided to partner with Wharf to Wharf Race, Inc.
2025 Registration
REGISTRATION
How do I sign up?
Registration will only be available at www.wharftowharf.com.
When do I sign up?:
Registration is available through the Wharf to Wharf Race Registration page.
What is the cost of registration?:
Registration will be sold in blocks at the following prices:
Block 1: *$42.69 (First 1,000 Participants) SOLD OUT- Block 2: *$47.09 (1,001-1,800 Participants)
- Block 3: *$53.91 (1,801-2,200 Participants)
- Block 4: *$56.99 (2,201-2,600 Participants)
- Block 5: *$59.73 (2,601-3,000 Participants)
*By law, pricing is no longer shown separately from taxes and fees. Prices shown are inclusive of mandatory charges, taxes and fees from registration provider.
MERCHANDISE & EVENT HAT: Please see below on how to get your merchandise or event hat.
- Event Hat (Available by Mail ONLY)
If you registered for the event hat event, your hat will will be mailed ahead of race day in September with complimentary shipping. We will not be handing out hats, nor will we have them available at packet pickup.
- Race Merchandise (Sweatshirt or Shirt)
All participants who purchased a sweatshirt or shirt will be mailed out race week to your registration address. Items will not be available at packet pickup or post-race.
RACE BIB – IN PERSON PACKET PICKUP: If you do not pay to have your bib mailed to you, you can pickup on Friday, September 26th (time and location TBD).
What do I get for signing up?
- Finishers Medal
- Beach Bag
- Bib Number
- Cookie from Pacific Cookie Co.
Will there be a Kids Little Wharf Race?
While we don’t necessarily have a Kids Little Wharf Race, the normal Little Wharf 3-Miler is 100% kid friendly. In fact, annually, we have over 500 children 17 & Under participate at the last Little Wharf 3-Miler.
The 3-mile race, with fully shut down roads, is the perfect introduction race for children who are looking to try out a longer distance. It is also a perfect event for parents/grandparents to run/walk a race with their kids for the first time.
Is the Kid’s swag or registration cost any different?
The swag is the same for both kids and adults for the Little Wharf 3-Miler event. However, once the price goes up, pricing will remain fixed for ages 17 & Under ($37) throughout the duration of registration until sellout.
Packet Pickup Information
BIB MAILING: Little Wharf is like most road races, you have to either pick up your bib number at packet pickup, race morning, or pay an extra fee for the service to get your bib prepped, postage and mailed. The Wharf to Wharf 6-Miler in July is a rare event that ships ALL bibs complimentary as a part of your registration. Little Wharf is not. If you did not pay for bib mailing, we did not mail your bib. The deadline to get your bib number mailed is Thursday September 10th.
BIB NUMER & PACKET PICKUP:
– When: Friday, September 26th from 11am-6:30pm
– Where: Fleet Feet Aptos). 7960 Soquel Dr suite i, Aptos, CA 95003
RACE MORNING BIB PICKUP: We highly recommend you pick up your race bib on Friday if you did not pay for bib mailing. However, if for some reason you cannot make bib pickup, race day packet pickup will be available at the Start Line ONLY, but lines will be long, so plan accordingly.
Virtual Little Wharf Info
Virtual Race Details
- Virtual participants will be mailed their bib numbers before race day.
- Virtual participants will be mailed their medal and canvas bags after race day.
- You can run/walk your 3 mile race any time on any day during the extended weekend, Thursday, September 24 – Monday, September 29.
- You can pick any 3 mile route of your choice, anywhere in the world.
- You can upload your results 3 ways (PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR TRACKING INSTRUCTIONS):
- 1). Automatically via your phone.
- 2). Automatically via your running watch (Garmin, Sunto or iWatch).
- 3). Manually via your Race Roster Dashboard.
- Virtual Participants will have a separate results link and will not be included in the Top 30 placings.
Virtual Tracking Instructions
Since you signed up for Virtual Little Wharf 3-Miler, you should have already received a confirmation email from signing up. Below, please follow one of the 3 sets of instructions for completing your event and getting your results posted:
MANUAL ENTRY (NO phone/watch/GPS device)
1. You do not need to download the ASICS Runkeeper™ app. Simply follow the instructions here to post your results manually after you finish your 3 mile race.
AUTOMATIC PARTICIPATION WITH GPS DEVICE (Garmin, Fitbit, Apple Watch)*
1. You do not need to download the ASICS Runkeeper™ app. Simply read these instructions before your 3 mile race and follow the steps to post your results with your device.
*Suunto, Coros & Polar not compatible with Virtual Race*
AUTOMATIC TRACKING DIRECTLY with ASICS Runkeeper™ app. (Participant Instructions Click Here)
1. Your confirmation email from when you signed up prompted you to download the ASICS Runkeeper™ app. If you cannot find the email, simply download the ASICS Runkeeper™ app anyway.
2. When you’re ready to run one of your 3 miles, on your mobile device, go to your participant dashboard and click the Connect to my app button. You can also click your registration link from your mobile device in the initial email you have received.
3. After clicking the Connect to my app button on your dashboard or the link you received via email, you will be directed to the ASICS Runkeeper™ app. You will want to confirm your name to continue the process.
4. From there you will want to click the explore button and click the 3 mile Virtual Little Wharf 2023 run.
5. Select the Virtual Little Wharf 2023 3 mile run.
6. After you selected your run, you will be asked if you are ready to start your activity. When you’re ready to run click track race now.
7. Once you have finished running click stop and save. Your results will be automatically posted to the Virtual Little Wharf 3-Miler leaderboard.
Capitola Beach Festival
In continuing tradition with last year, the Little Wharf 3-Miler will kick off the Capitola Beach Festival on Saturday morning. Come on out and experience the entire weekend and support the community! Below are the 2024 schedule of events:
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Little Wharf 3 MILER Fun Run 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
The Wharf to Wharf Race Committee presents a 3 Mile fun run beginning at 8 a.m. in the East Cliff Shopping Center located on East Cliff Drive near 16th Avenue. The course will follow East Cliff Drive to 41st Avenue, onto Opal Cliff Drive to Cliff Drive, and then down Cliff Drive across the Stockton Avenue Bridge, onto Esplanade, with the run concluding near San Jose Avenue. Must preregister here. Shuttles available. Sponsored by Wharf to Wharf
Sand Sculpture Contest 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Awards at 2:30 PM
Registration on Capitola Beach at 10:00 AM day of event. Trophy judging begins before 2:00 PM. Sponsored by Capitola Self Storage
Cornhole on the Beach 11:00 AM – Finish
Toss a few and maybe join the competition. Sponsored by Safe at Home
Children’s Art 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Sign up at Esplanade Park. Children pre-school age and above are welcome to create their own masterpiece in Esplanade Park for all to enjoy! Everything provided. Sponsored by TBD
Scavenger Hunt 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Pick up your Scavenger Hunt Map in Esplanade Park and find each item as you enjoy your day in the village. Participation prizes awarded when map is returned completed.
Music at the Beach 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Enjoy music and dancing in Esplanade Park. Sponsored by Britannia Arms
Lighted Nautical Parade on Soquel Creek Approximately 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Enjoy a parade of lighted barges as they travel down the river to the Lagoon. Float builders who wish to light up a barge must preregister with Parade Chair at (831) 428-9875 or capitolabeachfestival@gmail.com. All float builders must sign liability waiver to participate. Those under 18 must have a parent signature. There will be no access to the trestle during the Lighted Parade. Sponsored by Sutter Health
Sunday, September 29, 2024
Fishing Derby 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Hope to see you in 2024 after the Wharf repairs!
Registration begins at 7:00 AM near the end of the Capitola Wharf. Bring your own fishing poles. Open to all ages. Final tally begins at 11 AM. Sponsored by Capitola Boat and Bait
Paddleboard 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Pre-Meeting 7:30 AM
Capitola Main BeachWest-end. Open-class (any length board) prone and SUP race. Two-mile out and back course. Prone Paddleboard Sprints 150 yards, one buoy turn and back to the beach. Registration: www.eventbrite.com. All participants must sign liability waiver form. Those under 18 must have a parent signature. Sponsored by The Skylight Place, Capitola Tap House, and Capitola Beach Co.
Ukeleles at the Beach 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Enjoy the music and fun in front of the stage in Esplanade Park.
Horseshoes on the Sand 10:00 AM – Finish
Doubles tournament at Capitola Beach in front of Zelda’s Restaurant. Teams will be chosen by drawing names from a hat. Participants must pre-register with Debbie at (831)419-6399 or debbiedash64@gmail.com. Check-in time 9:00 – 10:00 am. All participants must sign liability waiver form. Those under 18 must have a parent signature. Sponsored by Zeldas
Chalk Art on the Seawall 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sign up at Esplanade Park. Children pre-school age and above are welcome to create their own masterpiece atop the seawall on the Esplanade for all to enjoy! Art chalk provided. Sponsored by Bay Federal Credit Union
Rowboat Races 1:00 PM – Finish
Registration at the pathway by the Stockton Bridge from NOON until 1:00 PM. Timed heats on Soquel Creek with two people per boat – We supply the boats! All participants must sign liability waiver form. Those under 18 must have a parent signature. Sponsored by the Craft Gallery
THE COURSE
COURE DETAILS: The net downhill, coastal three-mile race is a great opportunity to run fast and take in the beauty of the Santa Cruz & Capitola coastline. Early Fall presents some of the best weather in the county, so you are likely going to experience beautiful weather out on the course.
START: The race begins East Cliff Village Shopping Center
MILE 1: The first mile is net downhill, but has rolling hills along the ocean, passing by Blacks Beach, Sunny Cove Beach, and Moe’s Beach at the Corcoran Lagoon, before finishing at 26th Beach.
MILE 2: Mile 2 starts with a small hill, but is mostly flat, hugging the coastline on East Cliff Drive at Pleasure Point, home of the legendary surf spots, “The Hook“ and “Pleasure Point.”
MILE 3: The final mile drifts through local seaside streets… once the ocean reappears; it’s a big downhill past the Capitola Wharf and into the Esplanade.
FINISH: The Finish Line is on Capitola Esplanade in the Capitola Village.
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 and splits will be called at each mile. All participants must maintain a 20-minute-per-mile pace.
WATER & FIRST AID: Help is always at hand. Emergency medical services are available on course and at the FINISH. Watch for running medics with fanny packs and specially marked tee shirt interspersed throughout the field. There will not be any water stations on course, so please BYOW (bring your own water) if you feel you may need it.
PARKING & TRANSPORTATION
BEFORE THE RACE – GETTING TO THE START LINE
Where to park and how to get to the start of the race:
(Parking & Shuttles): Since the East Cliff Village Shopping Center will NOT be available for participants to park on race day due to the build and setup of the start line, there will be very little parking available around the Start Line. Therefore, we encourage participants to utilize the complimentary, pre-race shuttles available at the Capitola Mall. They will be running from 6:00am until 7:30am. Below is a map of where to pick up the shuttle.
AFTER THE RACE – GETTING BACK TO MY CAR
After the race, you can either make the short walk from the Capitola Village back to your vehicle at the Capitola Mall, or you can take the free shuttles will run from Wharf Road near Shadowbrook Restaurant back to the Capitola Mall from 9am until 10:45am.
Road Closures
The Little Wharf 3-Miler starts at the East Cliff Village Shopping Center at 8:00am and finishes in the Capitola Village.
The following streets will be closed:
- 7:45AM – 8:30AM: East Cliff Drive (from 16th Ave to 17th Ave)
- 8:00AM – 9:00AM: Opal Cliff Drive (from 41stAve to Cliff Dr)
- 8:00AM – 10:30AM: Cliff Drive (from Opal Cliff Dr to Capitola Ave)
- 8:00AM – 10:30AM: Wharf Road & Stockton Avenue
- 8:00AM – 11:30AM: Capitola Esplanade & San Jose Avenue
