Race Day Info
RACE DATE: September 24, 2022
START TIME: 8:00am
Race Details
REGISTRATION: Registration for the 4th Running of the Little Wharf 3-Miler is now closed.
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: Packet pickup will be at REI Santa Cruz on Friday, September 23rd from 11:30am-6:30am.
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.
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 may do so by August 2nd.
- 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.
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 before and after the race! 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: This year, you will be responsible for your own water at the start line and on the course. If you feel you need liquids while participating, please BYOW (bring your own water). Water will 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 Tank provided by ASICS apparel.
WATER AT FINISH LINE: While we will not have a water station on course, we will have water for you 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. Results can be viewed HERE.
Capitola Beach Festival
The 4th 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.
2022 Registration
REGISTRATION
How do I sign up?
Registration will only be available at www.wharftowharf.com.
When do I sign up?:
Registration is now closed.
What is the cost of registration?:
Registration will be sold in blocks at the following prices:
- Block 1: $36 (First 1,000 Participants)
- Block 2: $39 (1,000-2,000 Participants)
- Block 3: $41 (2,001-2,500 Participants)
- Block 4: $44 (2,501-3,000 Participants)
- Block 5: $47 (3,000-3,500 Participants)
- Block 6: $50 (3,501+ Participants)
*Block pricing may switch to set date price increases depending on updated capacity limits.
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 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 should have paid for merchandise shipping. These items 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 at REI Santa Cruz on Friday, September 23rd from 11:30am-6:30am.
What do I get for signing up?
- Finishers Medal
- Beach Tote Bag
- Personalized Bib Number
- Nuun Hydration
- 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 ($35) 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 passed in early September, so your next 2 options are below.
BIB NUMER & PACKET PICKUP:
– Where: REI Santa Cruz (1662 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95065)
– When: Friday, September 23rd from 11:30am-6:30am.
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 were mailed their bib numbers today so you should receive them over the next few days.
- Virtual participants were also send their medal and canvas bags today. Perishable items (water/water bottle, food, nutrition) will not be mailed and is not part of the virtual registration.
- You can run/walk your 3 mile race any time on any day during this extended weekend, Thursday, September 22 – Monday, September 26.
- 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 2022 run.
5. Select the Virtual Little Wharf 2022 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!
UPDATE ON LIGHTED PARADE
From the Beach Festival Community:
“The Capitola Beach Festival Moves Parade to the Beach
Due to health and safety for the creek and all participants, we have moved the Saturday Lighted Nautical Parade to Capitola Beach and have cancelled the Sunday Rowboat races.
Capitola has held water festivals on the Soquel Creek for over 70 years, first with the Begonia Festival’s flowered barges and now with the Beach Festival’s lighted parade. This is the first year that the parade has moved to the beach.
On Wednesday, the City of Capitola advised the Festival organizers that there was a problem with Soquel Creek. The welcomed Sunday rain brought both water and debris to the creek along with a turbulence that dangerously lowered the oxygen levels for the fish. The City’s quick action to release water from the lagoon saved the fish but lowered lower water depth putting the parade in jeopardy. The water levels were slowly returning, but unlikely in time for the Saturday parade.
Quick action by the Festival committee pivoted the parade to the beach for the very first time. Over the years the creek conditions have prevented the parade a handful of times, canceling or moving the parade to the street. Thea Luiten, Parade Chair said “we value our cherished creek environment and have moved the parade to the beach this year out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of all” Mary Beth Cahalen, Festival President said “We can’t control mother nature. This Festival is all about getting families and friends together – whether on the Creek or on the beach. With the festival theme this year of “The Marvel of it All” – it is a marvel that we are pulling this off at all”
Following the Tsunami Band concert in Esplanade Park…..Expect four lighted barges on the Capitola Beach sand in front of the colorfully tiled seawall. The parade begins at dark with each barge individually lit, performing to their selected music and narration. Winners will receive a donation to their favorite local charity. At sunrise on Friday, the barges arrived and decorating begins.
Sadly, with the creek water levels so low, Sunday’s rowboat races will be canceled due to safety.
Floats: Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, the Mid County Senior Center, Jewel Boxers, and Team RN”
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 Prospect St/12th Ave to 17th Ave)
- 7:45AM – 9:00AM: East Cliff Drive (from 17th Ave to 41st 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
