Race Day Info
START TIME: 8:30am (sharp!)
REGISTRATION:. Registration for the Wharf to Wharf Race will open in late March. There will be 3 registration windows:
- March 26th: Loyalty Registration: Opens on March 26th at 7am Pacific. Eligible participants will be sent a code and given until March 31st at 5pm to register at their leisure. Loyalty eligibility and details below.
- April 1st: Locals Registration: Registration for the Locals Window opens for 15 hours from 7am until 10pm. Santa Cruz County residents only.
- April 2nd: General Registration: The final bibs are available during the General Registration Window. These entries are first come, first served.
REFUND POLICY: All entry fees are non-refundable, including if the race is modified or cancelled for any reason, including without limitation, natural disasters, catastrophes, pandemics, or any act of god or force majeure.
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.
START CORRALS: The Wharf to Wharf Race starting area is fenced off and separated into corrals. The intention of Start Corrals is to organize everyone by their run/walk pace, and to prevent unregistered runners from entering the start area and running the race. Remember…the Wharf to Wharf Race is a fundraiser for the youth of Santa Cruz County and forbids people from participating in the event without registering. We politely ask everyone to respect this policy.
All bib numbers will be color coded with corresponding corral numbers that will designate your starting position. Take a look at your bib’s background color and corral number (corral number is located on the lower corners of your bib in small boxes, underneath your actual racing number). Note: Elite Corrals will have white background and red numbers. All other bib numbers will have a white background and a coral-corresponding color number.
Adult volunteers will be at every corral checkpoint to direct participants into their appropriate area, and to ensure no one enters the wrong corral. We will have staff, volunteers, and signage throughout the entire start area to provide direction and assistance to those who have questions regarding our Start Corrals.
***ONLY registered participants with 2025 bib numbers will be allowed to enter the Start Corral. Under NO circumstance will anyone be allowed into the Starting Corral without a bib number.
– Corral E is our Elite Corral. This is for bibs with red numbers and a white background. It can be accessed at Cliff St. & Beach St.
– Corral #1 is the next corral in line and can be accessed at 1st St & Westbrook St.
– Corral #2 follows Corral 1 and can also be accessed at 1st St & Westbrook St.
– Corral #3 is towards the back of the Start Corral and can be accessed at 1st St & Main St.
– Corral #4 is the last corral and can be accessed at 1st St & Main St.
– All Corrals can be accessed by entering the back of the Start Corral at the Santa Cruz Wharf near the WTW HDQTRS by utilizing the sidewalks.
***Corral Rule #1: The first rule of a Corral System and the only rule of a Corral System… Anyone can move BACK corrals… but no one can move UP corrals. For example: If you are in Corral #1, you can freely move back to Corral #3 to join a friend or family member. However, if you are in Corral #3, you cannot move up to Corral #1 to join a friend or family member.
*As stated on our registration page, on our website and in our Race Instructions, Joggers/Strollers are not permitted and will not be allowed to enter Start Corral under any circumstance. This is a safety policy.
Members of the Wharf to Wharf Racing Team, along with Maps and Directories of the Start Layout will be located at each Corral Entrance.
Restroom Locations: The map below shows the locations of all restrooms around the Starting Area.
Bib Numbers: DON’T FORGET YOUR BIB NUMBER! Remember, Wharf to Wharf is an exclusive, limited-entry event. 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 its flipside will record your official starting-line-to-finish-line race time enabling you to check your results online against that of the elites, your friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers, boss, etc… Also, the chip strip is fragile. Treat it with care. Do not remove, fold, bend or crinkle.
Gear Check: Unfortunately, there is no gear check at the starting line.
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 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.”
POST-RACE: All race finishers earn a giftpak loaded with goodies, featuring the coveted Wharf to Wharf Runner T-shirt. Pick up your giftpak on Capitola Beach after the race by exchanging the giftpak tag attached to your bib number for your giftpak. For correct T-shirt size, be sure to pick up your giftpak at the depot marked WOMENS S-M-L-XL-XXL or MENS S-M-L-XL-XXL according to your desired size. Giftpaks must be picked up in person at the beach on race day. No giftpaks will be mailed. Sorry, but no giftpak tag, no giftpak.
On race day, go to RACE HDQTRS at the big RACE HDQTRS banner at the Santa Cruz Wharf or check with the TROUBLESHOOTER on Capitola Beach.
TRANSPORTATION: After the race, free shuttles will run from Capitola back to Santa Cruz until 12pm noon. Buses will only be dropping off at the Government Center Building. The lot is a short walk back to Front St (0.5 miles) or the Start Line (1.0 miles).
AWARDS: The awards ceremony will be held at 10:20am at the Capitola Beach Bandstand. Race winners will be awarded The Mayor’s Cup and $4,000 cash prizes. Silver medalists win $3,000; Bronze medalists $2,000; 4th place finishers $1,000; top American M/F finishers $1,000. Local and wheelchair champs receive distinctive plaques. Top 100 M/F finishers will be awarded elite Wharf to Wharf apparel.
THE GOLD NUMBER! Each year, one hundred finalists are randomly drawn from the sold out field of 16,000. Check your bib number. If it is gold, you are one of these lucky finalists! The winning number will be drawn at the conclusion of the awards ceremony. The prize is a trip for two at a location TBD.
RESULTS & PHOTOS: Photos and Results will be available online after the conclusion of the event.
Registration
REFUND POLICY: All entry fees are non-refundable, including if the race is modified or cancelled for any reason, including without limitation, natural disasters, catastrophes, pandemics, or any act of god or force majeure.
The registration fee for Wharf to Wharf is $53.
The race will be limited to 16,000 in-person registrants.
Registration details are as follows:
- Loyalty Registration:
- Loyalty Registration opened on Wednesday, March 26th
- If eligible, participants will be sent a unique promo code and are able to register at their leisure until March 31st at 5:00pm PST.
- Only eligible to apply if you are sent a code (a code is required to access registration page).
- 2025 Loyalty Eligible if you fall under any 1 of 2 following qualifications:
- Registered in 6 of the past 10 live races (2013 – 2019, 2022-2024).
- Registered for the 2024 Little Wharf 3-Miler.
- ***FUTURE LOYALTY REGISTRATION QUESTIONS ANSWERED BELOW***
- CHECK YOUR LOYALTY STATUS HERE on March 18th
- Don’t See Your Name But Believe You Are Eligible?: If you do not see your name in the Loyalty Status Verification Link when it comes out on March 20th, you can fill out a dispute form by clicking on the orange button on the right hand side of the page that says “DISPUTE FORM.”
- The Dispute Form closed on Thursday, March 23rd at 11:59pm. Those who fill out the dispute form will be notified on March 24th on our decision.
- Locals Registration:
- Opens on Tuesday, April 1st at 7:00am PST.
- Registration for the Locals Window will open for 15 hours from 7am until 10am.
- Only eligible to apply if you are a Santa Cruz County resident whom also possesses a credit card with a Santa Cruz County billing zip code.
- General Registration
- Opens on Wednesday, April 2nd at 7:00am PST.
- The final bibs will be available to all applicants on a first come, first served basis.
TRANSFERRING FROM IN-PERSON TO VIRTUAL: The Wharf to Wharf Race will be offered as a live event OR virtual.
- If you register for Wharf to Wharf, but would like to transfer to Virtual Wharf to Wharf, you may do so by June 1st.
- However, if you register for Virtual Little Wharf, you cannot transfer to In-Person Wharf to Wharf.
- If you do transfer to complete your Wharf to Wharf Race virtually, you will have to purchase Virtual Race shipping to get your swag.
How do I earn Loyalty eligibility next year or in the future?
- Loyalty Status moving forward will always be based on 6 of the past 10 live Wharf to Wharf Races. This includes those that choose to register virtually when in-person is an option. Virtual events in 2020 and 2021 do not count towards accrued loyalty years.
- So for the 2026 WTW, you will have to have registered in at least 6 of the races between 2014-2019 & 2022-2025.
- Participants who registered for the previous years Little Wharf 3-Miler. So for example, last years (2024) Little Wharf 3-Miler registrants will have 2025 WTW loyalty status.
REFUND POLICY: All entry fees are non-refundable, including if the race is modified or cancelled for any reason, including without limitation, natural disasters, catastrophes, pandemics, or any act of god or force majeure.
Registration will only be available online at www.wharftowharf.com
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 and go through our first two water stations. The first water station will be right around Mile 2.5 and the second one will be just before Mile 4.
MILE 5: Mile 5 is flat and hugs the coastline by the legendary surf spots, “The Hook“ and “Pleasure Point” and is the location of our third and final water station.
MILE 6: The final mile drifts through local seaside streets… once the ocean reappears; it’s all downhill to the finish.
Road Closure Information:
CLOSURE TIME STREET
3AM – 10:30AM Beach St from Front St to Third St
3AM – 10:30AM First St
3AM – 10:30AM Main St from Beach St to First St
3AM – 10:30AM Westbrook St from Beach St to First St
3AM – 10:30AM Cliff St from Third St to Beach St
3AM – 10:30AM Third St from Beach St to Riverside Ave
7:30AM – 10:30AM Riverside Ave from San Lorenzo Blvd to Beach St
7:30AM – 10:30AM San Lorenzo Blvd from Riverside Ave to Ocean St
7:30Am – 10:30AM East Cliff Drive from Ocean St to Seabright Ave
7:30Am – 10:30AM Seabright Ave from E. Cliff Dr to Murray St
7:30Am – 10:30AM Murray St from Seabright Ave to Lake Ave
7:30Am – 10:30AM Lake Ave from Murray St to 5th Ave
7:30Am – 10:30AM E. Cliff Dr from 5th Ave to Opal Cliff Dr
7:30Am – 10:30AM 5th Ave from Lake Ave to 41st Ave
7:30Am – 10:30AM 41st Ave from E. Cliff Dr to Opal Cliff Dr
7:30Am – 10:30AM Opal Cliff Dr from 41st Ave to Portola Dr
4AM – 12PM Cliff Dr from Portola Dr to Wharf Rd
4AM – 12PM Stockton Ave from Wharf Rd to Capitola Ave
4AM – 12PM Wharf Rd from Capitola Rd to Cliff Dr
4AM – 12PM Capitola Ave from Bay St to Monterey Ave
4AM – 12PM Monterey Ave from Park Ave to Capitola Ave
4AM – 12PM San Jose Rd from Capitola Ave to Esplanade
4AM – 12PM Esplanade from Stockton Ave to Monterey Ave
The Road Show
The Road Show is Wharf to Wharf’s own music festival, a 6-mile stretch of 50+ bands! We hope you enjoy the fun!A huge thanks to Zelda’s On The Beach in Capitola & Ideal Bar & Grill in Santa Cruz. These class Santa Cruz County restaurants have been sponsoring The Road Show for 16 years in a row!
Results
OFFICIAL RESULTS FOR THE TOP 100 ARE BASED ON GUN TIME FOR THE IN-PERSON EVENT. THIS MEANS THAT TOP 100 RESULTS FOR MEN AND WOMEN WILL BE BASED ON THE FIRST 100 TO CROSS THE FINISH LINE REGARDLESS OF WHAT WAVE EACH PERSON STARTED IN.
***Any timing questions can be answered by emailing info@svetiming.com
Past Results
2019 WHARF TO WHARF RACE RESULTS
2019 Wharf to Wharf OFFICIAL Results
OFFICIAL 2019 TOP 100 FEMALE RESULTS
OFFICIAL 2019 TOP 100 MALE RESULTS
2018 WHARF TO WHARF RACE RESULTS
2018 OVERALL Results
2018 OFFICIAL Top 100 Women
2018 OFFICIAL Top 100 Men
2017 WHARF TO WHARF RACE RESULTS
2017 OFFICIAL Top 100 Women
2017 OFFICIAL Top 100 Men
2016 WHARF TO WHARF RACE RESULTS
2016 OFFICIAL Top 100 Women
2016 OFFICIAL Top 100 Men
2015 WHARF TO WHARF RACE RESULTS
2015 OFFICIAL Top 100 Women
2015 OFFICIAL Top 100 Men
2014 WHARF TO WHARF RACE RESULTS
2014 OFFICIAL Top 100 Women
2014 OFFICIAL Top 100 Men
2013 WHARF TO WHARF RACE RESULTS
2013 OFFICIAL Top 100 Women
2013 OFFICIAL Top 100 Men
RECORDS
Click here to view all records.
Race Photos
52nd Annual Wharf to Wharf Race photos provided by Marathon Foto:
Official 2024 Wharf to Wharf Poster
“Ode to the Capitola Wharf” by Tori Schweyer
PURCHASE POSTER HERE
This year, $1 of every sale will be donated to the Beautification of the Capitola Wharf.
When considering the making this year’s poster, an homage to the Capitola Wharf, Tori Schweyer was the first to come to mind.
She “got” the concept of the split screen and executed it with such a happy feeling! The runners are crossing the finish line, the wharf is rebuilt above, & the marine life, (including 841 & her pup) are frolicking in the water below!
It depicts the end of our fun, local race from a rare viewpoint.
Tori’s original 14 3/8 x 21 5/8 watercolor will be at the gallery for viewing, as well as at our booth at the race’s end.
The poster is available at York Framing Gallery in Santa Cruz, or online at York Framing Gallery.
About the Artist
Tori Schweyer, a Santa Cruz native, has been creating art for as long as she can remember. She earned her BFA in Illustration at School of Visual Arts in NYC in 2013, where she discovered a passion for children’s book illustration. Recently, Tori illustrated the book Moments in Nature From Around the World, written by local author Brenda Dodson, (available on Amazon).
Tori’s love for the natural world shines through her spirited, narrative illustrations, which often feature a collection of delightful creatures. She has always been most interested in drawing complex, detailed scenes and has developed a style that marries her love of drawing with the vibrancy of paint.
2023, 2022 and 2019 Poster
Historical Posters – 2018 and Earlier
Virtual Wharf to Wharf Info
Virtual Race Details
- Virtual participants will be mailed their bib numbers before race day.
- Virtual participants will be mailed their shirt and bag after race day.
- You can run/walk your 6 mile race any time on any day during the week of Monday, July 21 – Sunday, July 27.
- You can pick any 6 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 100 placings.
Virtual Tracking Instructions
Since you signed up for Virtual Wharf to Wharf Race, 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 6 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 6 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 6 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 6 mile Virtual Wharf to Wharf 2025 run.
5. Select the Virtual Wharf to Wharf 2025 6 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 Wharf to Wharf Race leaderboard.
