The 2021 Virtual Wharf to Wharf Race, presented by Sutter Health
What is The Virtual Wharf to Wharf Race? This Summer, Wharf to Wharf asks you to help keep our community running by offering the Virtual Wharf to Wharf Race in a new, fun and engaging way. Registering for the Virtual WTW in 2021 will not only give you access to the virtual 6-mile race on July 25th, but will also give you access to both the Nuun 2-Mile Check Point and our NEW 49th Annual Mileage Challenge. You will have 49 Days to complete 49 miles during this free and optional challenge.
Who does the proceeds of this virtual event benefit? Wharf to Wharf Race, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose chartered mission is to promote the health and fitness of the youth of Santa Cruz County, through running. In the organization’s 49 year history, with generous support from Sutter Health, ASICS, Blue Shield, Nuun and all of our past and current sponsors, Wharf to Wharf has donated nearly $6 million back to the community. This virtual event will help us continue our annual contributions to our community through donations, scholarships, grants, track resurfacings and special projects.
REGISTRATION
How and when do I sign up? Registration will only be available at www.wharftowharf.com.
There will be 3 levels of registration:
1.) April 20-21: Last years participants will have a special, 2-day, discounted registration window ($5 OFF final price) where they can register by using an access code. The access code will be emailed to last years participants on Monday, April 19th. This registration period will open Tuesday, April 20th at 7am. Registration will cost $42 for last years registrants.
2. April 22: Registration will open to the general public on Thursday, April 22nd at 7am. There will be a 24 hour sale period to the general public at $42 before the price moves up to the $47 final sale price.
3.) April 23: Registration will increase to the final sale price of $47 at 7am on Friday, April 23rd.
What do I get for signing up?
49th Annual T-Shirt
49th Annual Running Buff (Neck Gaiter)
Guaranteed Access to next years 50th Annual Race Registration for the first 6,000 overall registrants (*Note: The first 6,000 registrants were reached on May 11th)
49th Annual Event Sticker
Personalized Bib Number
Tube of Nuun Hydration
Free Training Plan through the ASICS Runkeeper™ app
Access to the Virtual 6-Mile Event & Nuun 2-Mile Check Point
Access to the NEW 49th Annual Mileage Challenge
What does “Guaranteed Access to the 50th Annual Race Registration” mean? Guaranteed Access means you will be given a special, early window opportunity to register for the 50th Annual Race next year so you don’t have to rush to your computer to sign up. It does not mean you have a spot reserved for you, nor does it mean you are automatically registered next year. It simply means you will be able to register early with a special code and take your time during a protected window of time.
Will there be a Kids Virtual Race again? Yes, it is called the Sutter Health Kids Summer Wharf Challenge. The concept is each child has to complete 6 miles total, either all in one day with their parents, or cumulatively over the course of the days leading up to Wharf to Wharf. Each run can be a different length. Each child, with their parents’ help, can easily track and view their miles on their participant dashboard screen. You will get simple instructions on how to do this after you sign up. The Sutter Health Kids Summer Wharf Challenge will provide a child an opportunity to do this with their parents over the next couple months, allowing them to train, stay motivated and have a goal to look forward to this summer.
How much is the Sutter Health Kids Summer Wharf Challenge, and what do they get for signing up?
The Sutter Health Kids Summer Wharf Challenge is $25, and you get the following items for being a participant. Every kid will get these items mailed to them for signing up:
Sutter Health Kids Medal
Guaranteed Access to next years 50th Annual Race Registration for first 6,000 registrants (*Note: The first 6,000 registrants were reached on May 11th)
Personalized Bib Number
Kids Sticker Pack
How does this event impact Loyalty Status? The Virtual Wharf to Wharf Race and Sutter Health Kids Summer Wharf Challenge will not impact your loyalty status moving forward. If you were eligible for the Loyalty Window after the 2019 event (heading into 2020), you will retain that status for the 50th Annual Race in 2022. Neither the 2020 nor 2021 virtual events impact your loyalty status. Again, if you participate in the virtual event, you will not gain a year (or lose a year) towards loyalty eligibility.
THE JOURNEY
I’ve signed up, how do I access the training plan?
After completing your registration, you will sign up for our complimentary virtual race platform, the ASICS Runkeeper™ app. This will give you access to get through Wharf to Wharf, which includes a training plan. When you sign up, you can opt for the 10k training plan, which would be very similar to a 6-mile (Wharf to Wharf distance) training plan. This will be designed to help you stay healthy and get in shape to complete the 6 mile distance by race weekend. Along the way, we will be very active on social media to provide you with fun videos, motivation and inspiration you need to get to race day.
It looks like we have several events/challenges we get access to through our Virtual Wharf to Wharf registration, when and what are those?
June 1 – July 19: 49th Annual Mileage Challenge
June 27: Nuun 2 Mile Check Point
July 20 – July 26: Virtual Wharf to Wharf 6-Mile
What is the 49th Annual Mileage Challenge and How do I participate? The NEW 49th Annual Mileage Challenge is intended for those who are looking for extra fun or motivation for the Summer leading into Wharf to Wharf Race Week. During this free and optional challenge, you will have 49 Days starting on June 1st to complete 49 Miles. Walk/Run 1 mile a day for 49 days to hit your goal, or see if you can hit your 49 miles in just 1 week. Raffle prizes and awards, courtesy of ASICS and Nuun, will be awarded and selected from those who participate.
How to post activities towards your 49 Mile Challenge starting on June 1st:
1. Visit the results page.
2. Click “Post an Activity”.
3. After you register, sign into your Race Roster account or confirm your registration with your confirmation number and last name.
4. Enter the date, distance and duration of your activity.
5. Click “Submit Activity” or “Submit and post another” to submit your activity.
Below is our fun Mileage Tracker Map where you will be plotted along virtually as you complete 49 miles.
What is the Nuun 2-Mile Check Point and How do I participate? As a part of your virtual race registration, we are giving you free access to the event inside the event. The Nuun 2-Mile Check Point is June 27th, 1 month before race day.
The 2-Mile distance is the perfect opportunity, no matter your fitness, to go out and challenge yourself. That could mean an all-out 2-Mile time trial or simply getting out the door for your first walk or run. Either way, let’s get Muuving!
TRACKING STEPS
1. Download the ASICSRunkeeper™app to your phone and create an account or scroll down to log into an existing account.
2. Add the Nuun 2 Mile Check Point to your in-app virtual events by following the link sent to you in the tracking steps email following your registration OR simply go to your Race Roster participant dashboard and click the “Start Virtual Run” button on the right.
3. To record your run on June 27th, simply click the flag icon in your app, select the Nuun 2 Mile Check Point and follow prompts to start recording.*
*If your recorded run is longer than 2 miles or if you warm up beforehand, your best 2 miles of your run will be pulled into the results. Your 2 miles can be anytime during your run, but will start on the mile, not partway through a mile.
What is the Virtual Wharf to Wharf 6-Mile and How do I participate?
Instead of hosting 16,000 people on the 4th Sunday in July, we will be holding a virtual race, where people can register, stay motivated, and train for their own version of the Wharf to Wharf Race, wherever they may be. The event will take place on Wharf to Wharf race week. All you need to do is run your 6 miles (to be completed all at once), between July 20th and 26th, then upload or input your results using the ASICS Runkeeper™ app onto the Virtual Race Platform.
The swag sounds great, when can I expect to receive it after I sign up?
All runner items will be mailed out early-mid July to give the post office time to get you your items by race week. As long as you provide us an accurate address during registration, this timeframe should allow the post office plenty of time to deliver. However, if you sign up after July 1st, you may end up receiving your runner swag after the race date.
Race Week – How to Track your Participation
Next week is Race Week for the Virtual Wharf to Wharf Race, from Tuesday, July 20th through Monday, July 26th. You can track and/or upload your participation during that time.
Below you’ll find detailed instructions and FAQs on how to track your participation during race week using one of the following two ways:
OPTION 1: TRACK WITH THE RUNKEEPER APP
Step 1: Connect your registration
On your mobile device, download the app and add your Virtual Wharf to Wharf Race registration by clicking the button below.
When you’re ready to participate starting July 20th:
Open the Runkeeper app on a mobile device
Visit the “start” tab
Tap the in-app checkered flag and select your event
Follow the prompts to record your participation
OPTION 2: MANUALLY POST RESULTS
If you plan to record using another software or tracking device and need to post manually, simply head to the results page and “Submit Virtual Result”.
Your confirmation number and last name can be used to confirm your registration before submitting your results.
You can also visit this page to view posted results!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Multiple event distances or participants under one Race Roster account
If you signed up for more than one distance within the same event, or signed up multiple individuals for the same event, please visit your Race Roster dashboard, select this event and then use the “Connect to App” button for each event distance or person. To send to a friend, copy and paste that connect to app button link and share it with them.
Tracking with your Fitbit, Garmin, or Apple Watch
You can track your participation using your Fitbit, Garmin, or Apple Watch earlier. You must download the Runkeeper app and connect your device prior to starting your activity. Follow these steps to add your Fitbit, Garmin, or Apple Watch activity to the Runkeeper app.
How to ensure your activity is tracked correctly
Please make sure you run the full distance (to the decimal point) to ensure your result is posted. Note: If you run farther than the required distance, the Runkeeper app will post your fastest segment.
Limitations to note
At this time, the Runkeeper app is unable to link to Suunto, Coros or Polar, but you can use your iPhone or Android.
Registration
Registration for the 49th Annual Virtual Wharf to Wharf Race is now closed.
How and when do I sign up? Registration will only be available at www.wharftowharf.com.
There will be 3 levels of registration:
1.) April 20-21: Last years participants will have a special, 2-day, discounted registration window ($5 OFF final price) where they can register by using an access code. The access code will be emailed to last years participants on Monday, April 19th. This registration period will open Tuesday, April 20th at 7am. Registration will cost $42 for last years registrants.
2. April 22: Registration will open to the general public on Thursday, April 22nd at 7am. There will be a 24 hour sale period to the general public at $42 before the price moves up to the $47 final sale price.
3.) April 23: Registration will increase to the final sale price of $47 at 7am on Friday, April 23rd.
What do I get for signing up?
49th Annual T-Shirt
49th Annual Running Buff (Neck Gaiter)
Guaranteed Access to next years 50th Annual Race Registration for the first 6,000 registrants (*Note: The first 6,000 registrants were reached on May 11th)
49th Annual Event Sticker
Personalized Bib Number
Tube of Nuun Hydration
Free Training Plan through the ASICS Runkeeper™ app
Access to the Virtual 6-Mile Event & Nuun 2-Mile Check Point
Access to the NEW 49th Annual Mileage Challenge
What does “Guaranteed Access to the 50th Annual Race Registration” mean? Guaranteed Access means you will be given a special, early window opportunity to register for the 50th Annual Race next year so you don’t have to rush to your computer to sign up. It does not mean you have a spot reserved for you, nor does it mean you are automatically registered next year. It simply means you will be able to register early with a special code and take your time during a protected window of time.
Will there be a Kids Virtual Race again? Yes, it is called the Sutter Health Kids Summer Wharf Challenge. The concept is each child has to complete 6 miles total, either all in one day with their parents, or cumulatively over the course of the days leading up to Wharf to Wharf. Each run can be a different length. Each child, with their parents’ help, can easily track and view their miles on their participant dashboard screen. You will get simple instructions on how to do this after you sign up. The Sutter Health Kids Summer Wharf Challenge will provide a child an opportunity to do this with their parents over the next couple months, allowing them to train, stay motivated and have a goal to look forward to this summer.
How much is the Sutter Health Kids Summer Wharf Challenge, and what do they get for signing up?
The Sutter Health Kids Summer Wharf Challenge is $25, and you get the following items for being a participant. Every kid will get these items mailed to them for signing up:
Sutter Health Kids Medal
Guaranteed Access to next years 50th Annual Race Registration for the first 6,000 registrants (*Note: The first 6,000 registrants were reached on May 11th)
Personalized Bib Number
Kids Sticker Pack
How does this event impact Loyalty Status? The Virtual Wharf to Wharf Race and Sutter Health Kids Summer Wharf Challenge will not impact your loyalty status moving forward. If you were eligible for the Loyalty Window after the 2019 event (heading into 2020), you will retain that status for the 50th Annual Race in 2022. Neither the 2020 nor 2021 virtual events impact your loyalty status. Again, if you participate in the virtual event, you will not gain a year (or lose a year) towards loyalty eligibility.
Letter From the President
Due to the ongoing pandemic and the unknown health and safety impact of a large public gathering, the Wharf to Wharf in-person event is cancelled for 2021. Please read the entire letter below from the President of Wharf to Wharf Race, Inc.:
Wharf to Wharf Community,
Last year, nearly 9,000 of you participated in our Wharf to Wharf Virtual Event. Your involvement as a participant, combined with continued support from our Presenting Sponsor, Sutter Health, and all of our partners, allowed Wharf to Wharf to not only continue to uplift youth health and wellness in our communities, but also made it possible for Wharf to Wharf to still donate over $145,000 during the pandemic. We are so grateful and proud of our community. Thank you.
Now, for 2021. After much deliberation, we have decided the 2021 Wharf to Wharf Race will also be virtual. The normal late Spring and Summer large road races in Northern California have all been postponed or turned virtual. Our decision not to host a live event this year was made because of the ongoing pandemic and the unknown health and safety impact of a large public gathering.
We considered several options, but ultimately concluded there are too many risks, unknowns, and hurdles to overcome operationally to make a live event of this size realistic for this summer. One significant consideration in our decision was the people who help produce the event. Wharf to Wharf Race is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization run primarily by volunteers. Every year we ask over 2,000 combined medical professionals, law enforcement and volunteers (primarily high school aged) to come out and help make our event what it is. Considering what these groups have gone through and sacrificed this past year, we did not feel we would be a good community partner by asking them to volunteer this year.
Last year, the virtual event allowed participants to run or walk for a great cause. We were on our own, but in it together. This year, we have big ideas on how to make this virtual experience even better and we look forward to bringing our community together once again. Stay tuned for registration information and virtual race details in the next couple weeks.
Thanks,
David Murphy
President
Wharf to Wharf Race, Inc.
Top 100 Challenge
We will once again be offering everyone a chance to compete for Top 100 bragging rights and the ASICS Top 100 Sweatshirt in our 2021 Virtual Race.
*Please see Top 100 Rules and Tracking Information Below*
Top 100 Rules & Tracking Instructions
You must run your race between July 20 – July 26: You cannot run before or after this timeframe and upload, the system will not allow it.
Tracking with your FitBit, Garmin, or Apple Watch - you MUST follow these steps: You can track your participation by linking your FitBit, Garmin, or Apple Watch to the Runkeeper App before your run. You must download the Runkeeper app and connect your device prior to starting your activity. Follow these steps to add your FitBit, Garmin, or Apple Watch activity to the Runkeeper app.
Wearable limitations to note : At this time, the Runkeeper app is unable to link to Suunto, Coros or Polar, but you can use the wearables above or you can track with the Runkeeper App on an iPhone or Android.
Elevation Limitations: No more than a net 200 foot elevation drop will be eligible for Top 100.
Only 1 Upload: You only get 1 shot to run the Virtual Wharf to Wharf Race.
Auto Tracked Results Only (no manual entries): To be eligible for the Top 100 prize, your entry must be automated through the Runkeeper App or one of the eligible wearable devices listed above.
Distance of required activity: The official distance is 6.0 miles exactly. If you run 5.99 miles or less, your race will not count. We recommend the activity length of your race be between 6.0 miles and 6.3 miles so your logged activity is easily verified if needed.
Clear your watch: We are asking you to clear your watch after your warmup and not include it as part of your overall saved run. Similarly, we are asking you to save your race before your cool down. This isn’t a requirement, but will ensure your logged activity is easily verified if needed.
Sponsors
The Wharf to Wharf Race cherishes their partnerships and is grateful that they allow the organization to continue to contribute over $250,000 to the youth of Santa Cruz County every year. If your company wishes to be a part of the 2020 Wharf to Wharf Race Sponsorship Team, please contact Race Director, Scott McConville:
The Wharf to Wharf Race welcomes corporate sponsorship interests.
A limited number of sponsorship positions are awarded each year, ranging in value from $4,000 to $50,000 with promotional benefits commensurate. Values are calculated in cash, goods, services and/or combinations thereof.
Widely acclaimed “The best little road race in California”, Wharf to Wharf is the biggest summer event of its kind on the West Coast and a boon to the local economy. Hospitality industry figures calculate that it brings more than nine million dollars annually to Santa Cruz County. It receives broad print and electronic media attention, is broadcast live on radio and aired on regional cable television. It is highlighted in all running industry publications as one of the top road races in America.
2018 race field demographics:
Participant ages ranged from 2 to 90
63% were women
35% were Santa Cruz County residents
62% came from the Bay Area and Monterey Bay
The rest from everywhere…representing more than 40 states and 10 countries
If you would like to explore sponsorship opportunities for your business on the Wharf to Wharf Racing Team, contact:
OFFICIAL RESULTS FOR THE TOP 100 ARE BASED ON GUN TIME. 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.
OFFICIAL RESULTS FOR THE TOP 100 ARE BASED ON GUN TIME. 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.
The Nuun 2-Mile Check Point is a FREE 2 mile walk/run event on Sunday, June 27th. It is designed to provide participants an opportunity to test out their fitness 1 month before the Virtual Wharf to Wharf Race.
In order to participate, you need to register for the event (below) SEPARATELY from the Virtual Wharf to Wharf Race. Once you register, you can follow the steps below to track yourself.
How to track using the ASICS RunKeeper™ app (optional):
1. From your mobile device, go to your Race Roster dashboard here.
2. Click the “Connect to my app” button, where you will be asked to confirm your name, which then adds the Nuun 2 Mile Check Point virtual to your app
3. Revisit the ASICS RunKeeper™ app when you are ready to run and click the “start” tab
4. Tap the in-app checkered flag and select the Nuun 2 Mile Check Point virtual
5. Follow the prompts and record your 2 Mile or longer activity. Your results will automatically be posted below on the leaderboard
6. Once your results are posted, click your name in the results to view your finisher’s certificate
OPTION 1: TRACK WITH THE RUNKEEPER APP
Step 1: Connect your registration
When you’re ready to participate starting July 20th:
OPTION 2: MANUALLY POST RESULTS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
