Wharf to Wharf Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Linda D. M.
Sunnyvale, CA

  (09-19-2009)

"I have to remember this is a fun run. This is not a run for trying to improve my time. "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Dennis M.
San Francisco, CA

  (08-11-2009)

"If social walking/jogging is your thing, this is the 'race' for you! Otherwise, the only running you should be doing is AWAY from this event."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2005

Jason W.
Campbell, CA

  (08-08-2009)

"It was a great event. The starting line was packed with a sea of people. Running was a bit of a pain for the first 3K as there were alot of people who walked and started at the head of the pack. Great bands and awesome attitude."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Cynthia L.
Sacramento, CA

  (07-27-2009)

"This is a beautiful course, and I really enjoy the rolling hills, seaside views, the bands, and the many spectators.

This year we made the same mistake as last year: starting too far back and spending the race dodging walkers. Our first mile took 12 minutes from the starting line (not to mention the six minutes it took to get to the starting line after the race officially began). I wish race organizers would ensure somehow that walkers – especially those pushing strollers – start at the back.

Otherwise, I think it is well organized. As long as you read the informational packet, arrive early and know where to park, you will have an easy, fun day."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Scott W.
Los Altos, CA

  (07-27-2009)

"The Wharf to Wharf bills itself as "The Best Little Race in California" and certainly is unique among road races.

The Good:

* 15,000 runners with a gorgeous course hugging the Santa Cruz to Capitola Beachfront
* Nearly 50 live bands playing along the course with all different kinds of music -- really makes the race run and upbeat
* weather: started overcast in the high 50's perfect summer running temps
* The fee was relatively low ($30) and most of the proceeds go to charity
* free shuttle buses to the start and from the end back to Santa Cruz

The Bad:

* It was very crowded at the start and getting across the starting line was challenging. You need to get way up front if you are interested in your time and even then, you have to get by lots of walkers and slow runners
* The timing for the mile markers seemed to be off making judging how you were doing a challenge
* No racing chips and no official times (only the top 100) so hard to know exactly how fast you went unless you were upfront in the elite group
* No free food at the end (no muffins, bananas etc.) but water bottles and bars in the goodie bag
* No clothing drop off so you could not bring a cell phone, or take off clothes at the start. it was pretty cold waiting for over an hour in a singlet and shorts at the start
* Shuttles going back dropped off only in one place, leaving a bunch of us to figure out how to get back to our cars nearly a mile away. It was not clear coming into town where to park either other than following the herd

Tips for next year:

* carpool with a friend, park one car in Capitola and one in Santa Cruz. this way at the end you can have your cell phone and food and drive back whenever you want to
* If you care about your times, get out in front

Suggestions for the race organizers:

* offer food (or beer!) at the end in line with the party atmosphere. Maybe have something like a moonbounce to attract children and families afterwards (my family stayed home to avoid the crowds and little to entice them to join me)
* Consider a drop off service for personal stuff to pick up at the end of the race for clothing, phones etc.
* consider using championchips so people don't worry as much about being upfront

Overall, the race was lots of fun but more geared to the back of the packers looking for a fun run/walk and towards elites from various African nations. If you are a serious runner looking for lots of the standard support around runs (especially on the timing side), you are better off looking for other races.

Having said that, it was a beautiful fun run and I would do it again."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Christina J.
Exeter, CA

  (07-27-2009)

"The Wharf to Wharf was the first race I've ever participated in - and I loved it. I ran it with my Mother-in-Law, and the whole day went smoothly.

The course was fun, filled with spectators who cheered you along the way. The course ended at the perfect spot; near coffee shops, the beach, and restrooms. Traffic was not as bad as expected (there are thousands who show up!). They also offer buses to take individuals back to their hotels, or cars. At the end of the race, they photograph you crossing the finish line and also provide you with a goody bag filled with a t'shirt, trail mix, apple juice, water, and "power bar".

The race was very enjoyable, and was my first of many!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Geoff L.
San Mateo, CA

  (07-26-2009)

"Fun race with tons of people and spectators cheering you on. The course itself was fast...but..(read on)

If you have a red bib number...you are allowed to start in the front area roped off to the others. Unfortunately, i failed to recognize what my red bib number meant...so I started in the 6 min mile group behind the rope and had to maneuver through a ton of slower joggers and walkers...oh well..after a 9 minute first mile, was able to pull off a 40min finishing time, so all was not lost.

The race finishes on a great downhill that does your sprinting for you.

Post-race was well organized with shuttles getting us back to our car quickly. not much food tho at the finish line...

my tip for next year: you can still do this race for time and a PR, but you have to negotiate your way as close to to the front as possible prior to the gun. good luck!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Lisa G.
San Jose, CA

  (07-26-2009)

"What can I say? Its one of the best races of the year and its a sheer joy to run. From the bands (love you San Jose State Spartan Marching Band at the mile 3 marker) to the ventriloquist and fans on stilts....its never boring. Lots of visible support from city police officers, firefighters, and the sheriff's department staff and volunteers. There were MANY medical staff members clearly identified running the race (the red shirt dudes) - that made me feel good as there were many out of shape runners who all felt it necessary to start in the 6 minute mile pack....guess they've never heard of "walkers to the side" or "in the back." Speaking of walkers - I am a 10 minute miler in half marathons but started in the 8 minute section here. It took 5 minutes to get to the start and a mile 1 was done in about 13 minutes. It is a crowded race, so if you are worried about time or blowing out your knees while dodging walkers, this race isn't for you. The old strategy of getting to the side to pass them - nope, that doesn't work in this one either. I was pleasantly surprised that the goodie bags with shirts, water, and snacks (wish I had found them before the mile long hike to my car) had NO lines - how efficient were they! Love this race - its one of the highlights of my summer....maybe because I can roll out of bed, down a block and a half and get to the start. Still - its an event that is the pride of the central coast and from what I saw, the runners came early, stayed late, and frequented many a business - so its good for the economy too. A few suggestions - arrive a good 2 hours early. I heard traffic over 17 was a disaster. And getting back over 17 after the race? That was a nightmare too - so plan a good 90-120 minutes."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009