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Wharf To Wharf Race
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
45 reviews for Wharf To Wharf Race
45 reviews in English
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Review from Jennie P.
8/17/2011 9 photos
GO PAULA!
Elaine and I was here to support our friend and even though we just stood on the sidelines, the energy, the people, and the event hyped us up to sign up for next year! There's about 15,000 participants and I could imagine the route along the coast being absolutely stunning! The only downside for being a supporter is finding parking! SHAT!
Can't wait to wear a Wharf to Wharf bib next year! YAY! -
Review from Ha T.
8/24/2011
Because of this race, I had to stay somewhat sober on my birthday the day before. There was ample parking at the designated free parking lots but you have to take a yellow school bus to the wharf. Just remember where you parked because when they dropped us back from Capitola, we were lucky to have run into some friends with a car!
It was gloomy for July but was good for a 10k run. There were ALOT of people so it was crowded. Hardly any room to do some pre-running stretching. Some people were dressed like they running Bay to Breakers. There were big mile makers every mile which was nice. Water stations every 2 miles. Running the Oakland Half Marathon spoiled me because there were no water, power bars, fruit, and as much love as at the Oakland Half. Sure there were bands playing and people cheering along the way but I was more annoyed by the people walking on the LEFT side which i kept trying to go around. If you drive, you know if you drive slow that you should stay to the RIGHT. Its already super crowded, it was hard trying to go around people who are walking. Know your race etiquette, people!! I dont remember how many near accidents I had while running.
$35 dollars to register but register early because they sell out fast. You get a cotton tshirt which you pick up after the race along with nutrients and water. I was hoping to get a medal to add to my collection but NOPE... no medal.. no fruit bites after the race or sports drink to rehydrate. The line was ridiculously long to get onto a shuttle ALL the way back to the Santa Cruz. Then they only drop you off at one parking lot so you're on your own figuring out where you parked! -
Review from Kristen R.
Santa Cruz, CA
Updated - 12/17/2011
Minus 2 stars now....this past summer pretty much sucked. Too many people and too many walkers in front of the runners at the start. It was a nightmare trying to run....people yelling at us bc we actually wanted to run. Plus there were a lot of jogger strollers....it said no strollers!! I love this race bc it is a beautiful course, but I'm skipping out next year.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/28/2008
This is the best race! It is so fun to be with our community and everyone who comes to support the… Read more »
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Review from Heather L.
San Francisco, CA
8/26/2011
Two words: SUPER CROWDED.
This is not a race to do if you are wanting to have a PR. This was by far the most crowded race I have ever competed in. I had to run around walkers all the way to the finish line. Will probably do again but with a group and will get there early to get to the front of the line. The pacing signs are bogus. Walkers were standing around the 9:00 mile markers. On a positive, very fun race, lots and lots of live music along the way. You won't want to wear your iPod. Book your hotel super early and expect to wait in line for a while before the shuttle brings you back to SC from Capitola after the race. -
Review from reyz a.
7/24/2011
This was my 27th straight Wharf to Wharf (I was a two year old when I ran 6 minute/mile pace ;-)). This is not Barf to Barf, and this is not a carnival, so people leave their costumes at home for Mardi Gras or other more notorious races.
Wharf to Wharf is not an exact 10km race. However, after the 1989 Loma Prieta Earth Quake, the organizers diverted the race a little bit through the devastation of Santa Cruz's downtown, and perhaps the mileage did add up to about 6.2miles.
Why am I so loyal to this run? Is it because of the now long gone free polo collared giveaways given out by now long gone high tech companies? No. It is all about running by the seaside with the Santa Cruz Wharf behind you and Capitola Wharf in front of you, with sea to the right of you and with music from conga players, to harpist (yes the classically trained ones), to the Crow's Nest cooks banging their pots, to big bands, to little bands, to bag pipers, to rock bands, to jazz bands, to soul bands, to Beatle-sound-alikes, to 14-year old garage bands, to Taiko drummers, to every form of musical instruments at every half a block on both sides of you. Except for the locals in their houses cheering us on, this race is a rush that does not require public drunkenness and outrageous costumes.
Today was dominated once again by the Kenyans with a sweep at 1, 2 and 3. Silas Kipruto at 26:56, Kosgei at 27:12 and Ondara at 27:32. Another sign of the economy are the prizes. Magdalena Lewy Boulet, 37, of Oakland, won the women's race at 30:49. The top three placers earned $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000, respectively. I'm sure that's plenty in Kenya.
The best time for me? 37minutes. The worst time? about 3 hours, when I walked the race with a crutch...it was the race for last place between me (the gimpy guy) with a broken leg, a lady with a stroller and her German Shepard, with the street cleaning truck right behind us. The lady with the stroller beat me, but I beat the German Shepard. Today, I was injured, so I walked the race ahead of the pack and had the pleasure of seeing the Kenyans run past me. Today they were not bunched up talking among themselves about village life, today they were spread apart by about 50meters, running 4 minute/mile pace.
I plan to continue running this for many more years until I'm doing so in my walker. -
Review from Phil H.
Los Gatos, CA
7/24/2011
Great race as usual, but who organized the shuttles this year?!?!? Loading 1 or 2 buses at a time is ridiculous. Go back to last year's system and replace the shuttle organizer.
Fun race, fun bands and great community support. Slow race due to crowds, but have fun. -
Review from Chuck C.
San Jose, CA
7/27/2011
This was my 2nd Wharf to Wharf(my last one was in 1998).
I set this out to be my goal 9months ago when i started getting in shape and was able to run the entire race.
Its a fun race(from the runners, joggers, walkers, bands, etc) and I plan to run it again next year. -
Review from Quang T.
9/16/2011
A fun little race for everybody to enjoy. A little crowded for my preference but other than that it was a breeze. All downhill, the costumes were funny and the WHOLE family members were out. A great excuse to go to Santa Cruz.
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Review from Andrew T.
Santa Cruz, CA
12/4/2011
Ran for the first time this year. Had a blast, cant wait til next year,
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Review from T L.
Cupertino, CA
Updated - 9/4/2011
2011 brought another great race with chip timing and my inquiries to the race director and timing company were handled quickly and responsibly. I was impressed despite a glitch or two.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/10/2010
I had such a great time last year, I signed up again for 2010. The scenery, weather and crowd were… Read more »
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Review from surai j.
7/29/2010
This is THE fun running event for your body, your mind and your spirit. I have a dozen or so events under my belt and I book my hotel a year in advance to make sure I get here. First timers, remember 3 things: 7:30 AM, a roll of quarters and water and ocean. Why?
Ocean and water: names of the streets where you will park. if full, park as close to this intersection with your roll of quarters. they do ticket. a shuttle service will bring you back to this lot from the finish line.
7:30 The race parking lots fills up and as a 1st timer, you might scramble for parking and panic, especially if you've never been to sc before so get there before 7:30 for parking.
the best way is to have a friend drop you off at the start and pick you up at the finish.
The wait for the bus was painful! -
Review from brandy c.
Santa Cruz, CA
6/28/2010
I'd like to give a virtual slap on the wrist for all the naysayers complaining about all the walkers and all the strollers and the narrow first turn. Know this! If you paid $35 to come and put a good time on your race record and go home, back to the valley or wherever you've come from--this race isn't for you. If you paid $35 to to come together as a community for a fun Sunday morning run through our beautiful home town and raise some cash for Santa Cruz Youth Sports--come back next year!
This run is pure fun and entertainment. It's a community and family event that sells out insanely fast every year for that reason. I'm a competitive runner myself, but I'm out there with my non-running husband and small son enjoying the energy of the amazing people of Santa Cruz.
So relax, enjoy, have a bloody mary at the Wharf House afterward! -
Review from Key C.
San Jose, CA
2/13/2009
A great 10K from Santa Cruz to Capitola. The run was relatively flat, the view was great and runners are friendly. The neighbors of Santa Cruz and Capitola root for you from their home. Some even had their hose on in a shower spray so you can go under to get a quick wet down, very appreciated when it was warming up. Many spots for water and the bands, music playing along the way make it feel like a mini..rock n' roll marathon.
Some negatives:
There were so many walkers/ joggers/runners, it took at least a mile + to get away from the walkers and joggers. Going on to the sand to get your tshirt and gift bag was annoying and slightly unorganized....Waiting for the shuttle to take you back to Santa Cruz after the race was a bit long but was well organized. -
Review from Gina N.
7/30/2009
For being the first race EVER that i've ran...it was AWESOME! Great weather (cloudy and cool) so that i was not dying of dehydration in the heat that starts to climb in around noon. The scenary was great, and the people were awesome. Enjoyed the live entertainment & bands, and the "fans" that cheered us on a long the way. Definitely a FUN FUN race. and i loved the balloon arches...bc they kept me motivated to make it another mile. The hills also gave us a little challenge, which i also liked.
Would definitely recommend it. Will probably do it again next year!!Listed in: Active Life, Outdoor…
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Review from Annette Y.
San Rafael, CA
4/29/2010
My first run. woo hoo & it was awesome! Ran the 6 mi run last year and I definitely will be running again this year. The run is a lot of fun - bands are playing, people are cheering you on, juice, water, & fruit is provided all along the run. Some people running half naked, some people running in crazy costumes - pure ENTERTAINMENT. Nothing inappropriate whatsoever.
The run is pretty easy. It's all pavement and nothing too difficult. There's a hill here or there, but nothing too tiring. I didn't prep too much just a few miles/week. Definitely a good run for a first timer. A lot of fun, nice people, good music, etc. Must do it at least once if your lifetime. Oh and when you finish the run, you're given a gift bag with a t-shirt, juice, fruit bars, cereal bars, etc. YAY! -
Review from Theresa N.
Campbell, CA
SO MUCH Fun! My first time doing this race and it was by far, the best one yet. HUGE props to Santa Cruz and Capitola for putting on an awesomely organized and fun race.
All of the bands and residents cheering everyone along the way made the 6 mile trek well worth it. This race will definitely be a new staple to my to do races each year.
Thank you 831! -
Review from Leslie R.
Santa Cruz, CA
7/25/2007
Wow, Walter's review could pretty much serve as the Wharf to Wharf bible! But just because I want to throw in my two cents about how awesome this race is...
This seems like a difficult race to get super serious about, just because there are so many darn people, and it's not nearly as organized as it could be in terms of segregating the runners (people who have trained and actually care what their time is), the joggers (me and my friend! I just wanted to run all six miles without stopping, which proved pretty easy), and the walkers (guy wearing Hawaiian shirt and flip flops, Mom with her gaggle of kids and stroller, etc). I spent the majority of the race trying to navigate around walkers, especially during the absolute gridlock of the first mile, then again on all the hills. It was quite frustrating, hence the four stars instead of five.
Clusterf*ck of people aside, this race rocked. You couldn't ask for more gorgeous scenery, and the locals come out in force to cheer us on. An average summer morning here starts off cool and at least a little foggy, but with the sun blazing strong on race day I really appreciated how many people were there to water us down with their garden hoses! The variety of bands that appeared seemingly around every corner also kept my feet truckin'.
I had heard that veterans of this race leave a car in Capitola to avoid the shuttle... which after the half an hour wait to climb on the school bus back to SC seemed like a great idea. But since they even had a band playing in the parking lot while we waited (and we'd had a couple celebratory beers along the Esplanade) it didn't throw off our runner's high. It's a great time. -
Review from Katie T.
7/25/2006
Although this year's race was inferno hot it is a beautiful course along the water. The run definitely has some "bumps" but no major hills besides the loooong downhill at the very end.
The bag of goodies at the end of the race was really nice (love the towel!), but the best part was that a guy who I'd noticed during the race came up to me after to thank me because he'd been using me to pace the entire time and had shaved 5 minutes off his best time. Ahhhh.
Official time: 53 minutes. When I actually crossed the start to finish line: 48. That's 8 minute miles in 80 degree weather, baby! -
Review from Kat H.
San Jose, CA
4/8/2009
This is a fun race with a nice view, but it is SO crowded. The course is not meant to hold 15,000 people at a time so you gotta push your way through if you want a good race time (no chip). A couple of hills and a nice downhill finish.
Good support and a cotton t-shirt. The poster , done by a local artist, is usually pretty cool. Weather is pretty consistent and again, the view is awesome--makes you appreciate living in California.
Logistics are kind of a pain--no place to leave a car at the end, so you have to find someone to pick you up. Therefore, I only do this race if a group of us is going so we can get cover this kind of stuff. Make sure to also bring snacks! By the time you get to a brunch spot, you'll be starving! -
Review from heather k.
Los Gatos, CA
6/10/2011
This was my 5th Wharf to Wharf and I enjoyed every minute of it! Great course, much entertainment and beautiful views! Only complaint: no port-a-potties on route as with other races. Be back again next year!
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Review from Nikki c.
Oakland, CA
7/22/2007
My only issue is I wish there were more port a pottys. And places to have brunch in Capitola.
The course is harder in the beginning. The finish is smooooooth sailing. I got so busy working for the man that I was not a registered runner, but Pumpkin K kindly gave me her shirt. :)Listed in: Sweat it Out! Embrace your…
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Review from Manuel S.
San Jose, CA
7/27/2010 1 photo
Growing up playing sports, I always had an outlet for physical activity. As I got older (and a job), taking care of my physical self no longer came in the form of team sports, but instead I became fairly invested in the gym and lifting weights. It's been great, but my cardio has taken a back seat.
A few months ago I read Christopher McDougall's "Born To Run..." and it changed the entire game for me. To hell with the stair climbers and elliptical machines, I'm pounding the pavement. It had been years since I've run so much and I realized that I was beginning to enjoy it.
In 2009 I registered for my first race EVER. It just so happened that it was the Wharf to Wharf, but as luck would have it, the day before the race, I came down with a flu - fever, puking, the whole 9!
Move forward one year, and I find myself on the starting line waiting for the race to start - surrounded by friends, family, and 15,000 of the most friendly strangers I've ever met.
I'm not going to teach you anything here about the course. It's beautiful and festive. At about the halfway mark, I was surprised to see the San Jose State University marching band - my people!!!! (Well, the SJSU part anyway, not the marching band) It was the little things like this that kept me motivated as the course drew the individuals of our group apart.
It was amazing to see how the community embraces the event as it does. I was actually proud to be a part of it.
Coming off a calf injury, I hadn't run in almost a month leading up to the race. As such, I wasn't expecting much from myself, but having missed the race last year, there was NO way I was missing it this year.
Despite the post race big fish stories I was telling (remember, the group got separated) about my record setting pace, I was happy with the fact that I ran it the entire way through. I realized this though: As dedicated to the weight lifting as I have been, I have built my frame to a solid 225lbs. I've come to realize that I was made for quick bursts of speed rather than long distances. For the last two miles, I was feeling EVERY OUNCE of that 225lbs!
Who knows, maybe if I actually TRAIN next time, I'll perform a little better. Which, by the way, will be next year. It was an amazing event to prepare for (sort of) and share with people I love. Honestly, I think we're all connected a little differently now having shared this experience together.
I told you - that damn book changed everything for me! -
Review from Mike T.
San Jose, CA
7/29/2010
First time running this race and I had fun. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was a lot better than I had imagined. I have a lot of thoughts on this event but for the sake of others, I'll just make this an abbreviated list.
GOOD:
- Cheap event, great crowd/band and scenery, plenty of water of official and unofficial water stations, nice running weather (a bit on the cooler side) free t-shirt and goodies at the end of the race.
-Fun, easy run with very manageable rolling hills.
NOT SO MUCH (nothing was really BAD):
- Slower runners and walkers in the beginning, although it was kind of fun weaving through them like a running back.
- I was told by a racing official that no jogging strollers were allowed and I wanted to run with my 1 year old son. Then I see a boat load of strollers =(. "LET ME RUN!"
TIPS:
- If you're serious about time, get a red bib. Red bib = go to the front of the line. I was told by other racers that you get one based on what you estimate your finishing time to be (I put 42:00 with the intention of running with my son). I didn't go up front because I had a hairline fibula fracture, so I just lined up in between the 6 and 7 minute mile group. Unfortunately, I didn't cross the starting line until about 1:30 - 2:00 minutes later.
- Go in a group, carpool or get dropped off. There's parking on the streets starting about a mile back from the starting line which may serve as a good warm-up for some.
- Get there early (earlier). Left the south bay around 730, got there around 815. Enough time to empty the plumbing and line up.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I'll definitely run it next year, with my son in a jogging stroller. -
Review from Sarah P.
West Hollywood, CA
8/31/2007
Santa Cruz Wharf to Wharf really is the best little road race!
This was my first time participating and it was awesome!!!! I had so much fun and I'd recommend it to everyone!
I coerced my little brother to do it with me (no one else would!) which made it way more fun to have a partner in crime. It was pretty stinkin hot though and unfortunately I got stuck in the bathroom line so we started 10 minutes after the race began. This sucked because we got stuck with the massive hoard of walkers who were EVERYWHERE. The entire race we spent trying to cut through people so we probably ran way further than 6 miles!
The locals were so cool though - they were outside their homes spraying everyone with hoses which was soooo refreshing. But oh boy, the water stations were cutthroat... My brother was just about to take a gulp out of his water and some girl ran by and grabbed the water right out of his hands!
But the course is so gorgeous and the entertainment was way fun. I had such a good time. Please try it! But be warned - you have to sign up months in advance because 14,999 other people think it's the best little road race too! -
Review from William C.
Seattle, WA
7/28/2008
This was a very fun race. This race attracts a lot of fast competitors - so you'll have plenty of people to run with at almost any pace -as well as tons of casual runners and joggers and walkers. Basically, it's fun for everyone. The other reviewers have already mentioned many of the fun features of this race.
It's also a nice course with views of the ocean on your right almost the entire way. I'll reference Walter P's review, except for his statement that it's downhill after the 4 mile marker. There are hills spread across the entire course, so don't go into the race budgeting your strength for a four-miler, expecting gravity to do your work for you the entire last two miles. -
Review from Linsey F.
Sacramento, CA
8/2/2008
The Wharf to Wharf is a fantastic 6 mile run from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to Capitola. My friends ans I drove down from Sacramento to do this race and had a blast.
Not only is it a great course- but there is a lot of entertainment and spectators (many drinking- at 9 a.m.!) cheering the runners/walkers on.
My only complaint is that there were too many walkers who would walk 4 or so people across, making it hard to get around them. Generaly when doing a race, its common courtesy for participants to let faster people get around them by staying to the side to allow room to pass.
Otherwise- I loved this race and am planning on coming back to do it again next year! -
Review from Pumpkin K.
Santa Cruz, CA
9/14/2006
Oooh, so fun. It's definitely good to approach it from the mindset of "fun run" and not "race." Every year there are loads of people at the front, in like the 7 and 8 minute mile pace groups, and when the gun goes off they start... walking. I'm not sure what the objection is to walking in the "walking" section (e.g. behind the runners), but the best thing to do is just unclench and go with the flow. I've done it alone and gone with friends, and it's much better to go with friends.
Register early, it sells out ever year! -
Review from Peter C.
San Jose, CA
7/22/2006
This 6 mile race along the scenic Santa Cruz / Capitola beach is great for anyone from the competitive, hard-core runner to the recreational runner. The terrain is mostly flat, so the run makes for an enjoyable experience. Entry fee is $30, and all finishers of the race receive a gift pack which comes with a T-Shirt, snacks and beverages. It was great seeing all the locals cheer us on while spraying cool water on us. The rock bands were also great; it seemed like there was one every tenth of a mile. A great way to get some exercise during the summer, Wharf To Wharf Race is definitely worth checking out.
By the way, I finished with a time of 58m:55s. -
Review from Kris O.
Sunnyvale, CA
7/24/2007
The Good: Nice locals will shoot sprinklers and water hoses into the mass of runners. Pleasing scenery. Nice people. Live music along the way.
The Bad: Crowded. No free bottled water at the end for non-registered runners.
The Ugly: Me after running 6 miles. -
Review from C-l L.
8/4/2009
I just ran this run for the 3rd time a couple of weekends ago. The weather could not have been more perfect, at least for me. It was overcast and slightly chilly. Much better than when I ran it the first time when it was boiling hot!
I love that the locals come out and cheer on the runners. The bands this year were pretty good too, especially all the younger kids. Usually there's lots of people out with their hoses to cool off the runners, but with the perfect running weather, there wasn't much of that this year.
A few things to watch out for:
1.) All the walkers, it's a real pain to have to constantly weave around them, no matter how close you are to the start line, there's walkers everywhere.
2.) The beginning of the course narrows right before the right turn to the first bridge, and everyone slows to a walk. It's pretty hard to avoid it unless you're one of the elite runners way up front I suppose, so don't get frustrated if you have to walk.
3.) Runners with strollers.
The scenery is great and the course isn't too hilly. Don't get me wrong, there are hills, but they aren't too bad. This was the first run I ever did 3 years ago, and I still enjoy it to this day. -
Review from Chris C.
Union City, CA
8/9/2007
Review by the Man with the Iron Stomachs GF
This race was a complete blast. I walked the course with a few coworkers and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It was totally crowded but totally worth it. We walked at a steady pace and were done in an hour & a half.
The scenery is awesome & the entertainment along the course really keeps you going.
The only downfall was that the water tables had run out of cups by the time we got there. If you wanted they would pour the water directly into your mouth... Ewwww.... Gross! Oh & there were huge lines for the portapotties at the start line... definitely use facilities before you get there. -
Review from Anna B.
Santa Clara, CA
3/17/2010
Best little road race in all of California.
If you are regularly rocking races, coming in third behind the Kenyans, this race is not for you.
If you're like the rest of and like to run AND still have fun, this is your event. This is a modest little 10k, with a few hills, people dressed as jelly fish, a free-beer en route (just ask a crowd member), and some awesome music!
The event cap for this race is 15,000 runners, although about 30,000 usually run the event anyways. I recommend registering. You have a chance to win a trip to Hawaii, and a chance to be a supportive member of the racing society.
Registration is April 1, and typically sells out in the first month, if not sooner. Post race schwag includes a T-Shirt and some Martinelli's apple juice (mmmm), and don't forget you end up in downtown Capitola, where there is lots of fun to be had!
All-in-all, this is an awesome, crowded, good-times 10k. -
Review from Elon B.
Oakland, CA
7/28/2009
Just ran the 2009 Wharf to Wharf for the first time (in fact, it's my first race ever) and I loved it. I had been training to run a 10 min/mi and since they have people announcing the time at the 1, 2 and 4 mi marks, I could easily track my progress.
The bands that played along the ocean front view were really good and there was a huge variety of music. I only wish I could now find out how to hear more of their music. Is there a legend or key for determining who was playing where?
This year the weather was pretty overcast (as I assume it is most years) so the plentiful water tables, people spraying hoses, and locals giving away sliced oranges and strawberries is a great treat, but I basically just ran past them all. At some point I got hot enough to run through a hose spray, but I could have lived without it.
Picking up the goodie bag at the end was easy, and since my fiance's cousin lives in Capitola, we all had a convenient place to shower and change before going out for a hearty brunch. Boris and Briana, you guys rock! -
Review from Zac C.
Livermore, CA
7/31/2009
Ran it last weekend and had a blast! I really had no idea what to expect as this was my first race. Definitely not for the super serious runner, although I trained and was committed to running the whole thing. Had to bob and weave a bit and due to the sheer number of people in the beginning we all had to walk a bit too. I would say that 2/3 of the 1st mile were spent walking or jogging very slowly. My time when I crossed the finish line was 1:07, however I am subtracting 10 minutes for the slow start. Yes! 0:57...not bad for a husky white guy with short legs!
I won't get into it too much, because others have already discussed, but there was so much to see along the course (bands, performers, people spraying us with hoses and sprinklers, etc.) that it really did make time fly.
Looking forward to running it next year...as long as Cynthia runs it again too! -
Review from Barb B.
7/25/2010
I first did this run over 22 years ago, and several times after that, BC and AC1 (Before Children and After Child #1). After a long hiatus and now two grown sons later, I did this run again today....and it has only gotten better! Very organized, LOADS of fun with great music to bide the time along the way every half mile or so, and all the funds raised goes to the local communities and schools. Kudos to a well run, FUN event. I'll be back next year!
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Review from Alie C.
7/25/2010 1 Check-in Here
My mom has done this race for something like 25 years. Almost every year we have driven down here to cheer her on as she huffs and puffs her way through the finish line. It seems to be run really well. They have adequate police manning the streets and we never have trouble parking beforehand. I really enjoy that it is by the beach so while you are waiting you can play in the sand. They had almost 15,000 people running this year which is a huge turnout. If you don't like crowds of people then you should leave the area for the day. If you can hack it then its fun to hang out and watch people more athletic than I run down a big hill and sweat profusely.
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Review from JavaGirl ..
Santa Cruz, CA
3/21/2008
This IS the Best race around!
Register early. Show up and have fun. Run, walk, or run-walk. I did both and had the time of my life.
Just show up and have fun! -
Review from Sudatta G.
Sunnyvale, CA
7/27/2009
A fantastic race. I had a great time.
Started with a foggy typical santa cruz weather. Clear markers for walkers to start behind. If you are a serious runner, make sure you are at atleat "4" mark. Great great great local support. Different kinds of bands all thru the way. Apart from official water stops, people distributing oranges and ice candies was a treat. People spraying water on runners who want a little cool down. The goody distribution in the end was also well organized.
Negatives:
Parking is a problem, but hey, show up early and park in local streets. The drive back is also super-crowded.
I would not think "crowded" race is something to complain, as you should be well aware that running with 15000 people will not give you a lot of room. -
Review from Walter P.
Updated - 8/2/2008 10 photos
I'm rather disappointed because of the following facts:
- This has trully become a WALKERS event.
- You don't have to register. Bandit style is the new pink.
- Omar and I did not make time because their were thousands of walkers making it so difficult to find our running pace.
- No courtesy: Walkers on the left, runners on the right is the golden rule. Walkers scattered all over the place.
- I found myself running into walkers and dodging around through an asteroid field.
- Very cold. Cloudy skies didn't help enhance what I experienced last year's race. Felt like a morning training run than the actual race.
- I nearly collided into a group of walkers at the finish line. WTF? Parade your asses to the left!
- Race packets for the finishers: No enough t-shirts for everyone?
- If I come back next year, i'm so not registering. Just show up and run in the front of the pack with the Kenyans. There's no timing chip anyways.
- This wasn't one of my favorite runs this year. Last year was better. I'm still disappointed.
On a better note...
- Thank you Kate for driving and meeting us at the finish line.
- Thank you Vicky for cribbing Omar and I again.
- Congrats to Jennifer (Omar's sister in law) on finishing the race! She jogged, speed walked the entire course in under two hours!
- Yes, we all went to 99 Bottles right after! I need some beers!Listed in: RUNNING SEASON 2008, RUNNING IS GOOD FOR YOUR…
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7/22/2007
"Dude, I'll be running next to the beach....the Santa Cruz beach! I'm there man!"
Last Sunday… Read more »
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Review from mike b.
Southlake, TX
3/9/2008
This isn't a race, its a party, just walk/jog it to take in the scene: the bands, the costumes, the views, etc...better register early though to get a number!
