History
The first Wharf to Wharf Race was run July 28, 1973 as one of a number of festivities scheduled by the City of Capitola’s Heritage Days to celebrate the dedication of Camp Capitola’s Superintendent’s Office, as a California State Historical Landmark with Soquel high School track coach, Ken Thomas, served as Race Director and The $200 race budget was underwritten by the City of Capitola. Race officials declared Stanford’s Jack Bellah the winner and duly awarded him a plaque proclaiming him Champion of the “WARF TO WARF” Race!
On Your Mark…
Giving Back To Local Athletes
The race was incorporated as a California nonprofit in 1980 to promote running health and fitness among the youth of Santa Cruz County. Its Board of Directors meets monthly to review policy, procedures and oversee the distribution of race proceeds to local programs and special projects. Race donations to 34 local schools in 2017 totaled just under $270,000.
Giving Back To The Community
Two scholarships are awarded each year since 1989 in memory of Howard Marcus, a longtime member of the Wharf to Wharf Race organizing committee, family man, basketball coach, attorney, author and patron of youth track & field. Howard Marcus Memorial Scholarships are $3,000 per year, renewable for four years on behalf of the awardee in good standing.
Otis Chandler Memorial Scholarships commemorate Otis Chandler, a world class track & field athlete, and early advocate of strength training and USA Olympic Team qualifier who rose to journalistic acclaim as publisher of the Los Angeles Times. These two Scholarships are $3,000 per year, renewable for four years on behalf of the awardee in good standing.
With Success Comes Celebrity
The largest summer event of its kind on the West Coast, Wharf to Wharf receives broad print and electronic media attention being broadcast live on radio, covered by local TV stations and televised by cable television on race day evening. It is highlighted in all running industry publications as one of the top races in America.
While most come for sun, fun, and fitness reasons, serious athletes run to test their mettle against the best. The race draws an elite, international field. The roll of past champions numbers several Olympic stars.
Everyone’s A Winner
Between the thrilling views of the Santa Cruz and Capitola Coastline, stellar local bands and music, and familiar faces cheering participants along the route, each year’s race is unforgettable.
The Race is produced and administered by Wharf to Wharf Race, Inc., a California nonprofit corporation chartered to promote running as a means to health and fitness. Race proceeds benefit Santa Cruz County youth sports in general and the running community in particular.
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