By Jon Chown
One of Santa Cruz County’s longest-running endurance events, the Sandman Triathlon, will be even closer to the water this year when athletes gather Sunday, Aug. 23, at Seacliff State Beach.
“We are changing the bike course a little bit to stay closer to the ocean and avoid big hills and roads with many intersections,” said Veronica Spalekova, race director.
First held in 1985 during the early years of the sport, the Sandman Triathlon has become a local tradition while serving as a fundraiser for lifeguard programs and youth water-safety education.
“The Sandman has been a staple of the Santa Cruz County endurance community since 1985, drawing its classic status from its incredibly unique geography. It kicks off at Seacliff State Beach with a brisk 0.75-mile swim right around the historic S.S. Palo Alto Cement Ship. From there, athletes take on a rolling, scenic 13-mile bike ride through Aptos before finishing with a grueling, but breathtaking, 4-mile run directly on the sand to New Brighton Beach and back. It’s a pure, gritty, California beach race through and through,” said Spalekova.
The event is sanctioned by USA Triathlon and benefits the Santa Cruz State Lifeguard Association, a nonprofit organization operated by active California State Parks lifeguards in Santa Cruz County.
Proceeds support state park and lifeguard operations, the Santa Cruz State Junior Lifeguard Program and scholarships that help underprivileged children receive water-safety instruction. The race begins at 8 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at Seacliff State Beach.
Athletes ages 16 to 99 are eligible to compete in the individual triathlon. There is also a duathlon for competitors ages 16 to 99, featuring a run, a 13-mile bike segment and a 4-mile run. Team competition is available for participants ages 12 to 99, with team members completing the swim, bike and run portions collectively.
“We are expecting roughly 200 participants across our individual triathlon, duathlon, and team relay categories, plus all the families, volunteers, and spectators who come out to pack the beach and cheer them on,” said Spalekova.
Race-day registration opens at 6:30 a.m., while the transition area opens at 7 a.m. The first triathlon wave is scheduled to start promptly at 8 a.m., with the duathlon beginning at approximately 8:30 a.m. on the north side of the transition area.
Parking at Seacliff State Beach will cost $10, with proceeds supporting the park. Awards will be presented following the race.
“What makes the Sandman so special is that every registration fee and donation goes right back into protecting the very waters we race in,” said Spalekova. “This event serves as a critical fundraiser for local State Parks, lifeguard operations, and the Junior Lifeguard program. Specifically, the proceeds fund scholarships for underprivileged kids in our community, ensuring they have access to high-quality water safety education. When you support the Sandman, you aren’t just supporting a historic multi-sport event—you’re actively investing in youth water safety and the next generation of ocean athletes.”