Each year, on the fourth Sunday in July, thousands of runners from across America and around the globe come to Santa Cruz, California for the annual six-mile Wharf to Wharf Race from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to Capitola-by-the-Sea. This famous race, turning 41 this year and taking place on Sunday, July 28, draws runners, joggers, and walkers from across America and around the globe.
History
The first Wharf to Wharf Race was run Saturday morning July 28, 1973. It was not the main event of the day; just one of a number of festivities scheduled by the City of Capitola’s Heritage Days Committee organized by Jim Reding and Wayne Fontes to celebrate the dedication of Camp Capitola’s Superintendent’s Office, as a California State Historical Landmark. Wayne Fontes chaired the Race Committee and Soquel high School track coach, Ken Thomas, served as Race Director. The $200 race budget was underwritten by the City of Capitola.
The race was a casual affair starting at the Santa Cruz Wharf and winding its way through coastal neighborhoods to Capitola Village, some six miles to the south. It did not run without incident. As the race leaders approached the Village, they were inadvertently misdirected out onto Capitola Wharf, rather than to the Capitola Esplanade where the finish line was actually located. After some discussion, race officials declared Stanford’s Jack Bellah the winner and duly awarded him a classic plaque proclaiming him Champion of the “WARF TO WARF” Race!
On Your Mark …
These misadventures notwithstanding, its 273 participants considered the race a grand success and, when they clamored for a rerun the following year, the organizing committee obliged and the race began a life of its own. Through the 70’s, the race grew dramatically, riding the wave of the running boom that swept the nation. Its numbers doubled each year into the eighties before peaking at around 3,700 runners in 1983. It was at that point that its leadership elected to take a more proactive role in its promotion and administration.
Getting Organized
In the fall of that year race representatives were dispatched to the First Annual Roadrace Management Convention in Washington DC to see what they could learn about the business of running. The knowledge they brought back led to many changes in the face and future of the race, not the least of which was the introduction of a commercial sponsorship program, which facilitated the addition of attractive new features and expanded the financial horizons of the event. More than 6,000 runners answered the starter’s call in 1984. The race was rolling again!
The growth continued through 1987 when a throng of 14,000 showed up, jamming village streets and race venues to the point that organizers feared for the future of the event, recognizing that it was in danger of smothering in the gridlock of its own popularity. In the years since, participation has been carefully capped to preserve the integrity of the race and insure the safety of its runners. This restriction has placed a premium on participation. The race field typically sells out months in advance, earning it a gourmet reputation among elite athletes and casual joggers around the world as THE place to be on the fourth Sunday in July … if you can get in!
As the race matured over the years, so too did its business profile. It was incorporated as a California nonprofit in 1980 to promote running as a means to health and fitness among the youth of Santa Cruz County. Planning for the race runs year-round. Its Board of Directors meets monthly to review policy, procedures and oversee the distribution of race proceeds to a wide array of programs and special projects.
Giving Back to Local Athletes
Race leadership and money spearheaded the development and maintenance of a world-class all-weather tracks at Soquel, Aptos, Watsonville and San Lorenzo Valley and Santa Cruz High Schools and mini-tracks at New Brighton Middle School, Valencia and Mission Hill Elementary Schools. Scholarships of $28,000 are annually awarded to top student athletes.
Race funds and equipment support the Santa Cruz Track Club, International Games, Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League and a wide variety of local high school sports programs. Race donations to the local community in 2012, alone, totaled more than $380,000. Total donations over the years exceed four million dollars.
Giving Back to the Community
Speaking of money, an often overlooked but significant collateral benefit of the Race is its substantial financial impact on the local economy. It is well-documented that the fourth weekend in July is the biggest of the year for Santa Cruz County’s hotel/restaurant trade. Data compiled by The Santa Cruz Conference and Visitors Bureau estimates that the 20,000 annual visitors generated by the event spend more than eight million dollars locally.
The Wharf to Wharf Race today is more than just a footrace. It has become a part of the local cultural fabric, touching the lives of thousands over its thirty-six-year history. Many have felt compelled to run it once as a rite of passage. Others run it year after year to celebrate their vitality or… just because it’s fun. Thousands are involved as volunteers, sponsors, beneficiaries. It is truly a community event of, by and for runners. The fourth Sunday in July is a special date on the Santa Cruz calendar. All this from a $200 beginning back in 1973!
With Success Comes …
The race is limited to 15,000 runners on a first-come-first-served basis. 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.
As has been the trend over the past 5 years, the 2013 Wharf to Wharf Race sold out faster than ever. The registration for the 2013 Wharf to Wharf Race filled up in just over 57 hours. The previous record for Wharf to Wharf sellout was last year (2012) when the race sold out in 6 days.
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.
Every One’s a Winner
2012 Winners – Distance 6m – Entries 15,000 – Men’s Winner Shadrack Kosgei in 27:20 – Women’s Winner Risper Gesabwa in 30:58
Race winners will be awarded gold medals and $4,000 cash prizes. Silver medalists win $3,000; Bronze medalists $2,000; 4th place finishers $1,000. The Top Male and Female American finishers will each be awarded $1,000. Local and wheelchair champs receive distinctive plaques. Top 100 Male and Female finishers will be awarded elite Wharf to Wharf apparel.
The Gold Number! Each year, one hundred finalists are randomly drawn from the sold out field of 15,000. Check your bib number. If it is gold, you are one of these lucky finalists! The winning number will be drawn at the conclusion of the awards ceremony. The prize is a trip for two at a location TBA.
The awards ceremony will be held at 10:00am at the Capitola Beach Bandstand.
From start to finish, the Wharf to Wharf race will be a fun-filled experience people of all ages will enjoy. Between the thrilling views of Santa Cruz and Capitola Coastline, stellar local bands and music, and familiar faces cheering participants along the route, this year’s race will be an unforgettable experience.
Remember, life is short and whether as runner or observer, this 10k run makes for good conversation and stories to tell your friends, family, and children. So make plans to make the last Sunday in July count, and take advantage of this fun filled, one of a kind event in our backyard.
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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. Website: wharftowharf.com
Wharf to Wharf Board of Directors
Ken Thomas, President (Educator) Founding Member of the Board and President. Race Director 1973-1978. Official Starter.
Wally Walker, Secretary (Chief Deputy Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, retired) Runner/volunteer since 1981, Member of the Board and Secretary since 2002
Dan Gruber, (Teacher/Coach, Aptos High School) Wharf to Wharf Champion 1982. Technical Advisor since 1988. Member of the Board since 1993. Raceday TV color commentator.
Mark McConnell, (Teacher/Track Coach Soquel High School) Wharf to Wharf Champion 1974. Member of the Board since 1974. Race Director 1980-1983. Race Coordinator since 1984.
Carolyn McKennan, (Superintendent, Morgan Hill Unified School District, Retired) Superintendent, Soquel Union Elementary School District, Retired) Advisor/Volunteer since 1992. Member of the Board since 1995. Clerk of the Course.
Kim East, (Communications Associate, Community Foundation Santa Cruz County) Volunteer since 2009. Member of the Board 2012. Race Day Headquarters.
Directors Emeritus: Wayne Fontes • Gary McConnell • Nita Messersmith Lundin • Richard Patterson • Jim Reding
Advisory Committee: Rudy Escalante • Eddie Ray Garcia • Tom Honig • Brendan Kelly • Robb Mayeda • Dave Murphy • Mickey Ording
Race Director: Scott McConville, (Track Coach, Aptos High School) Wharf to Wharf Scholarship winner 2001. Elite Athlete Coordinator 2009-2012. Assistant Race Director 2012. Race Director 2013
Director of Corporate Sponsorship: Kirby Nicol, (Real Estate Broker) Finishline Coordinator 1973. Member of the Board 1974-1983 Race Director 1984-1986 / 1988-2012