Run by the Sea

Come play at of one of the most fun and scenic events on the west coast. This race has a sprint and international (Olympic) distance triathlon, with relays, aquathalon and aquabike categories for both races. Clydesdale and Athena triathlon categories are available.

There is a special, non-competitive Family & Friends wave for people who are new to triathlon or just want to race with family and friends regardless of age or gender.

Special youth pricing is available for youth 12-17 and seniors 70+ for all individual distances. Contact us for a discount for an all youth/senior relay team.

Triathlon club disounts available. If your Tri Club does not have a code, have a club officer contact us.

Sheltered swim and flat bike and run course make this a perfect place for your first race or a PR. Voted one of the best late season triathlons in the country. The bike ride is a totally closed course and both the bike and run courses follow the coastline to create one of the most scenic races around! (Pending approval of the 2025 bike course)

Stick around and play for a day at the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk or visit the Surfer Museum or National Marine Sanctuary Center.

Participants will receive a finisher medal and custom t-shirt as part of their registration, plus a post race lunch and awards.

LITTLE WHARF REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

On September 26, 2026, Wharf to Wharf Race, Inc. is producing the 8th Running of the Little Wharf 3-Miler as a part of the Capitola Beach Festival weekend. The festival will kick off on Saturday morning with a point-to-point family fun run/walk starting at the East Cliff Village Shopping Center and running three miles along the Santa Cruz coastline, before finishing in the Capitola Esplanade.

• When: September 26, 2026

• Distance/Location: 3 miles point to point from Santa Cruz to Capitola (East Cliff Village Shopping Center to Capitola Esplanade).

• What do you get? All race finishers get a Little Wharf Finishers Medal, Personalized Bib Number, an Event Bag, PATH water bottle, and a cookie from Pacific Cookie Company.