2026 Little Wharf 3-Miler

Year 41 — and America's 250th Birthday!

This is the one you don't want to miss.

The Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Club is fired up to bring you the 2026 Firecracker — and this year is unlike any other. Our nation is celebrating its 250th birthday, and we're throwing the party Santa Cruz style: lace up your shoes, hit the pavement, and kick off Independence Day the way this community has for over four decades at Harvey West Park, Santa Cruz CA.

We're calling all runners, walkers, families, and friends — our goal is 1,000+ runners this year!

That's right. We want to make the 2026 Firecracker the biggest in our history. So grab your crew, sign up your neighbors, rope in your coworkers, and let's pack Harvey West Park on the Fourth of July. Whether you're chasing a PR or pushing a stroller, there's a course for you.

The Loyalty Registration window is from Wednesday, March 25th at 7am until Monday, March 30th at 5pm. If eligible, you will have an access code emailed to you on March 25th at 7am when registration opens. Your code does not guarantee or reserve you a space. However, those eligible can register with their code any time during that window. While your code will only work 1 times, you are allowed to register up to (5) participants under one transaction using the code.

Who is considered Loyal?

• Participants who registered for 6 of the past 10 live Wharf to Wharf Races (2014 - 2019, 2022 - 2025).

OR

• Participants who registered for the 2025 Little Wharf 3-Miler.

How do I verify my Loyalty Status?

1. Click "VERIFY LOYALTY STATUS" button below.

2. Type in your first and last name.

3. If you are eligible, your name will appear with the words: "You are eligible."

If you are not eligible, your name will NOT appear and you will see the words:

"Your name or email was not found on the eligible list, if you feel this is in error please click "DISPUTE FORM" on right side of page."

What are the next steps if I am eligible for Loyalty Status?

1. Hang tight! Loyalty Registration will not open until Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 7:00am PDT.

2. If you are eligible, you will be emailed a unique access code on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

3. Those eligible who received their code will have until Monday, March 30th at 5:00pm PDT to use their code to register.

Why might my name not appear in the database if I meet the criteria?

Our Loyalty database requires an exact match of your first name, last name and email address in 6 of 10 Wharf to Wharf registrations. Your name might not appear if:

1. You changed your last name.

2. You spelled your name wrong during registration.

3. You registered under a nickname.

4. You registered under different email addresses.

Please fill out our Dispute Form to resolve the issue. Dispute Forms must be submitted by March 22nd at 11:59pm PDT.

Still have questions?

Please email [email protected].

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.