It’s a new start – or at least starting line – for the Wharf to Wharf

Everyone who lives and/or works in Midtown or the Eastside of Santa Cruz seems to have an anecdote or two these days of hassle and frustration when it comes to the closing of the Murray Street Bridge. 

But imagine you run an annual event that for years sends 16,000 people across that bridge on a single day. What do you do now?

The annual Wharf to Wharf road race has been following essentially the same route for its 50-plus-year existence, and that route has included the Murray Street Bridge over the Santa Cruz Harbor in its journey from the Santa Cruz Wharf to Capitola Village.

Because the bridge is closed to all traffic, this year’s Wharf to Wharf is going to look a lot different, at least the first part of it. For the first time in its history, the “W2W” will not include a coast-hugging purely west-to-east route, but rather a route that circles back on itself and will include, along a short stretch, two-way traffic for runners. Technically, the race won’t be in the city of Santa Cruz at all.

This year’s race, on Sunday, July 27, begins on Portola Drive in Pleasure Point, and then moves west, all the way to Twin Lakes Beach. From there, it takes a circuit through the neighborhood between the harbor and Schwan Lagoon, up 7th Avenue. There runners will come face to face with the closed Murray Street Bridge. Then, they’ll take a left toward The Crow’s Nest and pick up the traditional Wharf to Wharf route, all the way to Capitola. But between Twin Lakes Beach and 17th Avenue, East Cliff Drive becomes a two-way route with runners passing in both directions. The last 4 miles of the race are along the original course.

“Operationally, it’s been a lot to figure out,” said Scott Smith, one of the race’s organizers. “We’re hopeful that, although it’s a significant rerouting and starting-line change, that it’ll still be the Wharf to Wharf in every other capacity.”

Changing an established race route through an urban corridor is a complicated process, having to do with everything from communicating with residents along the route to conforming to fire and safety regulations all along the way. 

“It’ll be stressful for the next couple of weeks as we work through the operational logistics of a completely new starting line,” said Smith. “But the Wharf to Wharf is traditionally such a well-oiled machine. Some partners and neighbors are going to be affected differently than they have been in the past. But so far, the support has been great.”

In all other ways, the Wharf to Wharf will look and feel familiar. Bands and musicians will again perform live at specific points along the route. 

A different starting line also means different parking protocols for participants and spectators alike. Smith said that race officials are encouraging people to park at the Capitola Mall on 41st Avenue. From there, shuttles will carry crowds down to Portola and the new starting gate. Shuttles will also carry crowds from the end point of the race in Capitola Village back to the mall.

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