Quick Take
One of Santa Cruz’s trademark events is back this Sunday, and with it there is expected to be significant traffic delays and road closures in Live Oak and Capitola.
This Sunday, up to 16,000 runners from across the globe will descend upon Santa Cruz County for the annual Wharf to Wharf Race, which is billed as the biggest summer event of its kind on the West Coast.
The 6-mile run is expected to bring significant traffic delays and road closures, with the race beginning at Portola Drive near 30th Avenue in Live Oak and ending at the corner of Cliff and Wharf roads at the foot of the Capitola Wharf. The course, which traditionally starts near the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, has been modified again this year to accommodate the ongoing Murray Street Bridge closure.
According to the Capitola Police Department, there will be major road closures as early as 5 a.m. Sunday to prepare for the race, and the roads will reopen progressively once the final participants cross the finish line around noon to 1 p.m. Though the race begins at 8 a.m., runners are encouraged to come as early as 6 a.m. because there is no street parking along the race route and extremely limited street parking by the starting line.
The major road closures include the Esplanade, Stockton Avenue and Wharf Road in Capitola Village, as well as Cliff Drive and sections of Capitola Road, Capitola Avenue at Hill Street and Bay Avenue at Hill Street in Capitola. The police department also warns of heavy traffic and delays on Bay Avenue, 41st Avenue and surrounding detours.
“If you’re heading down to cheer on the runners, consider walking, biking or arriving extra early,” Capitola PD said in an Instagram post.
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