CROWDS AND MUSIC BOOST WHARF TO WHARF RUNNERS
For the first time in two years, runners of the Santa Cruz Wharf to Wharf Race gathered in person by the thousands to start the scenic 6-mile course on Beach Street near the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. Despite the overcast sky and chill, morning air, runners we're excited to return after two years of running the race virtually.
“We are excited to be back,” said Isabella Trejo who hadn't run the race since 2019. “I really look forward to the ambience of the crowd, and seeing everyone on their rooftops with the music playing, and the live music as well.”
Lorena Sixtos-Garcia who was running with her partner Isaiah Benavidez shared Trejo's sentiments. “There's nothing like the camaraderie of this amazing group setting,” she said, “and just being able to feed off the crowd's energy.”
For others, such as Michelle and Kevin Desmond of Santa Cruz, this year's race was significant for more than one reason.
“This is the way we are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary,” said Michelle Desmond. “Our kids ran the race as Santa Cruz High students and this will be our first year. It's great to be a part of this experience and its great that the money raised goes back to the teams.”
Finishing the race can be an accomplishment in itself for long-time participants in the race such as Victoria Davis of Marina.
“I've participated for about 17 years,” said Davis, who will soon celebrate her 70th birthday. “I just enjoy the crowds and the energy of the event. For me, winning is finishing pain-free.”
Patrick Brundage of Campbell has participated in the race since 2012, and despite some unexpected health issues, was intent on making it at least halfway.
“I've been having horrible back spasms today, so if I make it to Brady's Yacht
Club, I might just stop,” said Brundage. “I think I can make it though. I do want to see all the bands especially the ukulele band.”
At the finish line in front of the Esplanade in Capitola Village, a group of young men greeted thirsty finishers looking for a cup of water with cheers and jeers to chug the water like members of a college fraternity. On the beach, and in the nearby streets, finishers gathered to the sounds of live music and discussed their expectations going into the race, compared to their performance.
“It went way better than I thought it was going to go,” said Jemma Hayes of Santa Cruz, who was running the race for the first time. “I thought I was wicked out of shape but I've been doing some cardio boxing and it worked much better than I thought. And I loved all the bands throughout. I wasn't expecting that.”
Many runners commented on the positive energy of the spectators along the course, and how it affected their performance, such as Julian Sanchez of Merced.
“My favorite part was all the people spraying us with water from their houses. It was just fun,” said Sanchez. “It gave me like an extra boost of energy and I'm a sprinter so I needed it because this is way more than I'd ever done before.”
Westside Santa Cruz resident, Ben Chiarmonte also seemed to get an inexplicable boost of energy from spectators.
“I was expecting to go a lot slower, but something just kicked in,” said. Chiaramonte. “We haven't been able to get out too much lately, so it's great to get this community involvement. It keeps you going.”
While many felt energized until the finish, others, such as UCSC student Gaven Hartman, were just happy to make it to the end.
“I used to run cross country in high school and the owner of the business I work for couldn't make it, so I ran for him,” said Hartman. “I feel like the race kicked my butt, but I also feel like I did really good. My favorite part was the finish line.”