Event Description

The Santa Cruz Triathlon is a non-profit event. The race has donated close to $3 million to Santa Cruz County high school athletic programs, UC Santa Cruz Swim Program, Cabrillo College's athletic programs, Santa Cruz Track Club and Santa Cruz Triathlon Association in its over 40 years — including another big year of over $80,000 in 2024. Students from these schools serve as race-day volunteers. Your participation in this event is appreciated!

OLYMPIC RACE

Swim (1.5K): Brisk ocean swim around the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. Water temperature is usually in the mid-50s, so wetsuits are strongly recommended.

Bike (40K): Challenging out-and-back rolling ride via scenic West Cliff Drive and coastal Highway 1 to the historic town of Davenport.

Run (10K): A flat-and-fast, out-and-back dash along the ocean.

Divisions

• Age groups male & female:19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
• Aquabike
• Aquathlon
• Relay (men, women & co-ed)

SPRINT RACE

Our Sprint Triathlon Course is the best sprint race in NorCal. The course — 700 yard swim, 12 mile bike and 3.1 mile run — is ideal for beginners or returning racers not quite up for a full Olympic distance triathlon.

Sorry, athletes under 12 years of age will not be allowed to compete in the Sprint. Racers must be 14 for all other events.

OPEN WATER SWIM

The one-mile Open Water Swim race course is clockwise around the Wharf from the Boardwalk to Cowell Beach. There will be one wave, including men and women. The race will take place around 8:30 a.m., after the Olympic Triathletes have started.

All race entries are non-transferable. All entrants agree to our refund and transfer policy at the successful completion of online registration. Refunds will be processed for medical reasons only. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing with a supporting doctors note no later than 72 hours prior to the event (9/21/2025). You may email us here. A 50 percent credit towards next years race will be applied to your account. No refunds will be allowed for RELAYs, however athletes may be exchanged due to injury at no cost.  Under USA Triathlon rules, participants found racing under another persons name will be disqualified and could be barred from USA Triathlon membership for one full year. Participants could also be barred from racing in future Santa Cruz Triathlons.

Event details and schedule

Please visit our event website for more information. https://www.santacruztriathlon.org/