SANTA CRUZ—The Wharf to Wharf race winds six miles from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to Capitola Village, and since its inception in 1973 has drawn thousands of participants and spectators from around the world.
This year’s event on July 26 would have featured 16,000 runners, in addition to the people who line the route and the bands that provide entertainment along the way.
But the coronavirus pandemic has put a stop to that, and in its place will be a virtual race, organizers announced Sunday.
The decision came after deciding the shelter-in-place restrictions put in place March 31 will likely not be lifted in time for the event.
Race officials are still planning what the virtual event will look like, and plan to release details within the next few weeks, race Director Scott McConville said.
He added that organizers had to cancel the event early enough to be able to plan its replacement.
“We understand how important this race is for the community,” McConville said. We still wanted to have an impact on the running community, and provide that inspirational output as we head into summer. We also wanted to keep in mind the health and safety of the entire community, especially the frontline workers.”
For information, visit wharftowharf.com.
