Events
Place
Santa Cruz, CA US 95060
Description
Come race at one of the most fun and scenic multisport events on the West Coast!
Tri Santa Cruz offers something for nearly every athlete, from first-timers to experienced racers looking for a fast course and a new PR. Choose from Sprint and International (Olympic) distance triathlons, aquabike, aquathlon, duathlon, relays, open-water swims, running events, and our Super Sprint Triathlon. Clydesdale and Athena triathlon categories are also available.
New to triathlon or want to enjoy the experience alongside family and friends? Our special Family & Friends Sprint Wave is a non-competitive option that allows participants to race together regardless of age or gender.
Special youth and senior pricing is available for individual participants ages 12–17 and 70+. Contact us about discounted registration for an all-youth or all-senior relay team.
Triathlon club discounts are available. If your club does not already have a discount code, have a club officer contact us.
Tri Santa Cruz is an ideal race for both beginners and experienced athletes. The swim takes place in the protected waters of Monterey Bay, while the fast bike and run courses showcase the spectacular Santa Cruz coastline. The bike course is completely closed to vehicle traffic, giving athletes a unique opportunity to race along the coast without cars.
Not ready for a full triathlon? Join us for the 750-meter or 1.5K open-water swim, 5K or 10K run, Super Sprint Triathlon, Aquabike, Aquathlon, or Duathlon. There is truly an event for almost everyone.
Make a weekend of it! After the race, enjoy the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, explore the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, or simply spend the day enjoying the beach and everything Santa Cruz has to offer.
Participants receive a custom race T-shirt and finisher medal, along with a post-race lunch. Awards will be presented to top overall and age-group finishers in eligible events.
Swim. Bike. Run. Play. Experience Tri Santa Cruz.
Packet Pickup
Sat - August 8, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Depot Park, 119 Center Street in Santa Cruz
Sun - August 9 - Race Day, 6:00 am - 8:00 am
at Depot Park in Depot Building.
Waves
Age is determined on your age as of December 31, 2026. For example, if you are 39 on race day but turn 40 on any date between race day and the end of the year you are 40 for purposes of race start and timing. Starting in an earlier wave may result in disqualification by USAT officials.
Wave Start Times (final times may be determined by lifeguards based on weather and ocean conditions on race morning).
International Distance
8:00am - Male 39 and Under - Triathlon, Aquabike, Aqauathlon, 1.5K SWIM, All International Relays
8:05am - Male 40 and Over - Triathlon, Aquabike, Aquathlon, Clydesdales, 1.5K Swim
8:10am - All Females - Triathlon, Aquabike, Aqauathlon, 1.5K SWIM, Athena, (no relays)
Sprint Distance
8:30am - Male 39 and Under - Triathlon, Aquabike, Aqauathlon, 750M SWIM, All Sp;rint Relays
8:35am - Male 40 and Over - Triathlon, Aquabike, Aquathlon, Clydesdales, 750M Swim
8:40am - ALL Female Triathlon, Aquabike, Aqauathlon, 750M SWIM, Athena (no relaus)
8:45am - FAMILY and FRIENDS WAVE
8:55am - Super Sprint Triathlon
Duathlon & 5k Run (Starts at Depot Park Finish Line)
8:55am - Duathlons and 5k Runs - All distances and relay teams
Awards
Overall Awards will be three deep overall in each event
Age Group Awards for Sprint and International Triathlons, and Duathlons
Exceptions for the Family and Friends "non-competitive wave" and relays.
Race T-Shirt
2025 Shirt
Finisher's Medal
Live Action From 2017 Race
Check out this cool drone footage shot by Jeff Tse from Tri Santa Cruz 2017. The weather is perfect this time of year with no fog and calm waters in a protected bay. Perfect for first timers and experienced athletes alike. This can be your short course PR for either the sprint or the international (Olympic) distance race.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Become a sponsor
If you are interesed in sponsoring our event, Please contact ray@activitynut.me
