Santa Cruz Triathlon
- Date
- September 27, 2026
- Distance
- Olympic Distance · Sprint Distance · Olympic Aqua Bike & more
From the Organizer
The Santa Cruz Triathlon is a popular, scenic, non-profit race offering Sprint and International (Olympic) distances, plus relays, aquabike, and an aquathlon option, known for its coastal course along West Cliff Drive and along Highway 1. Its an ocean swim around the iconic Santa Cruz Wharf, a spacious transition area on a soccer field, then riding out along West Cliff and Highway 1 to the quaint town of Davenport and back. Then finish with a beautiful run along West Cliff and finish on Cowells Beach.
This is great for beginners and veterans alike, with proceeds funding local high school and college athletics in Santa Cruz County. It's a long-running event that donates significantly to youth sports, featuring a sheltered ocean swim and largely closed-course bike and run, creating a fun, community-focused event.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
76°
Typical Low
52°
Chance of Rain
6%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Santa Cruz, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Santa Cruz, CA
Elevation
36 ft
Nearest Airport
SJC
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport · 26 mi
Time Zone
Pacific Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Santa Cruz Triathlon, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
111
Days to train
- Race
- Santa Cruz Triathlon
- Date
- September 27, 2026
Coming Up
More Triathlon races near Santa Cruz, CA
2026 Wolfpack Youth Super Sprint Aquathlon Race Sanctioned by USA Triathlon (USAT)
Youth
24 miles away
2026 Cal Tri La Crema - 6.28.26
117 miles away
Tri Santa Cruz
Less than a mile away
Sandman Tri
8 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
Three sports, one race — swim, bike, run in sequence, with transitions that are a discipline of their own.
Open water, open roads, and competition with yourself. Cross the finish line knowing what it took to get there.
Triathlon
Swim, bike, run — back to back. The sprint distance makes it far more accessible than most people think.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Santa Cruz Triathlon?
- Santa Cruz Triathlon is a triathlon race held in Santa Cruz, California on September 27, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more triathlon races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Santa Cruz Triathlon?
- Sunday, September 27, 2026 in Santa Cruz, California at 119 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Santa Cruz Triathlon?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Santa Cruz Triathlon
Sep 27, 2026