XTERRA Pacific Championship - Santa Cruz
Where: Santa Cruz, CA
When: May 15, 2011
XTERRA returns to Northern California with the XTERRA Pacific Championship at
Wilder Ranch in Santa Cruz. XTERRA Pacific Champs is one of six regional championship races that are part of the 2011 XTERRA America Tour.
Pros race for a $10,500 pro purse- Age groupers battle for slots to the World Championship (see chart below)
- Top amateur finishers earn points toward their standings in the XTERRA America Tour
Highlighting the weekend of activities are a ton of activities that everyone will enjoy. We kick off the weekend with a 5/10km trail run/walk as well as a more challenging 20km half-marathon. We'll also have a shorter Sport distance race, perfect for first-timers looking for the XTERRA experience or a slightly less challenging course but with all fun as well as a new XTERRA event called XTERRA Two featuring a 13-mile mountain bike and 3-mile trail run. Paul Mitchell presents FREE XTERRA University clinics hosted by the sport's top pros. And XTERRA Gear will be on-site to provide the best in racing, training and casual apparel.
Registration Information
Online registration has closed but you can still register at Packet Pickup on Friday from noon to 7pm we’ll be at our official run shop - Running Revolution (1664-B Soquel Drive) located on the corner of and Soquel and Mission Drives. On Saturday we’ll be based out of our event expo area at Wilder Ranch from 7am-3pm, and we’ll have late pickup (just pickup, not registration) on Sunday morning starting at 6:00am at Wilder.
Individual rate - $95 | Team rate - $140. Military and Student discounts available with valid ID.
SORRY, NO REFUNDS
Registration fee includes an event T-shirt and post-race refreshments.
A USA Triathlon license is required. Single-day licenses are available for $10 through XTERRA registration.
Note: You must be present to receive your award. Awards will not be mailed after the event.
Qualifying Slots
Top finishers at Pacific Championship race are awarded slots to the XTERRA World Championship in Makena, Maui based on the following age group allocations.
| AGE GROUP | QUALIFYING SLOTS
MALE | QUALIFYING SLOTS
FEMALE |
(15 - 19) | 1 | 1 |
(20 - 24) | 1 | 1 |
(25 - 29) | 2 | 2 |
(30 - 34) | 3 | 2 |
(35 - 39) | 3 | 2 |
(40 - 44) | 3 | 2 |
(45 - 49) | 2 | 2 |
(50 - 54) | 1 | 1 |
(55 - 59) | 1 | 1 |
(60-64) | 1 | 1 |
(65+) | N/A | 1 |
(65-69) | 1 | N/A |
(70+) | 1 | N/A |
Challenged | 3 | 3 |
Course
The XTERRA swim will be alongside the pier on Cowell's Beach. Two laps of 750m each for the Championship and 1 lap for Sport
The initial bike ride is along West Cliff and all on road. This first section is about 3 miles to Natural Bridges State Park. We will try to get permission to ride through Natural Bridges park and out the trail on the back that leads to the county bike path. The bike path runs parallel with route 1 headed north out of Santa Cruz. The bike path is 2 miles and ends at a tunnel that goes under route 1 and leads into Wilder Ranch
The course at Wilder starts with a whole lot of climbing. Not especially technical, but loose and steep in places. A combination of open roads and single track trails will get you to a steep and very rocky downhill. The more skilled rider will make lots of time on this descent. At the bottom of Baldwin Loop riders will climb again to just over 800' before getting some neat trails near the top of the park. From there we have some very technical, twisty single track downhill with a few places most folks will walk; some stream crossings with short, steep climbs and then a blistering fast downhill back to the Wilder Ranch tunnel and T2. Total distance of the bike is over 19 miles with 14 miles on trails at Wilder. Depending on times we get from pre-riding we may lengthen the mountain bike course.
The run is not very technical but perhaps the most scenic of any 10K on earth. Runners will have to drop off a cliff on a very narrow trail to a beach, cross the beach and scramble up the other side to return to the bluffs. Depending on the tides and surf, you may get wet ! The run back takes athletes past artichoke, pumpkin and rather smelly brussel sprout fields with a wicked diversion from the flats about 1/4 mile from the finish. The run will be fast but keep a lookout for the famous on-shore winds.
Transitions
The swim-to-bike transition (T1) is at Cowell’s Beach Parking Lot right in front of the Santa Cruz Wharf (see map).
The bike-to-run transition (T2) and finish line is at Wilder Ranch State Park about 5 miles away
We advise setting up T2 at Wilder Ranch first and early. Wilder gates will open at 5:30am. Then, either ride your bike or drive down to Cowell’s Beach to set-up T1, get body marked, get your swim cap, and get ready to race. If you drive, there is metered parking up and down Pacific Street (generally 75 cents per hour), random lots all over, and Depot Park (see map) is a flat $5 for the day and it opens at 6am.
Now, if you're with someone, they can drive you to Wilder then to the beach, watch the start and your transition and drive back to Wilder for the rest of the event.
Note: We will NOT operate a shuttle between the two sites.
Transition Bags
We will provide you with a transition bag at packet pickup. Please be sure to label it clearly with your race/bib number and/or name, put your wetsuit and all other belongings inside the bag, and tie it tightly before you exit transition. We will take your transition bag to Wilder for collection.
XTERRA 2 athletes (bike/run) Instructions
Your start is at transition. The race director will start your race when the first XTERRA Sport race swimmers arrive at the swim-to-bike transition. It will be around 8:15am or so.
Bike Course Cut-off Times
All competitors need to arrive at the bike-to-run transition by 12:30pm.
Pre-Riding
The bike and run courses at Wilder are marked and ready to ride. Please stay off the run course during Saturday’s trail running events until about 11am.
Road Safety
Please be safe and watch for cars on your way from the beach to Wilder Ranch. We will have a coned lane the entire way, dozens of police officers and volunteers watching intersections, but that still cannot stop an inattentive or aggressive driver. Keep your head up and eyes peeled for cars, other bikes and pedestrians, and be especially vigilant while crossing driveways and intersections.
Click Image for Larger Version
XTERRA Pacific Championship
1.5k swim / 30k mountain bike / 10k trail run
XTERRA Sport
750m swim / 15k mountain bike / 5k trail run
XTERRA Two
13-mile mountain bike / 3-mile trail run
*Course routes are subject to change.
Volunteers
We could still use volunteer help this Sunday for the XTERRA Pacific Championship triathlon, so if you or any of you have relatives or friends who could lend a hand for a few hours, it would be greatly appreciated. Various duties include helping to register athletes, prepping food/drinks in the recovery tent, handing out water/Gatorade on the course, being a course marshal, helping out timers, or helping man intersections along West Cliff Drive.
If anybody you know is interested in assisting, please contact Diane Delucchi at 831-345-9399 or email delucch@yahoo.com. Thank you!
XTERRA Sport Race
Online registration has closed but you can still register at Packet Pickup on Friday from noon to 7pm we’ll be at our official run shop - Running Revolution (1664-B Soquel Drive) located on the corner of Soquel and Mission Drives. On Saturday we’ll be based out of our event expo area at Wilder Ranch from 7am-3pm, and we’ll have late pickup (just pickup, not registration) on Sunday morning starting at 6:00am at Wilder.
Distance: 750 meter swim / 15k mountain bike / 5k trail run
The XTERRA Sport race is a half-distance race run on the same course and day as the championship race. The race is a great opportunity for new competitors, or for those who want a less-demanding XTERRA experience.
XTERRA Two
Online registration has closed but you can still register at Packet Pickup on Friday from noon to 7pm we’ll be at our official run shop - Running Revolution (1664-B Soquel Drive) located on the corner of Soquel and Mission Drives. On Saturday we’ll be based out of our event expo area at Wilder Ranch from 7am-3pm, and we’ll have late pickup (just pickup, not registration) on Sunday morning starting at 6:00am at Wilder.
Distance: 13-mile mountain bike / 5km trail run
You don't like to swim but you want to be part of the Big Show? We have a place for you. Sunday morning May 15 as part of the first XTERRA Pacific Championship in Santa Cruz we will host a bike-run competition. Not a full duathlon that is run-bike-run but only bike first, run second.
Start will be at Depot park in Santa Cruz, the same place as the swim to bike transition for the triathlon. Entrants will be ready to ride at the exit of transition. As the first swimmer reaches the entrance our starter will let the bike-run race begin. The course is the same as the XTERRA Sport distance with a bike of roughly 13 miles (5 miles to Wilder Ranch and a tough 8 miles at Wilder) followed by a 5K run along the bluffs at Wilder.
Awards to the top 3 in each age group.
XTERRA Collegiate
Any collegian with a current photo ID can race for their school as an individual and get a break on Championship distance registration fees, and whenever there are three athletes from two or more schools entered they’ll race against each other for school pride in the college team division. There are no age groups in the college division – just male and female.
XTERRA Santa Cruz 5/10/20km Trail Runs
Online registration has closed but you can still register at Packet Pickup on Friday from noon to 7pm we’ll be at our official run shop - Running Revolution (1664-B Soquel Drive) located on the corner of Soquel and Mission Drives or Saturday from 6:30-7:30am at the XTERRA expo at Wilder Ranch.
The XTERRA Santa Cruz trail runs are adventurous and fun. From a casual 5k run/walk in and around Wilder Ranch to a grueling 20k half-marathon - XTERRA has a challenge just for you. All the runs are on Saturday, with the 20k at 8AM, the 10km at 8:10AM and the 5km at 8:15AM.
XTERRA University
Get ready to XTERRA with the sport's best. XTERRA University, presented by Paul Mitchell, offers competitors a chance to take in last-minute advice and pointers from the best off-road multisport athletes in the sport.
The FREE sessions target improved swimming, biking and trail running techniques plus dealing with the specifics of the Lake Las Vegas course. There will be time for Q & A with the pros during each session. All classes will be held at the race compound at Wilder Ranch.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
WILDER RANCH STATE PARK
SANTA CRUZ, CA
MAY 14-15, 2011
NEW START TIME as of 4.7.11
Friday, May 13 @ RUNNING REVOLUTION
12:00-7:00pm Registration and Packet Pickup for all events at our official running shop Running Revolution (1664-B Soquel Drive • Santa Cruz). Located on the corner of Soquel and Mission Drives (831) 462-8228 • inquiries@runrevcruz.com
Saturday, May 14 – at WILDER RANCH STATE PARK
6:30am-7:30am XTERRA Trail Runs/Walk Late Registration / Packet Pickup*
7:00am-3:00pm XTERRA Pacific Championship/Sport/XTERRA 2 Registration / Packet Pickup*
8:00am XTERRA Trail Half Marathon (20K) Start
8:10am XTERRA 10K Trail Run Start
8:15am XTERRA 5K Trail Run and Walk Start
8am-4:00pm XTERRA Expo Open
8:45am 5K winner expected
9:00am 10K winner expected
9:30am 20K winner expected
10:00am XTERRA 5k/10K Trail Run Awards Ceremony
10:30am XTERRA Trail Half Marathon (20K) Awards Ceremony
11:00am XTERRA University, presented by Paul Mitchell hosted by pro athletes
12:00pm Kahuna’s Race Briefing
Sunday, May 15 – START AT COWELL’S BEACH/FINISH at WILDER RANCH STATE PARK
6:00am Late Packet Pickup (sorry, no race-day registration), Transition open for set-up and body marking at COWELL'S BEACH TRANSITION AREA (T1)
8:00am XTERRA Sport Start (750m swim, 15K MTB, 5K trail run) at COWELL’S BEACH
8:10am (approx.) XTERRA 2 Start (15K MTB, 5K Trail Run) at COWELL'S BEACH TRANSITION AREA (T1)
8:30am XTERRA Pacific Championship Start (1.5K swim, 30K MTB, 10K trail run) at COWELL’S BEACH
9:00am-1:00pm XTERRA Expo Open
9am - 1pm Paul Mitchell Cut-a-thon, a benefit for the Challenged Athletes Foundation
9:15/9:45am XTERRA Sport male/female winner expected at WILDER RANCH
10:45/11:15am XTERRA Pacific Championship male/female Winner expected at WILDER RANCH
12:30pm XTERRA Pacific Championship, XTERRA Sport and XTERRA 2 Awards Ceremony at WILDER RANCH
12:30pm Cutoff time at T2
7pm After Party – TBD
Michael David Winery will be doing free wine tasting of 7 Deadly Zins and 7 Heavenly Chards all weekend at the XTERRA Expo at Wilder Ranch
NEW START TIME as of 4.7.11
Note: Park parking fee: $10.
* Proof of identity required
Note: You must be present to receive your award. Awards will not be mailed after the event.
Athlete Updates
The swim-to-bike transition has been changed from Depot Parking Lot to the parking lot at Cowell's Beach. This will allow for a much shorter run from the swim to T1 and open up many parking spaces close to the swim start.
The drive from the bike-to-run transition and finish line at Wilder Ranch is about 15 minutes. We advise setting up T2 first (and early). Then, drive down to the pier and park at Depot Parking Lot and ride your bike down to Cowell's beach to setup your swim-to-bike transition. If you're with someone, the driver can watch you start and then drive back to Wilder for the rest of the event with plenty of time for the finish. If you are alone you can leave your car at Depot and return later, or leave your car at Wilder Ranch and ride your bike the 5 miles from Wilder to Cowell's beach for the start. We will NOT be operating a shuttle between the two sites.
Click Image for Larger Version
A few facts:
- This is definitely a wetsuit race for all competitors.
- There is no shuttle from T2 back to T1 or vice versa.
- We will transport T1-swim bags to Wilder for collection.
- West Cliff drive will be closed to east bound traffic at 7:30am so you will need to be at T1 before that time.
To drive from Wilder Ranch to Depot Park:
- Take Route 1 East which turns into Mission Street about 3.8 miles to Bay Street
- Turn right on Bay Street about 1 mile to West Cliff Drive
- Turn left on West Cliff and follow to T1 on Beach Street
- Left at T1 on Pacific to Depot Park lot
Directions
The park is north of Santa Cruz, immediately west of Highway One, approximately 1.8 miles past the Western Drive stoplight.
Parking at Wilder Ranch
There will be an entrance fee to park at Wilder Ranch. A pass will be required for each day you wish to enter the park. They will be sold as you enter the park and will need to be displayed on the dash of your car. The pass will allow for in/out privileges for the day(s) they are good for.
Red pass - Three day pass for $20.
Yellow pass - Saturday pass for $10.
Green pass - Sunday pass for $10.
Official Tri Shop
Tri Shop Santa Cruz
Join us Friday 13th May at 6.30 PM as local professional triathlete, Tommy Zaferes, comes to the store to talk about his tri experiences. He'll get you ready for the XTERRA next week and your triathlons in the future as he discusses race preparation, transition techniques, race safety, and how to just have fun. Tommy will be at the store for an hour so come in and meet this talented local athlete. Please RSVP to Trudie @ 831 464 7467 or trudie@trishopsantacruz.com
10% off all stock at Tri Shop. Plus, they will be offering a compression sock fitting and quick workshop too!
www.trishopsantacruz.com
Official Bike Shop
Spokesman Bicycles is a full-service bike shop and will offer XTERRA athletes shipping services to those who wish to not travel with their mountain bikes.
231 Cathcart Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-5683
Mon-Sat 10-6 & Sun 12-5
http://www.spokesmanbicycles.com/
Official Running Store
The Running Revolution
1664-B Soquel Drive
Santa Cruz, California 95065
(831) 462-8228 - inquiries@runrevcruz.com
www.runrevcruz.com
Rent a Wetsuit
You can rent the fastest and most flexible triathlon wetsuit on the market. XTERRA Wetsuits is offering full or sleeveless wetsuit rentals for just $49 with zero deposit and free ground shipping. Extended rental periods are available for $15/week.
Check them out at http://rentals.xterrawetsuits.com/.
Wetsuit Policy
XTERRA follows the Swimming Conduct rules for Wetsuit Use established by the International Triathlon Union (ITU) at all Championship Races (Vegas, Waco, Santa Cruz, Pelham, Richmond and Beaver Creek), the XTERRA USA Championship (Utah), all XTERRA World Tour events, and the XTERRA World Championship. Here are the specifics of the ITU Wetsuit Use Rules:
- Wetsuits are mandatory for Age Group athletes if the water temperature is BELOW 57 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees C)
- Wetsuits are permitted for Age Group athletes if the water temperature is AT or BELOW 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees C)
- Wetsuits are forbidden for Age Group athletes if the water temperature is ABOVE 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees C)
- Wetsuits are mandatory for Professional athletes if the water temperature is BELOW 57 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees C)
- Wetsuits are permitted for Professional athletes if the water temperature is AT or BELOW 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees C).
- Wetsuits are forbidden for Professional athletes if the water temperature is ABOVE 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees C)
Athlete Photos
We are happy to announce that Brightroom will be the official event photographer for athlete photos. Photos will be ready three to five days after the event. You can visit Brightroom now and sign up for email notification. They will alert you when the photos are ready for online viewing and ordering.
Find Your Photos from Brightroom
Free Wine Tasting
Michael David Winery will be doing free wine tasting of 7 Deadly Zins and 7 Heavenly Chards all weekend at the XTERRA Expo at Wilder Ranch.
Swimming Pools
Take a dip in the ocean before the race if you can to get a feel for the water.
There are a couple pools in town if you're looking to get some laps in.
1. Simpkins Swim Center
2. UC Santa Cruz Pool
Host Hotel
The Beach Street Inn
125 Beach Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Chris Ferrante welcomes XTERRA athletes to their newly renovated hotel. Perched atop one of the most spectacularly scenic vantage points on the entire Santa Cruz coastline, Beach Street Inn and Suites offers guests breathtaking views of the Monterey Bay and the main beach directly below. The Beach Street Inn is just steps away from the XTERRA Pacific Championship swim start and transition areas. They are offering XTERRA athletes a special room rate of $159.00, plus tax.
Telephone: 831-423-3031 ask for the XTERRA rate.
Fax: 831-423-2607
Email: info@BeachStreetInn.com
www.beachstreetinn.com
If ordering online in the "special requests/comments" section mention XTERRA to get the $159.00 rate. They will confirm the reduced rate via email once the reservation is made.
Directions to The Beach Street Inn
Traveling North
Take Hwy. 5 to Hwy 46 West. Switch to Hwy 101 North at Paso Robles, and then to Hwy 183 West in Salinas. Follow 183 West to Hwy 1 North, which will turn into Mission Street as you enter Santa Cruz. Turn left off Mission onto Bay Avenue. Turn left when Bay dead ends at West Cliff Drive and then immediately right onto Beach Street. Beach Street Inn and Suites will be at the bottom of the hill and on the left, just past the entrance to the Santa Cruz Wharf.
Traveling South
Take Hwy 280 South towards San Jose. Switch to Hwy 85 South, then Hwy. 17 South to Santa Cruz. Exit on Hwy 1 North to Mission Street. Turn left off Mission at Bay Avenue. Turn left when Bay dead ends at West Cliff Drive and then immediately right onto Beach Street. Beach Street Inn and Suites will be at the bottom of the hill and on the left, just past the entrance to the Santa Cruz Wharf.
Choice Hotels - Official Hotel Partner of XTERRA
XTERRA is proud to announce that Choice Hotels International has become the Official Hotel Partner of XTERRA. Choice Hotels has more than 5,700 Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Quality Inn®, Sleep Inn®, Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®, Econo Lodge®, and Rodeway Inn® brand hotels worldwide which will make it easy to travel to your next race.
As the Official Hotel Partner of XTERRA all members and racers receive a 15% discount while staying at participating Choice hotels.*
To make a hotel reservation:
Call the Choice Sports Desk at 877.240.AWAY (2929) or visit www.choicesportstravel.com.
Provide your XTERRA Discount Code / Special Rate ID: 00224890
*Discount subject to availability
And, if you’re a Choice Privileges® rewards program member you can enjoy earning points toward free nights, Airline Rewards, gift cards for sports apparel and equipment, and more! It’s easy, fast and free to join. For more details and to become a member, visit www.choiceprivileges.com/signup/XTERRA.
Dollar Rent A Car Discount for XTERRA Athletes
Dollar Rent A Car is offering special rates for XTERRA Athletes nation-wide. Click here to book your car today.
Athlete Photos
We are happy to announce that Brightroom will be the official event photographer for athlete photos. Photos will be ready three to five days after the event. You can visit Brightroom now and sign up for email notification. They will alert you when the photos are ready for online viewing and ordering.
Find Your Photos from Brightroom
