Event Profiles

By Michele Lamelin

Women on Waves
April 12, Capitola
www.WOWSurfFest.com

One of the few women’s only surf contests in California. Started in 1996 by the guys from the West Wind Surf Club, WOW is a unique, one day event that brings together generations of women surfers from girls as young as three years old to the pioneers in our community who broke the gender barrier back in the 1960’s.

The one day festival celebrates women in the water, showcasing their athleticism while enjoying the sport of surfing. WOW Surf Fest promotes community building through surfing with the ultimate goal of raising funds for various local scholarships. Visit them online or find them on Facebook for more information.

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Eppie’s Kids Duathlon
May 17, Sacramento
www.EppiesGreatRace.com

Unlike previous years, Eppie’s Great Race® (EGR) will present the ninth annual Kids Duathlon on a different date than their flagship event. The primary goal of the Eppie’s Kids Duathlon is to demonstrate to young people that healthy outdoor activities are fun, exciting and rewarding, while simultaneously helping them to improve their fitness and overall health. ERG moved the event to May 2014 and partnered with Nicolas’ Garden to present a children’s health and wellness event with a “farm-to-fork” focus, incorporating entertainment and educational, hands-on health, nutrition and fitness activities. Visit their website or call (916)480-0270 for more information.

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Surfer’s Path Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay
May 18, Capitola
www.SurfersPathMarathon.com

With it’s breathtaking views of Monterey Bay and over a dozen famous surf spots along the Santa Cruz coastline, the Surfer’s Path Marathon, Capitola Half Marathon and Surfer’s Path Relay are quickly gaining cult status among runners.

In 2012 Event Director Tom Bradley brought three decades of race production experience to create what many consider one of the most scenic courses in the world.

“After years of establishing races, I was able to create what I consider to be the most amazing course. With attendance limited to 4,000 participants, every runner will get to experience the breathtaking scenery from Capitola to Wilder Ranch State Park,” Tom said in a recent interview.

Now in its third year, the concept behind the race is to emphasize the Santa Cruz surf theme and the historic relationship that connects Santa Cruz to the evolution of surfing.

“Given that Hawaiian princes first brought surfing to America in 1885 by paddling out at the San Lorenzo Rivermouth, a running tour of Capitola, Pleasure Point, Steamer’s Lane, and beyond is a fitting way to showcase our coastal community,” he added.

Runners will start at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, do a loop through picturesque Capitola Village and return to Santa Cruz for a beach finish. Marathoners continue along spectacular West Cliff Drive to the bluffs of Wilder and back. All runners receive event shirts featuring surfboard graphics and surfboard finisher medals.

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Auburn Triathlon
May 18
www.AuburnTriathlon.com

While it might be best known for its challenging Half Ironman race dubbed as the “World’s Toughest Half,” The Auburn Triathlon is equally prized by participants in all race categories for fun routes and the feeling of support and safety felt by the competitors during the event.

Chris Cloyd, a personal trainer from the Performance Training Center in Truckee, says the course has “the best bike leg I’ve ever done in a triathlon.” He loved not only that the ride rolls past beautiful scenery on mostly rural two lane roads, but that it’s packed full of challenging ascents and descents with winding turns. It’s a course that emphasizes bike handling skills, while many triathlons feature bike sections that only measure how hard you can hammer.

Jill Whisler, a Registered Dietician from Tahoe City, competed in last year’s Auburn Triathlon, before traveling to London to compete in the World Triathlon Grand Final. She said the race is a great kick off to the triathlon season. She especially liked the run portion of the event, which lies partially on a road shut to traffic, and partially on a trail, including a portion of the famous Western States Trail.

Given the severe drought conditions in California, the organizers have taken steps to procure several alternatives if low water levels do not allow the swim to occur at its scheduled location on Lake Folsom. There are three potential back-up sites available if needed. “No matter what, the race will go on,” confirms Tahoe Peak Endurance, the company that produces the race.

Tahoe Peak Endurance will also hold a dress rehearsal clinic for the Lake Tahoe Ironman. The clinic takes place on August 8-10 and provides participants with the strategy and tips they need to effectively complete the course. This year they are also adding a Tahoe altitude triathlon preparation camp on June 12-15. For more information on these clinics, go to www.TahoePeakEndurance.com. For information on the Auburn Triathlon, or to register, go to www.AuburnTriathlon.com.

— Tim Hauserman • Michael Kirby

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Are You Tough Enough?

The Auburn Triathlon attracts a number of top racers, but the event also brings in a wide range of ability levels. There are also three shorter events including an International Triathlon, a Mini Triathlon, and Aquabike.

World’s Toughest Half
1.2 mile swim • 56 mile bike • 13.1 mile run

International
1.5K swim • 40K bike • 10K run

Mini-Triathlon
500m • 13K bike • 4K run

Long Course Aquabike
1.2 mile swim • 56 mile bike