Health and Fitness: Race into shape

One way to get in shape during the summer is to train for a race. Santa Cruz County has a wealth of options during the summer and early fall. The past several years have seen an increase in the popularity of triathlons and endurance races all across the state, and our area is prime location for these types of races.
Below is a list of prominent local races in Scotts Valley, the San Lorenzo Valley and Santa Cruz that will take place in the next several months. It’s not too late to get training!
July 4
Firecracker 10K Run
When: 8:30 a.m.
Where: Harvey West Park, 326 Evergreen St., in Santa Cruz
Details: The annual Fourth of July race in Santa Cruz also includes a 5-kilometer criterion-style race. Registration closes Saturday, July 2.
Cost: Kids, $15; adults, $30
Info: www.santacruzfirecracker10k.org
July 24
Wharf-to-Wharf
When: 8:30 a.m.
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St., in Santa Cruz
Details: Sold out for 2011, the 15,000-person race makes its way along the coast from Santa Cruz to Capitola. Great for spectators.
Info: www.wharftowharf.com
July 30
2011 Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge
When: 9 a.m.
Where: Scotts Valley High School, 555 Glenwood Drive, in Scotts Valley
Details: A mountainous bike ride with three ride options.
Cost: $50 before July 15, $65 after; no race-day registration
Info: www.santacruzcycling.org
Aug. 21
Race Thru the Redwoods
When: 8:10 a.m. kids mile, 8:30 a.m. start
Where: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, 101 Big Trees Park Road, in Felton
Details: Felton’s annual race is gaining popularity. For the first time, there is no race-day registration. The event is limited to 700 participants.
Info: www.racethrutheredwoods.com
Sept. 11
Big Kahuna Triathlon
When: 7 a.m.
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Details: A long-course triathlon that has gained popularity, it includes a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run.
Info: www.firstwave-events.com
Sept. 18
Bean Creek Run
When: 8:30 a.m.
Where: Scotts Valley Community Center, 360 Kings Village Road, in Scotts Valley
Details: The 5-mile run or walk in Scotts Valley is accompanied by a pancake breakfast to support the schools
Cost: $30
Info: falconclub.org
Sept. 25
Santa Cruz Triathlon
When: 8 a.m.
Where: Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Beach Street in Santa Cruz
Details: Great for spectators, this tri includes a 1.5 k swim and 40 k bike ride, followed by a 10 k run in Santa Cruz.
Info: www.santacruztriathlon.org