Santa Cruz Sentinel Triathlon

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Santa Cruz Sentinel Triathlon
Swim Course
Bike Course
Run Course
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September 20, 2009

Santa Cruz, CA

A Santa Cruz classic since 1999, the Sential is a non-profit triathlon rasing money Proceeds from the event are donated to the Santa Cruz County High School athletic programs. A scenic course that follows the highway 1 along the ocean.

Swim 1.5k

The Sentinel swim course is a single loop rectangle swim course that starts on the Santa Cruz beach next to life gaurd tower 3. Swim out along the Santa Cruz pier and around the end and return back to shore on the other side of the pier at life gaurd tower 1.

ocean water
shore beach start
average temperature less then 55 F degrees

A wetsuit is strongly recommended for the swim course. The water is cold (less than 55° degrees) and there can be a current. In previous races surf conditions were highly unusual (surf shot), but there can be swells and chop.

Bike 40k

The Sentinel bike course is a single loop course starting in Santa Cruz and heading north along the Highway 1 to the turn around at Davenport..

Elevation	Total(ft)
Total Elevation	2,178
Elevation Gain	1,087
Elevation Loss	1,091
Start Elevation	45
Finish Elevation	40
Min. Elevation	23
Max. Elevation	128

Grade	Average %	Maximum %
Overall Grade	0.0
Ascent	2.0	8.9
Descent	-1.5	-7.3

Distance Distribution	Miles	%
Overall Grade	24
Ascent	4	16%
Descent	4	17%
Flats	16	67%

Run 10k

The Sentinel run course is a single loop course starting from Transition and heading out highway 1 along the ocean heading towards National Bridges State Beach.

Elevation	Total(ft)
Total Elevation	1,433
Elevation Gain	727
Elevation Loss	21
Start Elevation	40
Finish Elevation	60
Min. Elevation	-9
Max. Elevation	68

Charles said:

Perfect day for a race on a scenic course.
This was my first Olympic distance triathlon, and it was a good one for that distance. The scenery is really nice and the course is generally flat so it's a good introduction.

Swim: Out and back around the pier from a beach start. The bouys are clearly marked and visible. The water is particularly cold and caught me by surprise when my goggles instantly fogged up causing a pause to clear them out to see. A good idea is to use a defogger or equalize the temperature of the lenses before jumping in.

T1: There is a short run up hill from the finish of the swim. the kiddie pools to wash your feet is a nice touch. Transition area was not too tight.

Bike: Rolling hills facing a headwind and tailwind on the way back. Keep a water bottle cage free since they give nice race water bottles at the turn around. Over by the marine mammal lab is a pocked road that could be called "Sentinel Roubaix" feeling like the cobblestones of the "Hell of the North"

T2: Same place as T1.

Run: Out and back along the coast, really scenic. enjoy it. flat course out and back. Water stops every 2 miles are enough.

Improvements: There are no updates once you register on Active. No email reminders, so be sure to check the website regularly for updates. It would be nice if they offered same day pick up of race packet.

Fun race, recommend it highly.

September 26, 2008
Votes: +0

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