Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk
From Whale Run and Walk
- Date Sat 21st March 2026
- Time 7:30AM PDT
- Location Fort Bragg, California
- Price $22.20 - $59.30
- Races 5 races
- Distances Half Marathon, 10km, 5km
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Get ready for the 38th Annual Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk, taking place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in the charming coastal city of Fort Bragg, Mendocino! Organized by the dedicated team at Whale Run and Walk, this event promises an unforgettable day filled with excitement and breathtaking views. Participants can choose from a variety of race distances, including a 5K run, a 5K "Fun" walk, a thrilling 10K, and a half marathon that stretches all the way to MacKerricher State Park. Young runners can join in the fun with a special 300-meter Kiddie run for ages U6 and U10.
As the Whale Run kicks off the beloved Whale Festival, attendees can look forward to a day overflowing with festivities, including a craft fair, guided whale viewing, and delicious clam chowder, beer, and wine tasting. With up to 800 runners expected to participate, this vibrant event is not only a chance to challenge yourself but also to soak in the stunning whitewater ocean views and the possibility of spotting whales along the scenic Coastal Trail. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to join the community and celebrate the beauty of Fort Bragg while making lasting
As the Whale Run kicks off the beloved Whale Festival, attendees can look forward to a day overflowing with festivities, including a craft fair, guided whale viewing, and delicious clam chowder, beer, and wine tasting. With up to 800 runners expected to participate, this vibrant event is not only a chance to challenge yourself but also to soak in the stunning whitewater ocean views and the possibility of spotting whales along the scenic Coastal Trail. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to join the community and celebrate the beauty of Fort Bragg while making lasting
Organiser's Description
The 38th Annual Whale Run & Walk for 2026!
Fort Bragg, Ca is a small, picturesque city on the Pacific Ocean, nestled between sandy beaches and the redwood forest. We are the home of the world famous Glass Beach [/We%20are%20the%20home%20of%20the%20world%20famous%20Glass%20Beach!]! Every year there is a huge Whale Festival [https://visitfortbraggca.com/whalefest/] on the 3rd weekend of March, and Saturday morning the Whale Run kicks it off! After the Whale Run there are events all over town, including a craft fair; guided whale viewing; clam chowder, beer and wine tasting, entertainment, and music everywhere. See the www.whalerun.org [https://www.whalerun.org] for more information and interesting facts about whales.
The local Soroptimist clubs have been holding this race for 38 YEARS, with up to 800 runners participating on a beautiful day on the Mendocino Coast. The ocean and trails are as magnificent as ever and we know you will love the views and all the festivities in town on race day. All runners, walkers, and spectators will enjoy breathtaking whitewater ocean views (including whales) along this years new course starting at the Noyo Headlands Park (Cypress Street) on the Coastal Trail in Fort Bragg, CA [https://visitfortbraggca.com/fort-bragg-coastal-trail/]
Here are the events you can sign up for:
* 5k-- runners will run north and turn around at or near Compass Rose.
* 5k-- "Fun" Walkers will follow the 5k runner's route.
* 10k-- runners dash north past Glass Beach then cross the beautiful Pudding Creek Trestle [https://californiathroughmylens.com/pudding-creek-trestle/] to the 10K turn around (10K map [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1fT-m7GjKvA0JNsLl84acDM9qy2v0KjM&usp=sharing]).
* 1/2 Marathon--same route as 10k but the turnaround is at MacKerricher State Park.
* Kiddie run -- 300 meter run in 2 age groups (U6 and U10)
There are multiple race age divisions. Note: under 16 run/walkers may enter any race division for a discounted rate at signup.
Early signups are encouraged!! The entry fee will increase starting March 1, 2025, and there is no guarantee of a free shirt after March 10.
DOGS: We love dogs, but the insurance won't let us add them mixed with runners. You are welcome to walk your dog on the trails before and after the race (on leash). There's a dog park by the swim center on Lincoln and Maple, and there's a dog beach at the end of north harbor drive.
FAQ'S: CLICK HERE [https://www.whalerun.org] to go to the race website and find answers to commonly asked questions about the race.
Fort Bragg, Ca is a small, picturesque city on the Pacific Ocean, nestled between sandy beaches and the redwood forest. We are the home of the world famous Glass Beach [/We%20are%20the%20home%20of%20the%20world%20famous%20Glass%20Beach!]! Every year there is a huge Whale Festival [https://visitfortbraggca.com/whalefest/] on the 3rd weekend of March, and Saturday morning the Whale Run kicks it off! After the Whale Run there are events all over town, including a craft fair; guided whale viewing; clam chowder, beer and wine tasting, entertainment, and music everywhere. See the www.whalerun.org [https://www.whalerun.org] for more information and interesting facts about whales.
The local Soroptimist clubs have been holding this race for 38 YEARS, with up to 800 runners participating on a beautiful day on the Mendocino Coast. The ocean and trails are as magnificent as ever and we know you will love the views and all the festivities in town on race day. All runners, walkers, and spectators will enjoy breathtaking whitewater ocean views (including whales) along this years new course starting at the Noyo Headlands Park (Cypress Street) on the Coastal Trail in Fort Bragg, CA [https://visitfortbraggca.com/fort-bragg-coastal-trail/]
Here are the events you can sign up for:
* 5k-- runners will run north and turn around at or near Compass Rose.
* 5k-- "Fun" Walkers will follow the 5k runner's route.
* 10k-- runners dash north past Glass Beach then cross the beautiful Pudding Creek Trestle [https://californiathroughmylens.com/pudding-creek-trestle/] to the 10K turn around (10K map [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1fT-m7GjKvA0JNsLl84acDM9qy2v0KjM&usp=sharing]).
* 1/2 Marathon--same route as 10k but the turnaround is at MacKerricher State Park.
* Kiddie run -- 300 meter run in 2 age groups (U6 and U10)
There are multiple race age divisions. Note: under 16 run/walkers may enter any race division for a discounted rate at signup.
Early signups are encouraged!! The entry fee will increase starting March 1, 2025, and there is no guarantee of a free shirt after March 10.
DOGS: We love dogs, but the insurance won't let us add them mixed with runners. You are welcome to walk your dog on the trails before and after the race (on leash). There's a dog park by the swim center on Lincoln and Maple, and there's a dog beach at the end of north harbor drive.
FAQ'S: CLICK HERE [https://www.whalerun.org] to go to the race website and find answers to commonly asked questions about the race.
Races
-
Half Marathon Run
Incl. $4.30 Fee & T-Shirt--Option of Material*
Sat 21st March 2026 (7:30AM PDT)
$59.30
-
10K Run
Incl. $4.30 Fee & Performance T-Shirt--Option of Material
Sat 21st March 2026 (8:00AM PDT)
$59.30
-
5K Run
Incl. $4.30 Fee & Performance T-Shirt--Long Sleeved
Sat 21st March 2026 (8:30AM PDT)
$59.30
-
5K Fun Walk
Incl. $3.70 Fee & Performance T-Shirt--Long Sleeved
Sat 21st March 2026 (8:30AM PDT)
$48.70
-
Kiddie Race
Incl. $2.20 Fee & Performance T-Shirt--Long Sleeved
Sat 21st March 2026 (7:45AM PDT)
$22.20
Under 5 fun dash Under 7 fun dash Under 10 fun run
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Fort Bragg Coast Trail -- South Entrance Noyo Headlands Park, Main and Cypress Streets, Fort Bragg, 95437, CA, United States
Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk
