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 $11.60 - $48.70
- Races 5 races
- Distances Half Marathon, 10km, 5km
Event summary
Get ready for the 38th Annual Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk, taking place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in the stunning coastal city of Fort Bragg, Mendocino! Organized by the dedicated team at Whale Run and Walk, this exciting event attracts up to 800 participants each year, kicking off the beloved Whale Festival weekend. Runners and walkers can choose from a variety of distances, including a 5K, 10K, and a Half Marathon, with beautiful ocean views and a chance to spot whales along the scenic routes. The race begins at the picturesque Noyo Headlands Park on the Coastal Trail, leading to breathtaking sights that showcase the natural beauty of the Mendocino coastline.
After the race, stick around for the festivities that fill Fort Bragg with vibrant energy, including a craft fair, guided whale viewing, and delicious clam chowder, beer, and wine tastings. With entertainment and music throughout the town, this event is a perfect blend of athleticism and community celebration. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this unforgettable day—sign up early to secure your spot and take advantage of discounted rates! For more information, visit the Whale Run website and get ready
After the race, stick around for the festivities that fill Fort Bragg with vibrant energy, including a craft fair, guided whale viewing, and delicious clam chowder, beer, and wine tastings. With entertainment and music throughout the town, this event is a perfect blend of athleticism and community celebration. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this unforgettable day—sign up early to secure your spot and take advantage of discounted rates! For more information, visit the Whale Run website and get ready
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.
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. We also have some inventory of last year's tshirts for sale for $10 plus shipping: go to https://runsignup.com/Race/Store/CA/FortBragg/FortBraggWhaleRunandWalk
DOGS: We may actually have a dog entry option!! Details soon.
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.
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. We also have some inventory of last year's tshirts for sale for $10 plus shipping: go to https://runsignup.com/Race/Store/CA/FortBragg/FortBraggWhaleRunandWalk
DOGS: We may actually have a dog entry option!! Details soon.
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. $3.70 Fee & T-Shirt--Option of Material*
Sat 21st March 2026 (7:30AM PDT)
$48.70
-
10K Run
Incl. $3.70 Fee & Performance T-Shirt--Option of Material
Sat 21st March 2026 (8:00AM PDT)
$48.70
-
5K Run
Incl. $3.70 Fee & Performance T-Shirt--Long Sleeved
Sat 21st March 2026 (8:30AM PDT)
$48.70
-
5K Fun Walk
Incl. $3.10 Fee & Performance T-Shirt--Long Sleeved
Sat 21st March 2026 (8:30AM PDT)
$38.10
-
Kiddie Race
Incl. $1.60 Fee & Performance T-Shirt--Long Sleeved
Sat 21st March 2026 (7:45AM PDT)
$11.60
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
