Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk
- Date Sat 14th 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
Runners and walkers of all ages are encouraged to join in on the fun, with a special 300-meter Kiddie Run for younger participants. The course, starting at Noyo Headlands Park on the Coastal Trail, promises to deliver spectacular sights, including the chance to spot migrating whales. With over 700 participants last year, this event is not just a race but a celebration filled with community spirit, craft fairs, guided whale viewing, and evening concerts. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Fort Bragg while supporting a great cause! Early signups are highly recommended, as fees will increase starting March 1, 2025.
Organiser's Description
Fort Bragg, Ca is a small, picturesque city on the Pacific Ocean, nestled between sandy beaches and the redwood forest. Every year there is a huge Whale Festival [https://visitfortbraggca.com/whalefest/] on the 3rd weekend of March, and the morning Whale Run kicks it off! After the Whale Run there are events all over town, including a craft fair, guided whale viewing, beer and wine tasting, and a live symphony concert in the evening.
The local Fort Bragg Soroptimists [https://soroptimistfortbraggca.org/whalerun/] have been hosting this race for 36 YEARS until the Pandemic, then in 2024 it was resurrected with over 700 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 runners 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 love dogs, but except for service dogs, dogs are not allowed on the race course the during this event. Other times your dog is welcome to walk on the Coast Trail on leash. There is a dog BEACH (leash free) at the end of North Harbor Dr. below Noyo Bridge, and a dog PARK at the end of Maple Street in front of our CV Starr Recreation and Swim Center.
Races
-
Half Marathon Run
Incl. $3.70 Fee & T-Shirt--Option of Material*
Sat 14th March 2026 (7:30AM PDT)
$48.70
OPENS OCT 25 -
10K Run
Incl. $3.70 Fee & Performance T-Shirt--Option of Material
Sat 14th March 2026 (8:00AM PDT)
$48.70
OPENS OCT 25 -
5K Run
Incl. $3.70 Fee & Performance T-Shirt--Long Sleeved
Sat 14th March 2026 (8:30AM PDT)
$48.70
OPENS OCT 25 -
5K Fun Walk
Incl. $3.10 Fee & Performance T-Shirt--Long Sleeved
Sat 14th March 2026 (8:30AM PDT)
$38.10
OPENS OCT 25 -
Kiddie Race
Incl. $1.60 Fee & Performance T-Shirt--Long Sleeved
Sat 14th March 2026 (7:45AM PDT)
$11.60
OPENS OCT 25Under 5 fun dash Under 7 fun dash Under 10 fun run
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