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

Get ready for the 37th Annual Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk on Saturday, March 14, 2026! This vibrant event takes place in the charming coastal city of Fort Bragg, Mendocino, where the stunning Pacific Ocean meets majestic redwood forests. Kicking off the renowned Whale Festival, the Whale Run features a variety of race distances, including a 5K run, a 5K "Fun" Walk, a 10K run, and a scenic half marathon that takes participants past breathtaking ocean views.

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

The 37th Annual Whale Run & Walk for 2025!
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 25
    Under 5 fun dash Under 7 fun dash Under 10 fun run

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Location

Fort Bragg Coast Trail -- South Entrance Noyo Headlands Park, Main and Cypress Streets, Fort Bragg, 95437, CA, United States

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