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 an exhilarating experience at the 38th Annual Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk, hosted by Whale Run and Walk, on Saturday, March 21, 2026. This vibrant event takes place in the charming coastal city of Fort Bragg, Mendocino, where stunning ocean views and lush redwood forests create the perfect backdrop for a day of fun and fitness. Participants can choose from a variety of race distances, including a 5K run, a 5K "Fun" Walk, a 10K run, and a scenic half marathon that showcases the breathtaking beauty of the Mendocino Coast. The event kicks off a weekend full of festivities, including a craft fair, guided whale viewing, and delicious tastings of clam chowder, beer, and wine, making it a delightful outing for runners, walkers, and spectators alike.
With up to 800 runners expected, this year's Whale Run promises a lively atmosphere filled with community spirit and stunning coastal scenery. The race begins at the picturesque Noyo Headlands Park and features a new course that guarantees incredible views, including potential whale sightings! Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to join in the excitement, enjoy the local festivities, and create unforgettable memories along the beautiful
With up to 800 runners expected, this year's Whale Run promises a lively atmosphere filled with community spirit and stunning coastal scenery. The race begins at the picturesque Noyo Headlands Park and features a new course that guarantees incredible views, including potential whale sightings! Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to join in the excitement, enjoy the local festivities, and create unforgettable memories along the beautiful
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, 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.
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. $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
Reviews
Done this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.
Add a reviewLocation
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
