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 an unforgettable experience at the 38th Annual Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk on Saturday, March 14th, 2026! Nestled on the stunning Mendocino Coast, Fort Bragg, California, transforms into a lively hub of activity as it kicks off the beloved Whale Festival. This year's event features an exciting array of race distances, including a 5k run, a 5k "Fun" Walk, a thrilling 10k that takes participants past the picturesque Glass Beach, and a challenging half marathon that leads runners to the scenic MacKerricher State Park. Young ones can join in the fun with a 300-meter Kiddie Run designed for ages U6 and U10.
Participants and spectators alike will be treated to breathtaking ocean views and the chance to catch sight of magnificent whales along the new course starting at Noyo Headlands Park. After the races, the festivities continue throughout the town with a craft fair, guided whale viewing, beer and wine tasting, and a live symphony concert in the evening. Don't miss your chance to be part of this cherished community event—secure your spot today, as early signups are encouraged and entry fees will increase after March 1, 2025.
Participants and spectators alike will be treated to breathtaking ocean views and the chance to catch sight of magnificent whales along the new course starting at Noyo Headlands Park. After the races, the festivities continue throughout the town with a craft fair, guided whale viewing, beer and wine tasting, and a live symphony concert in the evening. Don't miss your chance to be part of this cherished community event—secure your spot today, as early signups are encouraged and entry fees will increase after March 1, 2025.
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. Every year there is a huge Whale Festival [https://visitfortbraggca.com/whalefest/] on the 2nd 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 holding this race for 38 YEARS, with as many as 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 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 may actually have a dog entry option!! Details soon.
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 2nd 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 holding this race for 38 YEARS, with as many as 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 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 may actually have a dog entry option!! Details soon.
Races
-
Half Marathon Run
Incl. $3.70 Fee & T-Shirt--Option of Material*
Sat 14th March 2026 (7:30AM PDT)
$48.70
OPENS 31 OCT -
10K Run
Incl. $3.70 Fee & Performance T-Shirt--Option of Material
Sat 14th March 2026 (8:00AM PDT)
$48.70
OPENS 31 OCT -
5K Run
Incl. $3.70 Fee & Performance T-Shirt--Long Sleeved
Sat 14th March 2026 (8:30AM PDT)
$48.70
OPENS 31 OCT -
5K Fun Walk
Incl. $3.10 Fee & Performance T-Shirt--Long Sleeved
Sat 14th March 2026 (8:30AM PDT)
$38.10
OPENS 31 OCT -
Kiddie Race
Incl. $1.60 Fee & Performance T-Shirt--Long Sleeved
Sat 14th March 2026 (7:45AM PDT)
$11.60
OPENS 31 OCTUnder 5 fun dash Under 7 fun dash Under 10 fun run
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