Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk

Fort Bragg, California
Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk official race logo - running event in Fort Bragg, California
DATE:
TIME:
LOCATION:
Fort Bragg, California
PRICE:
Free
DISTANCES:
5 Events: 13.1 Miles, 400m, 10K, 5K, 5K

About Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk

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 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 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 year’s new course starting at the Noyo Headlands Park (Cypress Street) on the Coastal Trail in Fort Bragg, CA

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 to the 10K turn around (10K map).
  • 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 Whale Run and WalkThe 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 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 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 year’s new course starting at the Noyo Headlands Park (Cypress Street) on the Coastal Trail in Fort Bragg, CA 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 to the 10K turn around (10K map).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

Race Events & Distances

Choose from 5 race distances available for Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk in Fort Bragg, CA. Registration includes timing, finisher medals, and post-race refreshments.

Half Marathon Run

13.1 Miles
Distance
13.1 Miles
Start Time
Registration Fee
$0.00
https://schema.org/EventScheduledhttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode
Fort Bragg, CA
Fort BraggCA
Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk Organizers

Frequently Asked Questions about Half Marathon Run

How long is the Half Marathon Run?
The Half Marathon Run covers 13.1 Miles.
What time does the Half Marathon Run start?
The Half Marathon Run starts at 7:30:00 AM.
How much does it cost to register for the Half Marathon Run?
Registration for the Half Marathon Run costs $0.00.
Where is the Half Marathon Run located?
The Half Marathon Run takes place in Fort Bragg, CA.

Kiddie Race

400m
Distance
400m
Start Time
Registration Fee
$0.00
https://schema.org/EventScheduledhttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode
Fort Bragg, CA
Fort BraggCA
Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk Organizers

Frequently Asked Questions about Kiddie Race

How long is the Kiddie Race?
The Kiddie Race covers 400m.
What time does the Kiddie Race start?
The Kiddie Race starts at 7:45:00 AM.
How much does it cost to register for the Kiddie Race?
Registration for the Kiddie Race costs $0.00.
Where is the Kiddie Race located?
The Kiddie Race takes place in Fort Bragg, CA.

10K Run

10K (6.2 miles)
Distance
10K (6.2 miles)
Start Time
Registration Fee
$0.00
https://schema.org/EventScheduledhttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode
Fort Bragg, CA
Fort BraggCA
Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk Organizers

Frequently Asked Questions about 10K Run

How long is the 10K Run?
The 10K Run covers 10K (6.2 miles).
What time does the 10K Run start?
The 10K Run starts at 8:00:00 AM.
How much does it cost to register for the 10K Run?
Registration for the 10K Run costs $0.00.
Where is the 10K Run located?
The 10K Run takes place in Fort Bragg, CA.

5K Fun Walk

5K (3.1 miles)
Distance
5K (3.1 miles)
Start Time
Registration Fee
$0.00
https://schema.org/EventScheduledhttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode
Fort Bragg, CA
Fort BraggCA
Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk Organizers

Frequently Asked Questions about 5K Fun Walk

How long is the 5K Fun Walk?
The 5K Fun Walk covers 5K (3.1 miles).
What time does the 5K Fun Walk start?
The 5K Fun Walk starts at 8:30:00 AM.
How much does it cost to register for the 5K Fun Walk?
Registration for the 5K Fun Walk costs $0.00.
Where is the 5K Fun Walk located?
The 5K Fun Walk takes place in Fort Bragg, CA.

5K Run

5K (3.1 miles)
Distance
5K (3.1 miles)
Start Time
Registration Fee
$0.00
https://schema.org/EventScheduledhttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode
Fort Bragg, CA
Fort BraggCA
Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk Organizers

Frequently Asked Questions about 5K Run

How long is the 5K Run?
The 5K Run covers 5K (3.1 miles).
What time does the 5K Run start?
The 5K Run starts at 8:30:00 AM.
How much does it cost to register for the 5K Run?
Registration for the 5K Run costs $0.00.
Where is the 5K Run located?
The 5K Run takes place in Fort Bragg, CA.

Registration Information

Registration is typically available online until race day (subject to capacity). Early registration is recommended for guaranteed entry and potential early bird pricing. Check with race organizers for specific event details and included amenities.

Races Nearby in Fort Bragg, California

Noyo Headlands Race

Fort Bragg, CA

August 8, 2026