In 186 days · Sat, Mar 20, 2027
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Saturday, March 20th, 2027
Fort Bragg Coast Trail -- South Entrance Noyo Headlands Park, Fort Bragg CA
Half · 10K · 5K
44–54°F · some rain risk
See last 10 years
On this date: rain 3 of the last 10 years
2026
53–58°F
dry
2025
42–51°F
dry
2024
46–53°F
dry
2023
43–51°F
dry
2022
43–52°F
dry
2021
41–52°F
dry
2020
41–59°F
dry
2019
47–55°F
rain
2018
47–60°F
rain
2017
52–58°F
rain
Best months to race in California →
About this race
Event Overview
The 39th Annual Whale Run & Walk for 2027!
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! Every year there is a huge Whale Festival 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. See the www.whalerun.org for more information and interesting facts about whales.
Race Details
- History: The local Soroptimist clubs have been holding this race for 39 years, with up to 800 runners participating on a beautiful day on the Mendocino Coast.
- Scenery: 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.
- Course: 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.
Events
Here are the events you can sign up for:
- 5k: Runners will run north and turn around at or near Compass Rose.
- 5k Fun Walk: Walkers will follow the 5k runner's 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: 400 meter run in 3 age groups (U5, U7, and U10).
Additional Information
- Age Divisions: There are multiple race age divisions. Note: under 16 run/walkers may enter any race division for a discounted rate at signup.
- 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).
- Dog Parks: There’s a dog park at race HQ on Cypress, by the CV Starr swim/fitness center on Lincoln and Maple, and there’s a city-owned dog beach at the end of north harbor drive.
FAQs
FAQ's: Click Here to go to the race website www.whalerun.org and find answers to commonly asked questions about the race, about whales and our Noyo Center for Marine Science "whale bone house", Soroptimists and what they do, what to do in Fort Bragg, and more.
Race Link
For more details, visit the race page: Whale Run & Walk Registration.
Course map
Hotels for race weekend
Live prices near the start line, Mar 19 – 21, 2027.
Train with a club
Run clubs near Fort Bragg to train with before race day.
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