Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk Logo

Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk

Fort Bragg, CA

Sat, Mar 20, 2027

In 186 days · Sat, Mar 20, 2027

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When

Saturday, March 20th, 2027

Where

Fort Bragg Coast Trail -- South Entrance Noyo Headlands Park, Fort Bragg CA

Distances

Half · 10K · 5K

Typical weather

On this date: rain 3 of the last 10 years

2026

5358°F

dry

2025

4251°F

dry

2024

4653°F

dry

2023

4351°F

dry

2022

4352°F

dry

2021

4152°F

dry

2020

4159°F

dry

2019

4755°F

rain

2018

4760°F

rain

2017

5258°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.

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