Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk

🏃‍♂️ The 37th Annual Whale Run & Walk for 2025!

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 3rd 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.

🎉 Race History

The local Fort Bragg Soroptimists have been hosting this race for 36 years until the Pandemic, then in 2024 it was resurrected with over 700 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.

🗓️ Event Details

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 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).

🏅 Age Divisions and Discounts

There are multiple race age divisions. Note: under 16 run/walkers may enter any race division for a discounted rate at signup.

💰 Registration Information

Early signups are encouraged! The entry fee will increase starting March 1, 2025. We also have some inventory of last year's t-shirts for sale for $10 plus shipping: go to here.

🐾 Dog Policy

DOGS: We love dogs, but except for service dogs, dogs are not allowed on the race course during this event. Other times your dog is welcome to walk on the Coast Trail on leash. There is a dog beach (leash free) at the end of North Harbor Dr. below Noyo Bridge, and a dog park at the end of Maple Street in front of our CV Starr Recreation and Swim Center.

🌊 Learn More

For more information, check out the race page here.