
From the Organizer
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. 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.
The local Soroptimist clubs have been holding this race for 38 years, with up to 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:
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). There's a dog park by the swim center on Lincoln and Maple, and there's a dog beach at the end of north harbor drive.
FAQ's: Click Here to go to the race website and find answers to commonly asked questions about the race.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
55°
Typical Low
41°
Chance of Rain
46%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Ft Bragg 5 N, 5 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
224 ft
Nearest Airport
STS
Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport · 82 mi
Major Hub
SMF
Sacramento International Airport · 128 mi
Time Zone
Pacific Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
285
Days to train
Coming Up
Red, White & Blue Race
Less than a mile away
Noyo Headlands Race
Less than a mile away
Barra of Mendocino Harvest Celebration Run 5k
31 miles away
Heartfelt Fun & Run
103 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk
Mar 20, 2027