HalfRuns
Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk

Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk

Fort Bragg Whale Run offers coastal beauty and whale sightings alongside a vibrant festival.

Race Date

Mar 20, 2027

Location

Fort Bragg, CA

Solid Pick50

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, March 20, 2027
Location
Fort Bragg, California
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K, 5K, 400m
Course
Point to Point
Terrain
Mixed
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
152

Highlights

Good For

Beginner FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityParty FinishGreat Post RaceWell Organized

Course

Scenic Route

The Experience

The Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk, now in its 38th year, invites participants to the Mendocino Coast for a scenic race that kicks off the town's annual Whale Festival. Runners and walkers will experience breathtaking whitewater ocean views along the Coastal Trail, with opportunities to spot migrating whales.

The event, held on the third Saturday of March, offers a half marathon, 10K, 5K, and a 400m kiddie run. The half marathon route extends to MacKerricher State Park, while the 10K crosses the Pudding Creek Trestle. With typical fields of around 87 finishers, the race is a cherished local tradition, drawing participants from approximately 5 states and boasting a modest but loyal repeat-runner rate of about 12%.

Following the race, Fort Bragg comes alive with a two-day Whale Festival, featuring a craft fair, guided whale viewing, and local culinary and musical entertainment, making it a destination event for both runners and festival-goers.

Race-provided description

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. 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. 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 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) 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 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. 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.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, March 20, 2027

Start Time

7:30 AM

Giveaway

T-shirt--option of material*

Start Location

Fort Bragg Coast Trail -- South Entrance Noyo Headlands Park, Fort Bragg, CA, 95437

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Point to Point

Terrain

mixed

Scenery

Coastal, Park

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

10K5K400m

Quality Score

Solid Pick50
Methodology
Heritage4/20

2 years running

Size9/15

~76 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty11/20

12% returning runners

Course & details5/15

4 timing sources

National draw4/10

runners from 5 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:17:50

Weather8/10

typical high 53°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

44°

Afternoon (High)

53°

Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable

0.2"

Precipitation

15 mph

Wind

84%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 152 finishers actually crossed the line across 2 years.

Most recent

2026

Total finishers

152

Median time

2:07:35

Latest turnout

87

States

6

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:15p50 median ≈ 2:003:15

Turnout by year

20252026

'25'26
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk?

The Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk is held on Saturday, March 20, 2027, starting at 7:30 AM.

Where does the Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk take place?

It takes place in Fort Bragg, California.

What distances does the Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K, 5K, 400m.

Is the Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk course flat and good for a PR?

The Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk is a rolling hills, point to point course.

How many people run the Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk?

HalfRuns has finish records for 152 runners who have completed the Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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