One of the most popular Fort Bragg Whale Festival events is the Whale Run & Walk, hosted by Soroptimist International of Fort Bragg. The 32nd Annual Whale Run & Walk will take place on Saturday, March 19, 2016. Proceeds from this event help to support local high school scholarships, and awards to female heads of households to further their education. Soroptimist International of Fort Bragg also supports Project Sanctuary and many other organizations on the Mendocino Coast.

Participants must fill out the paper Registration Form (a downloadable .PDF) available on the Soroptimist web site, or register online at Chronotrack by March 5, 2016, to ensure receiving a Whale Run & Walk official t-shirt. They can also register online after that time, or on the morning of each race. There is also an event poster that can be downloaded at the site. Information is available there, about the entry fee for each type of race.

This event is ideal for the whole family, as there are individual races for adults and children — the “Kiddies Race” is for ages 4-10. There are both competitive running races and “Fun Walkers” events. Visit the Soroptimist web site for more detailed description of these events, the racing course locations, and start times. In-person registrations take place at the Fort Bragg Town Hall on the day of each race. All races start at the Skunk Train parking lot, and provide participants with an opportunity to run or walk through some of Fort Bragg’s most scenic areas.

Capital Road Race Management  provides the Whale Run’s electronic timing. Due to insurance restrictions, and in consideration of the other participants, no dogs are allowed on the course. Strollers are only allowed south of the Trestle.

A list of Whale Run & Walk Sponsors, including many regional businesses, are listed on the Soroptimist web site. Participants can also find information there about how to enter the Whale Run Raffle, and how to obtain discount packages for several local hotels, inns, and restaurants.  Free rides on the Skunk Train are also available to participants who turn in their racing bibs.

This is a wonderful outdoor event for families, friends, and individual runners, which supports a great cause. To find out about other events at the Fort Bragg Whale Festival, please read the overview post.  We hope to see you there!