Fort Bragg Whale Run and Walk

Welcome to the 26th annual Big River Adventure!

Join us for a unique race experience where you can choose your adventure to run, swim, walk, or paddle your way through the scenic beauty of Mendocino County's Big River.

For the past 26 years, Cancer Resource Centers of Mendocino County has been bringing our community together for this special fundraising event. While the activities may change from year to year, our mission remains steadfast: to honor and remember those impacted by cancer, and to raise vital funds to support free services for individuals facing cancer in Mendocino County.

Starting at the Big River boat launch, participants will embark on a journey filled with stunning views and the shared goal of making a difference in the lives of others.

Don't miss out on this unforgettable adventure! Register now and be part of something truly meaningful.

To keep this family-friendly event affordable and accessible to our community, we will not be providing t-shirts this year.

Here is a link to a trail map

• 5k runners will run east on the haul road to the 5k turn around.

• 10k runners dash east on the haul road to the 10K turn around (10K map).

• 5k "Fun" Walkers will follow the 5k runners route.

• Kiddie run will begin at the boat launch

• Swimmers will dive in at the boat lunch and swim east up Big River

• Paddlers will begin at the boat launch and paddle east up Big River *Please note you must bring your own vessel.

There are multiple race age divisions. Note: Participants between the ages of 6 and 17 may enter any race division at a discounted rate of $20 at signup.

Race Contact Info

Phone / Teléfono: (707) 937-3833

E-mail / Correo electrónico: info@crcmendocino.org

Welcome to the first Red, White & Blue Race! This event benefits Code 3 Mind Health, Inc. We are a local non-profit that provides mental health wellness checks for first responders.

This course is along the scenic coastal trail in Fort Bragg California. The event begins at the south coastal trail (Noyo Headlands Park) and continues north with the 5k turnaround being near the compass rose. If you participate in the 10k run, you will continue north past historic Glass Beach, and across the Pudding Creek Trestle onto the historic Mackerricher Haul Road with the turn around being near the "silver gate" entrance. For the half-marathon participants, the course continues along the Haul Road, through Mackerricher State Park and turning around just before the entrance to Ten Mile State Preserve. This course is ocean front, with epic views every step of the way! For those of you that have participated in races in this area before, it will look very much like the Whale Run course!

All runners will get a tee shirt - choice of long sleeve or short sleeve

End of race will have fruit/water and coffee.

Coffee will be available for entire event.

Finisher medals will be given to all who complete the 1/2 marathon

Medals for 1, 2, and 3 place for all age categories (copy age categories from Whale Run)

Award baskets for 1st male and female finisher in each race (1/2, 10k, 5K), filled with local goodies!

All kiddie competitors get a finisher price, but awards will be given to the first three to finish.

Join us on Saturday, August 8, 2026 for the 10th annual Noyo Headlands Race. This year we'll have a half marathon, 10K run, 5k run, 5k fun walk, and half-mile kids' run along the stunning coastal trail in Fort Bragg, CA. Enjoy some of the most remarkable scenery Northern California has to offer and have a great time running with your friends! The oceanfront trail consists of asphalt and soft track, is fairly flat, well maintained, and commonly used by runners year-round.

This race benefits Mendocino Land Trust in its mission to conserve and restore habitat, scenic areas and working lands while also providing public access to beautiful places in and around Mendocino County.