Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check in at the race and pick up my packet and shirt?
Registration for the race is Friday 3-7pm at Round Table Pizza, and 630-8:15am across the street at the race tent HQ on the Noyo Headlands (entrance at Cypress and Main). At registration you will check-in and get a bib assignment and your tshirt. We will also have other merchandise onsite to sell.
Where do we park? Is there a shuttle?
No shuttle, but there should be plenty of parking onsite at the old airport runway (use Google Earth to scope it out). Parking attendants will be there to help. You may also park along the entrance to the race. DO NOT park on the highway or you will be towed! Park across the street in town and walk in to avoid crowds if you’re running late.
What if it rains? Do I get a rain check?
The race is on rain or shine! We’ve held this race in all kinds of weather over the years, and it makes for fun stories to share with friends and family. There will be tents for reg, awards, shirts, food, pre-race, etc.
How do I cancel? Can I get a refund? Can I get my shirt?
Please tell the race director if you are not going to run! While there are normally no refunds given, you may ask for your shirt to be sent if you email the race director and pay shipping [whalerunandwalk@mcn.org]. Note: This year the race date was changed, and on Jan 6 registered runners were notified. For a limited time (by Feb 1) these runners are eligible for refunds if 3/21 doesn't work.
What is the schedule for races and awards?
Race times are as follows:
7:30am 1/2 Marathon
7:45am Kiddie Race (awards directly after race)
8:00am 10K Run
8:30am 5K Run and Fun Walk
10:00am AWARDS AND RAFFLE DRAWING
Who wins awards and is there a ceremony?
1. The top 3 finishers in each division by gender and age will get a medal
2. The Top finishers in each race by gender will get a gift basket
3. Marathon finishers (all entries that completed the run) will get a gift to remember the event!
Is there a 1/2 marathon "finisher" award?
Yes!! Marathon finishers (all entries that completed the run) will get a gift to remember the event!
Is the course stroller friendly? Is the trail paved or dirt?
The entire course is a mostly level paved trail along the Pacific Ocean! People with strollers are welcome, as long as they stay to the right and let faster runners pass. Use Google Earth to get a bird's eye view!
Will there be hydration stations along the way for all the races?
Yes, every race will have hydration stations staged along the route, including one at the 10K and 1/2 marathon turn-arounds!!
Where can I find a map of the courses?
The different race routes are show on the runsignup.com website as well as this website on the Race page, subject to slight changes. On race day you will see a up to date qr code of the map on an enlarged printed map at the registration table.
Can a child run in these races and win a medal?
We have a Kiddie Run for under 10's. All participants will get a medal. Top runners will get a gift certificate for Bookwinkles bookshop in Mendocino.
The shorter runs have divisions and awards for U10, and some for U15 or U20.
Can I run with my dog?
Registration for dogs is still being considered, pending info on insurance. TBD.
Can I change races at check-in?
Yes and no...It's a little tricky, since runners receive colored bibs specific to the race they registered for. If there's enough time the bibs can be reassigned before the race, requiring the registration be changed online by the race director.
Will there be snacks and coffee?
Yes!! Thanksgiving coffee will serve free coffee in the early am, and there will be a table with fresh fruit, granola bars, water/juice, and light snacks.
Is there a raffle planned?
Yes, you won't want to miss buying a $10 raffle ticket!! Prizes include Skunk Train tickets, free lodging at upscale local hotels, dinners for 2, and artwork. Look for tickets at the registration table both Friday and Saturday.
Where does the money we pay go?
All profit from the race is used for Soroptimist educational programs, awards, and projects benefiting women and girls locally and globally.
What is there to do after the race?
​This is the fun part! After the race you will want to participate in all the fun activities related to the Fort Bragg Whale Festival! Save your bib and receive discounts at the various business. Festival events include chowder tasting, a wine walk, a craft fair, beer tasting, live music, movies, various free whale interpretive walks and tours, and boat tours!
See www.visitfortbraggca.com for more information and links to tickets for the various tastings described above. Whale Run and Walk website.