Noyo Headlands Race
Noyo Headlands Race hugs the stunning coastal trail in Fort Bragg.
Race Date
Aug 8, 2026
Location
Fort Bragg, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, August 8, 2026
- Location
- Fort Bragg, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6.21 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 0.5 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Mixed
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 136
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Noyo Headlands Half Marathon, now in its 10th year, offers a rare chance to run along the breathtaking Mendocino coast. The course follows a flat, well-maintained oceanfront trail of asphalt and packed dirt, with the Pacific as a constant companion. Morning fog often lingers, keeping temperatures in the 50s—perfect for a fast, scenic effort.
The race supports the Mendocino Land Trust, a local conservation group that has protected these headlands for over 45 years. The atmosphere is community-driven, with a focus on the trail’s natural beauty rather than crowds or fanfare. Runners finish knowing their entry fee directly helps conserve this stunning stretch of coastline for future generations.
Race-provided description
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.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Start Time
8:15 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
Noyo Headlands Park - Main & Cypress Streets, Fort Bragg, CA, 95437
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Coastal
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
CA21010TEB · Noyo Headlands Half Marathon 2021
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Course Map
Quality Score
Solid Pick413 years running
~23 finishers a year
small race — neutral
13% returning runners
USATF certified · 4 timing sources · 6 photos
runners from 2 states
winner 1:29:21
typical high 60°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
53°
Afternoon (High)
60°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.0"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
89%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 136 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
136
Median time
2:12:53
Latest turnout
63
States
10
Turnout by year
2021–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Noyo Headlands Race?
The Noyo Headlands Race is held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, starting at 8:15 AM.
Where does the Noyo Headlands Race take place?
It takes place in Fort Bragg, California.
What distances does the Noyo Headlands Race offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.21 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 0.5 Miles.
Is the Noyo Headlands Race course flat and good for a PR?
The Noyo Headlands Race is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Noyo Headlands Race?
HalfRuns has finish records for 136 runners who have completed the Noyo Headlands Race.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Fort Bragg? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races
