Mendocino Running Festival

The Mendocino Running Festival takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Mendocino Woodlands Park (39350 Little Lake Rd, Mendocino, California). Choose half marathon, 10K, 6‑hour timed, or 12‑hour timed races on a 6‑mile loop through ancient redwood forest (875 ft climb per loop). Live music from Bootleg Rose. Weekend camping options: tent cabins (cots and mattresses), RV/tow‑behind spaces, or tent camping. Complimentary yoga, Dino Dash, Beer Mile, and smores by the fire pit. Weekend food pass $50. No dogs (licensed service dogs with advance approval only). Manual timing.

Location — Mendocino Woodlands Park, Mendocino, California:

• Mendocino Woodlands Park is a 700‑acre National Historic Landmark located 3 miles inland from the town of Mendocino on the Northern California coast
• The course runs through ancient redwood forest, across log bridge crossings, and over murmuring streams — breathtaking views at every turn
• The camp is private group camping only, providing a unique and secluded venue
• Just outside the town of Mendocino — families and friends can explore the coastal village (art galleries, shops, restaurants, and dramatic ocean cliffs)

Festival Weekend — More Than a Race:

• Live music from Bootleg Rose (Saturday night concert in the redwoods)
• Complimentary yoga sessions throughout the weekend
• Dino Dash (fun run for kids)
• Race the Rex — Beer Mile (run, drink beer, repeat)
• Smores and More by the fire pit
• Post‑race hearty lunch included for runners (additional lunch tickets available for non‑runners)

Camping Options — Two Nights Included (Friday and Saturday):

• Tent Cabins — wooden floor, canvas tent, 4 cots with mattresses, no tent required. Private, tucked in redwoods. Includes VIP parking and logo'd welcome gift. Up to 2 vehicles. Limited availability — book early.
• RV / Tow‑Behind Spaces — limited wooded spaces. No electrical hookups or latrine clean outs. Access to hot showers and wash houses.
• Tent Camping — pitch your tent near a small creek. Up to 4 people, 1 tent, 1 vehicle maximum.
• All camping options include free access to hot showers, wash houses, The Commons, and all camp amenities
• Camping fee covers 2 nights, parking for 1 vehicle (tent cabins allow up to 2 vehicles)

Weekend Food Pass — $50 per person (sold separately):

• Friday night: traditional pre‑race pasta dinner
• Saturday morning: coffee, tea, cereals, fruit, bagels, yogurt
• Saturday (race day): hearty lunch and fantastic dinner
• Saturday night: smores at the fire pit
• Sunday morning: breakfast with flapjacks
• Vegan options offered. Meals are thoughtfully crafted with fresh, local ingredients.
• If you have severe allergies or strict dietary requirements, bring your own supplemental nutrition
• Non‑runners and family members must also purchase a Weekend Food Pass to access meals
• Race day only runners: one hearty lunch, snacks, and refreshments included (race bib is your ticket)

What's Included (Race Registration):

• Manual timing (results posted within 7 days — old school)
• Finisher medal
• Race shirt and swag (check event store)
• Hearty post‑race lunch, snacks, and refreshments (race bib required)
• 2 aid stations on course (spoiling you with goodies)
• Medical support on course
• Access to festival activities (yoga, Dino Dash, Beer Mile, live music, smores)
• Parking at Mendocino Woodlands Park

No Dogs (Strict Policy — Except Licensed Service Dogs):

• Mendocino Woodlands State Park has a strict no‑dog policy
• Only ADA‑compliant guide dogs are permitted with advance written approval
• Contact the Woodlands Camp Association: [email protected] or 707‑937‑5755
• Licensed service dogs must be approved before arrival

Refund and Deferral Policy — Non‑Refundable:

• Entry fees are non‑refundable and non‑transferable
• Outside of 30 days: you can defer your race fee to the next year
• Within 30 days: no deferrals or refunds — no exceptions
• Camping and food passes are non‑refundable

Logistics — Disconnect to Reconnect:

• Camp assignments published around Labor Day (early September)
• No dogs (except licensed service dogs with advance approval)
• No refunds for camping or food passes
• Bring your own tent (if not renting a tent cabin) and camping gear
• Cell service may be limited — embrace the digital detox
• Pack layers — coastal redwoods can be cool and foggy even in September

Top Performances (Half Marathon Men — course record 1:46:00):

• Daniel Lingenfelter — 1:46:00 (2025)
• David Pillard — 1:47:50 (2025)
• Jacob Bartholomew — 1:49:18 (2022)

Nearby Attractions (post‑race — make a weekend of it on the Mendocino Coast):

• Mendocino town — art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and the historic Ford House Visitor Center
• Mendocino Headlands State Park — dramatic ocean cliffs, trails, and whale watching
• Russian Gulch State Park — waterfall hike, Devil's Punchbowl, and coastal bluffs
• Van Damme State Park — fern canyon trail and Pygmy Forest
• Fort Bragg (15 minutes north) — Skunk Train (railbikes through redwoods), Glass Beach, and North Coast Brewing Company
• Anderson Valley (30 minutes east) — wineries, tasting rooms, and the famous Boonville Hotel

Contact: Wandering Soles Adventures — [email protected].