The Kern Cancer Run/Walk and Festival 2026 costs between free and $20 to enter, making it an affordable option for runners and walkers of any level. Held on September 12, 2026, in Bakersfield, the event takes place at 11298 Stockdale Highway and features two distance options: a 1-mile course and a 5K. The race starts at 8:00 AM, giving participants an early morning start. Whether you're looking for a short 1-mile outing or the longer 5K distance, this event accommodates both runners and walkers, making it accessible to endurance athletes at different fitness levels and training phases.
From the Race Organizer
Gather your friends, family and coworkers and join us for the 2026 Kern Cancer Run/Walk and Festival at - Riverwalk Park in Bakersfield! This exciting challenge allows you to raise funds and awareness for those battling cancer all while having fun! 100% of the funds will benefit the Kern County Cancer Foundation to assist local patients with medical bills related to cancer treatment as well as assist children with cancer who must travel for treatment. For more information on our programs and services visit us at www.kerncountycancerfoundation.org This is our 13th Annual KERN CANCER RUN/WALK and FESTIVAL EVENT and we couldn't do it without you ! It will be held Saturday, September 12th from 8am - 1pm at Riverwalk Park in Bakersfield, CA. Early registration is $10, then the cost goes up to $20 after March 31, 2026. Children registration is $10 ages 3-11. Kern County Cancer Run/Walk T-Shirts can be purchased for $20 with a deadline of 8/30/2026. Survivors are FREE and there will be a special designated area for them. (Even if you're on treatment, you're a SURVIVOR) This race will be timed for all registered runners and awards will be given. Top fundraising teams and individual will also receive awards. We are trying to raise as much funds as possible for Kern County cancer patients who need financial assistance and transportation during treatment. Some T-shirts will be available for sale at the event. Donations are always welcome. *PLEASE BE MINDFUL OF THOSE AROUND YOU, ESPECIALLY THE DELICATE IMMUNE SYSTEMS OF THE CANCER SURVIVORS ATTENDING THE EVENT. ** If you are experiencing symptoms of an illness or have been around someone who has been recently diagnosed please stay home...we can wait to see you next year. We follow CDC Guidelines which can be found when you click the link below. Link to Isolation and Precautions for People with virus | CDC www.cdc.gov Thank you! - Kern Cancer Run/Walk and Festival Committee ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2026 Run/Walk Schedule - tentative 7:30AM Participant Arrival, Registration, Music with DJ Richie Rich, Vendor Fair & Survivor Social Starts 8:00AM Welcome - James Galindo, Kern Cancer Run/Walk Chair & Sean Todd, KCCF Board Chairman, National Anthem - Keely Mackey, Speaker & Invocation - Cancer Survivor, & Stretch with Condy 8:10AM Mascot Run Begins 8:15AM Children’s Jog-a-Thon Begins- 1st ages 3-5, 2nd 6-8, 3rd 9-11 8:30AM Race Rules 8:35AM General Participants Line-Up — Survivors, Runners, then Walkers 8:40AM Survivor Walk Starts 8:45AM General Participants Start—Runners 8:50AM General Participants Start— Walkers 9:00AM On Stage: Announcements & Festival Vendors Fair continues 10:00AM Live Music Performance & Line Dancing 12:00PM Winners Announced: 5k Category, Jog-A-Thon, Top Fundraisers, Vendor Passport, & Raffle 12PM-1PM Final Live Performance & Enjoy the rest of the Festival & Vendors
Hotels Near This Race
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Kern Cancer Run/Walk and Festival 2026 2026 — Bakersfield, CA
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 12.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Bakersfield, CA.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Kern Cancer Run/Walk and Festival 2026 2026 — Bakersfield, CA?
Kern Cancer Run/Walk and Festival 2026 2026 — Bakersfield, CA takes place on September 12, 2026. The race is held in Bakersfield, California.
Where is Kern Cancer Run/Walk and Festival 2026 2026 — Bakersfield, CA held?
Kern Cancer Run/Walk and Festival 2026 2026 — Bakersfield, CA is held at 11298 Stockdale Hwy in Bakersfield, California.
Where can I find hotels near Kern Cancer Run/Walk and Festival 2026 2026 — Bakersfield, CA?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Bakersfield. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
