Kern Cancer Run/Walk and Festival 2026

Kern Cancer Run/Walk and Festival 2026

Gather your friends, family and coworkers and join us for the 2026 Kern Cancer Run/Walk and Festival at Riverwalk Park in Bakersfield!

Event Overview

This exciting challenge allows you to raise funds and awareness for those battling cancer all while having fun!

• Purpose: 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.
• Annual Event: This is our 13th Annual KERN CANCER RUN/WALK and FESTIVAL EVENT and we couldn't do it without you!
• Date and Time: It will be held Saturday, September 12th from 8am - 1pm at Riverwalk Park in Bakersfield, CA.
• Registration Fees: 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).

Race Details

This race will be timed for all registered runners and awards will be given. Top fundraising teams and individuals will also receive awards.

• Goal: We are trying to raise as much funds as possible for Kern County cancer patients who need financial assistance and transportation during treatment.
• T-Shirts: Some T-shirts will be available for sale at the event. Donations are always welcome.
• Health Precautions: Please be mindful of those around you, especially the delicate immune systems of the cancer survivors attending the event.
• Guidelines: If you are experiencing symptoms of an illness or have been around someone who has been recently diagnosed please stay home. We follow CDC Guidelines which can be found at www.cdc.gov.

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

More Information

For more details and to register for the event, visit this link.

Thank you! - Kern Cancer Run/Walk and Festival Committee