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!

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 8/23/2026.
• 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

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2026 Run/Walk Schedule - tentative

7:30AM    Participant Arrival & Registration
8:00AM    Music with DJ Richie Rich
8:00AM    Vendor Fair Starts & Survivor Social
8:30AM    Kenn McCloud announces Live Band Performance
8:40AM    Welcome - James Galindo, Kern Cancer Run/Walk Chair & Dr. Shawn Shambaugh, KCCF Board Chairman 
8:45AM    National Anthem - Keely Mackey
8:50AM    Speaker & Invocation - Cancer Survivor
9:00AM    Stretch with Fitness Trainer 
9:10AM    Race Rules
9:15AM    General Participants Line-Up — Survivors, Runners, then Walkers
9:30AM    Survivor Walk Starts
9:40AM    General Participants Start—Runners
9:45AM    General Participants Start— Walkers 
10:00AM  On Stage:  Announcements & More Live Music
10:30AM  Jog-A-Thon Child Participant Check-in
10:45AM  Mascot Run Begins                 
10:50AM  Children’s Jog-a-Thon Begins- 1st ages 3-5, 2nd 6-8, 3rd 9-11
11:20AM  Festival Music & Vendors Fair continues                
12:00PM  Winners Announced: 5k Category, Jog-A-Thon, Top Fundraisers, Vendor Passport, & Raffle                                                                            12:00PM-1:00Pm  Enjoy the rest of the Festival & Vendors                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Join fellow runners on September 12, 2026 for the Kern Cancer Run/Walk and Festival 2026. It's a fantastic 5K, 1.6K featuring a flat and fast course in Bakersfield.