Upcoming Races in Bakersfield, California 2026

Written By: Jeremy N

If you are looking for races in Bakersfield, California, you have come to the right place. Bakersfield has a growing running scene with 8 races listed in our directory, including 5 upcoming events in 2026. Whether you are lacing up for your first 5K or chasing a new personal record, there is something here for every runner.

Upcoming Races in Bakersfield, California

Here is a look at the top upcoming races in Bakersfield this year. We update our listings weekly so you always have the most current information.

FIESTA HALF MARATHON & 10K – BAKERSFIELD

Date: September 5, 2026

Distance: 10K

Join us in Bakersfield to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at this inaugural Fiesta Half Marathon & 10K event, featuring a flat, speedy course perfect for personal records that starts and finishes at Yokuts Park. Read full details →

Register for this Race →


2026 Lace’n It Up 5k Run/Walk & Celebration Walk

Date: October 3, 2026

Distance: 5K

Get ready to lace up your shoes and celebrate with Links for Life on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at River Walk Park in Bakersfield! This vibrant community event launches Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a 5K run/walk option plus a 1K celebration walk, complete with survivor… Read full details →

Register for this Race →


9th Annual Running with the Angels – Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness

Date: October 4, 2026

Join us for the 9th year of this meaningful 5K run/walk in Bakersfield, where we honor the memory of babies lost too soon while supporting families affected by pregnancy and infant loss. Read full details →

Register for this Race →


CASA Superhero Run

Date: October 24, 2026

Suit up and head to The Park at Riverwalk in Bakersfield on Saturday, October 24, 2026, for an amazing day of running that celebrates real-world heroesthe children in foster care. Read full details →

Register for this Race →


Bakersfield Monster Mash Dash

Date: October 25, 2026

Get ready to celebrate Halloween with us in Bakersfield at this fun-filled 5K run/walk event that also includes a Little Monster Dash for the younger crowd! Read full details →

Register for this Race →

Why Run in Bakersfield?

Running events in Bakersfield offer a mix of community fun runs, charity 5Ks, and competitive road races throughout the year. The local running community is active and welcoming to runners of all levels — from first-timers to seasoned racers. Many of these events benefit local charities and organizations, making race day about more than just your finish time.

Find More Races in California

Bakersfield is just one part of a thriving California running scene. If you want to explore more events across the state, check out our full race listings for California — we track every upcoming running event from 1 mile fun runs to full marathons.

Get Ready to Race

Found a race you want to run? The next step is making sure you are properly trained for it. Whether you are a first-timer aiming to finish or a veteran chasing a PR, having the right training plan makes all the difference.

Take our free 3-question training plan quiz and get matched to the right plan for your fitness level in under a minute. We will send it straight to your inbox so you can start training today.

Good luck out there — see you at the finish line in Bakersfield!

Hi, Jeremy Here, 

I am the the guy behind Train for a 5K. On this site, I share everything that learned along my running journey. The content I create is the running training I wish I had before we started this journeyAbout Jeremy. 

I have run over 250 races including the California International Marathon, Clarksburg Country Run, and various other 5K & 10K races throughout the United States. I am a former Athletics department employee at University of the Pacific and Shoe Consultant with Dicks Sporting Goods

Become a Train For a 5K Insider