Bakersfield Marathon

Join us for the 9th Annual Bakersfield Marathon, starting and finishing at the historic Kern County Museum. This event takes participants through Bakersfield’s most scenic and historic neighborhoods. With well-stocked aid stations and a lively post-race festival, this is a race-day experience you won’t want to miss!

GPS Readings on Certified Courses

If you just ran the Bakersfield Marathon or Half-Marathon and wore a GPS watch (Garmin, Timex, etc.), used a Nike + or a smart-phone mapping program, you probably found it read more than 26.2 or 13.1-miles. This is not unusual. As a matter of fact, it’s typical.

But don’t worry, the Bakersfield Marathon & Half Marathon course was not long. The course you ran was certified as accurately measured by USA Track and Field, the governing body for road running in this country. All road race courses are measured by a standard bicycle fitted with a calibrated mechanical counter on the front wheel. Courses are not measured by GPS, tape measure, surveying equipment, car, or even by walking the route with a measuring wheel. 

I am an experienced course measurer as well as a runner who wears a GPS when I train and race. I have found GPS readings on certified course are almost always longer than the actual measured distance. There are a couple of important reasons for this:

1)     Publicly-available GPS devices, while amazingly precise, are still not 100% accurate. After all, they are receiving signals from at least four different satellites more than 12,500 miles above the earth! I have found most GPS devices measure 1-to-2% long. Others may find their GPS on this or other courses reading 1-2% short. GPS accuracy is affected by elevation, the number and frequency of turns, tree coverage, tall buildings, bridges, tunnels, and the quality and quantity of satellite reception.

How much difference can 1-2% make? In a half marathon, 2% is more than 1,380 feet or more than a quarter mile. Therefore, readings of 13.25-13.35 miles or more for a certified 13.10938-mile half marathon are not unusual. This doesn’t mean you necessarily ran that far: it means that is the distance your GPS recorded.

2)     Courses are measured by the shortest-possible route. This means that the measuring bicycle is ridden within a foot of the curb/pavement edge and turns are “straightened out” as much as possible. For most runners not at the very front or very back of the race, however, this shortest route is not always available. This is because of the thousands of other runners on the course, running to one side to access a water stop or a restroom, the desire to run alongside friends, yielding the fastest line to passing runners, etc. This is true with any road race but you would be surprised how much these small changes in your running “line” can add up over the entire distance.

The GPS is a useful and informative training device. I trust the stopwatch function, of course, but I know the distance feature will almost always give me a reading that is “too long.” Consequently, if I use the "pace per mile" or "average pace" functions, they are going to register times that are a bit too fast. For example, if your Garmin computes that you are running a 10 minute-per-mile pace, you are likely actually running 10:06-10:12 minutes per mile (the typical 1-2% variance).

If you want to learn more about how courses are measured, visit the “Course Certification” area in the “Products and Services” section of the USA Track and Field website (http://www.usatf.org/events/courses/certification/).

Note that if you used a smart-phone based measuring system (e.g., Mapmyrun on your iPhone), the measured distance is usually even less accurate than a GPS watch like a Garmin. Here is a very-comprehensive article comparing the accuracy of various devices: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/06/2011-sport-device-gps-accuracy-in-depth.html

If you have any additional course measurement questions, please feel free to contact your Bakersfield Marathon Race Directors at directors@activebakersfield.org.

Thanks for your participation and best wishes for your training and racing.

Doug Thurston
USATF Official Course Certifier
doug@bsim.org 

The Bolt Loyalty Award

All participants who register for two or more years in a row, (starting in 2023) will receive a piece of The Bolt (pictured below) representing running on Kern County Energy.

After your 3rd and 4th years in a row, you will receive additional pieces of The Bolt that connect with magnets to form the full medal. If you participated in 2023, 2024 & 2025 then you complete the series in 2026. If you participated in 2024 & 2025 then you complete the series in 2027.

The Bolt is available to you regardless of the distance you run/walk but you must participate in consecutive years to qualify. There will be a booth at the finish line festival where you can claim your Bolt piece(s). 

Bakersfield Marathon Legacy Club Continues in 2026!

A free program for participants who run an event with us every year, the Legacy Club will continue to gain more benefits and exclusivity with each passing year. If you ran in our inaugural 2016 race and became a Legacy Club Member in 2017, and have run with us every year since — then don’t miss out on continuing to be a part of this elite club! Run with us in 2026 and continue your legacy! Scroll to the bottom to see the latest perk our legacy runners will receive.

Once again, in 2026, you can opt to register for our 2026 Virtual Race to keep your Legacy Club status. This is a great way to keep your Legacy Club status intact if you have a conflict on race day. Please note, legacy runners who sign up but then give their bib to someone else, will be disqualified as Legacy Runners going forward.

Those who are signed up for the 2026 event are listed in the link here: Legacy Club Members. If you think your name should be listed but isn’t, or if it appears on the wrong list, please reach out to directors@activebakersfield.org.

All past Legacy Club members, who signed up for the first eight years but have yet to sign up for the 2026 event, are listed in the link here:  Legacy Club Eligible 

If you believe you should be listed but are not or your name is on the wrong list, please contact directors@activebakersfield.org. This list was last updated at 5pm on September 2nd, 2025.

2025 Legacy Club Gift-  Sponsored by Anthem

Some Legacy Club Members Pictured Below

• Gender Specific Runner Shirt (those who sign up less than a month before the event are not guaranteed a shirt)

• Custom Finisher's Medallion

• Runner Breakfast

• One Free Beer (21+)

• 15 Water/Aid Stations

• 3 Gel Stations in the Full, 1 in the Half

• USATF Certified Boston Qualifier

• Health & Fitness Expo

• Finish Line Food & Beer Festival  

• Walker-Friendly Course (16 min/mile for the Full Marathon)

Every participant earns a medal! Take a look at some of our past designs, and stay tuned to our social media for the exciting reveal of next year's finisher awards.

Age Group Awards

Those who finish in the top three in their age group receive an additional age group award. Please visit the registration/results area on race day to see if you qualify for an age group award and to pick up your award at that time.

The "Bolt" Loyalty Award

Click here to learn about how you can get your hands on one. 

 
Prize Money

The top three Male and Female finishers (based on gun time) in the Full and Half Marathons will receive the following:

• 1st $250

• 2nd $150

• 3rd $100

Winners should visit the results/registration area on race day to claim their prizes.

To register as an exhibitor, please visit our Expo & Festival Registration Site!

Expo Details

• Youth under 18 years of age must have a guardian pick up their bib and must sign the waiver on behalf of that child. Blue Zone Project Kids Run participants can pick up their bib anytime before 9:15am on Saturday, March 21st. 

• All adults, will need to show ID in order to pick up their own bib on Saturday March 21st and/or on Sunday March 22nd. 

• You can only pick up on Sunday March 22nd if you have paid for VIP pick up. Scroll to the bottom for instructions on adding Sunday Bib Pick Up.

• If you are picking up a bib for another participant, you must 1. Show a copy of their ID (this can be on your phone or printed) and 2. Hand in this waiver, on paper, signed by that participant

• Waivers must be printed on paper and will be left behind at registration. You cannot email the waiver or show a copy of on your phone. These will not be accepted. You can download the waiver at this link.

VIP, Sunday Bib Pick Up:

If you did not pay for VIP pick up during registration and need to add it now, follow these steps

1. Click on the upper right corner of this page and select profile. You can also do this from your confirmation email if you still have that.

2. Log in and find this event under upcoming events.

2a. If the event is not listed. Scroll down to where it says
Hey…where are all my events?
We found an unclaimed account associated with your email address. Go claim it!

and click on go claim it.

3. Once you have gone through that process click on Manage Registration

4. In the menu items at the top of the page, click on "Add-Ons" and choose the VIP packet pick up option, pay the fee, and your bib will be available on race day.
 
Email us if you have any issues along the way. 

While you pick up your race packets on Saturday, the day before the Marathon, let your kids get in on the excitement with the 1 Kilometer fun run! It's the perfect way for them to feel like part of the race day experience. Every young runner (12 and under) will be treated like a champion with a commemorative race t-shirt, a shiny medal to show off, professional race day photos, and an array of other fantastic goodies to celebrate their achievement. It’s a fun and memorable way for the whole family to enjoy the event!

We encourage you to let you kids run on their own, then they can revel in their speed and independence for a few minutes while you get in position for the perfect photo of them hitting the finish line. If you need to, parents can run/walk with their young ones in either event but MUST start at the back to allow the other children to run and not have to get around you. 

Click the Sign Up button to register a youngster for the event.

Blue Zones Kids Run events are on Saturday, March 21st, the day before the Marathon.

8:00am-9:00am - Blue Zones Kids Run Bib Pick Up
9:00am-9:15am - Blue Zones Project Story and Warm-Up led by Mary Crocker
9:15am: Diaper Dash 350 Yard (5 years old and under)
9:40am: 1K Fun Run (12 years old and under)

One Kilometer Course

350 Yard Diaper Dash

Each event has its own time limit, if you fall behind the pace needed to finish your event before the time limit is reached, you may be asked to move to the sidewalk as roads need to reopen on schedule. 

Marathon Time Limit: 7 Hour finish time, You must average 16 minutes per mile or faster to finish within the Marathon time limit.

Half Marathon Time Limit: 6 Hours and 15 minutes finish time, You must average 28 minutes per mile or faster to finish within the Half Marathon time limit.

10K Time Limit: 2 Hour finish time. You must average 19 minutes and 15 seconds per mile or faster to finish within the 10K time limit.

6K Time Limit 1 Hour 45 minutes finish time. You must average 28 minutes per mile or faster to finish within the 6K time limit.

Pacers in the Half and Full Marathon

Pacers will hold signs letting you know what time they will finish their race. They will run an even pace throughout the course. Run with one who is at your goal pace then sprint past them in the final mile to surpass your goals!

Full Marathon Pace Times

3:05, 3:25, 3:35, 3:40, 3:50, 3:55, 4:05, 4:20, 4:35, 4:50, 5:05, and 5:20

Half Marathon Pace Times

1:30, 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30, 2:45, and 3:00

Bakersfield Marathon 26.2

For an interactive version of the map click here

Bakersfield Half Marathon 13.1

For an interactive version of the map click here

Bakersfield 10K

For an interactive version of the map click here

Bakersfield 6K

For an interactive version of this map click here.

Please go to the kids run page to view the 1K and Diaper Dash courses. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q - Can I pick up a bib For another participant?

A - Only if you have a copy of their ID, and a printed waiver that they have signed. Download a copy of that waiver at this link.

Q - Is there free parking?

A - Yes, please read, PARKING CHANGED IN 2025. For maps and details from 2025 click here.

Changes for 2026 include

1. Requiring all participants other than Marathon Runners and Legacy Runners to park at Bakersfield College. Marathoners and Legacy Runners can park at Kern County Museum or Bakersfield College. A Legacy Runner is someone who has done the event all 9 years. Learn more at this link 
2. Quadrupling the amount of buses
3. Adding toilets at the bus pick up location. 

For those arriving after 6:15am and for all Half Marathon, 10K and 6K Participants: Bakersfield College Buses will shuttle participants to the start.

Buses will shuttle participants approximately every 5 mins to the start.

The entrance to Kern County Museum Parking will close promptly at 6:15am. No entrance to parking between 615am and 8am and could be full at 8am and not reopen. 
All race participants arriving after 6:15am should park at Bakersfield College.
After 8am, people can enter the museum lot at 40th.
Please arrive early and visit this page for maps and more details. 

Q - What is the minimum age to register for each event?

A -  Although there is no "standard" age at which a runner should get involved in the sport of running, we recommend runners be at least age 14 for the Marathon, 10 for the Half Marathon, 8 for the 10K, and 6 years old for the 6K. Ultimately, it is up to each parent or guardian to adjust our recommended age, higher or lower, depending upon their dependent's ability to participate in our event.

Q - Are dogs allowed on the course?

A - No. Pets, wagons, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters and bicycles of any kind are also NOT allowed on the course for safety concerns.

Q - Are baby strollers allowed?

A - Yes, you are allowed to run with a jogger stroller. 

Q - Will there be race day registration?

A - We expect all events to be sold out by race day so please check our social media to find out if spots remain available and if so, in which events. 

Q - Will there be race day packet pickup available?

A - VIP packet pick up is available on race day for an extra fee, starting at 5:30am. You can add VIP pick up by logging in to your Run Sign Up account and paying for it as an "Add-On"

Q - Will there be a bag drop-off at the event?

A - Yes. Free bag drop-off will be available in the "Hotel" building, near the start/finish line, to check your personal belongings. Pick-up will be available at any point during the day. You must supply your own bag and should attach the gear check tag from your bib to that bag.

Q - Is the Bakersfield Marathon a Boston Qualifier?

A - Yes, the Bakersfield Marathon is a USATF-certified, Boston Qualifying course. Certification #CA22006DT

Q - Can I run with headphones?

A - Yes, but we strongly discourage it. While USATF, the national governing body of the sport, has lifted its ban on headphones and similar devices, we recommend that runners keep only one earbud in to remain aware of race official instructions and emergency vehicles. In past years, some participants have missed course turns while wearing headphones and were disqualified, so staying alert is key to a successful race!

Q - Can my friends and family see me along the course?

A - Yes! There are many accessible points around the course for spectators. Keep in mind that street closures will alter normal driving routes around Bakersfield during the race. We recommend seeing our City Impact Tab and Course Maps to find the best places to watch.

Q - Can someone special cross the finish line with me without a bib?

A - The Finish Line is reserved for REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS ONLY. Out of respect to the other runners, please tell friends and family that they can only cheer you on as you cross the finish line. They will only be able to congratulate you after you cross the finish line and receive your medallion behind the arch.

Q - How "fast" is the course?

A - The Bakersfield Marathon is mostly flat with some hills at the beginning. Please check out the elevation profile on the course maps page for more details.

Q - I have never run a race or marathon before, is The Bakersfield Marathon a good fit for my first race?

A - Absolutely! The Bakersfield Marathon is a community event that is geared towards everyone from experienced runners to walkers! The positive energy surrounding The Bakersfield Marathon can carry ANYONE across the finish line. Register today and commit to taking on a new challenge!

This page will be updated with a 2026 map in 2026. We expect the information to be the same as it was in 2025 which you can see below.

Click here for information on picking up your bib.

RACE ETIQUETTE GUIDE

No runner wants to disrupt the race of another. Here are some tips and reminders, adopted from the Road Runners Club of America, to help all runners have a safe and enjoyable race:

Race Etiquette on Course
·       If you drop something as the race starts, don’t stop and pick it up! Wait until almost everyone has crossed the starting line; then retrieve it.
·       Don’t drop clothing on the course after you warm-up. If you must shed layers of clothing, tie them around your waist or place them on the side of the road where no one will trip over them. If you drop it; don’t expect to get it back.
·       Run or walk no more than two abreast.
·       Do not block runners coming up behind you by swerving needlessly back and forth across the course.
·       If you are walking in a group, stay to the back of the pack and follow the two abreast rule.
·       Bodily functions are a fact of life during a race. If you need to spit, blow your nose or throw-up, move to the side of the road and do it there. If nature calls, look for a port-a-potty available at every aid station.
·       Move to the side if someone behind you says “excuse me” or “on your right/left”. The person behind you is giving you a heads up before passing. It’s proper race etiquette to let that person pass you without blocking their effort.
·       If someone in front of you is wearing headphones, and they are blocking, gently touch their elbow or shoulder as you pass to alert them to your presence.
·       If you need to tie your shoe or stop for any reason (phone call, nose blow, etc) move to the side of the road and step off the course.
·       “Selfies” are all the rage these days but they can be very disruptive to other runners. If you want to take a picture, please check your surroundings carefully and stay off to the side of the course.
·       Yield the right of way to all police and emergency vehicles and official race bicycles or scooters.
·       Don’t cheat! Don’t cut the course or run with someone else’s number.

Aid Station Etiquette
·       When approaching an aid station to hydrate or re-fuel, move to the right and grab your fluid/nutritional needs from the volunteers or the aid tables then continue forward away from the volunteers or aid table.
·       If you need to stop at an aid station step to the right side of the road and proceed to the aid station, but do not block others from accessing the aid tables or volunteers handing out fluids.
·       Drop your used cup in the road as close to an aid station as possible or look for a trash can at each aid station. Do not throw your cup off into the bushes.
·       If you use an energy gel, take the used wrapper with you or dispose at an aid station trash can. Do not put energy gel wrappers in used cups. They are composted separately after the race.
·       If you see someone in distress on the course, flag down a course marshal on bicycle or report their number and position at a first aid station next to every water station.
·       Please remember that there is no way to restock paper in the portable toilets during the race. If you want to make sure you have what you need, bring it with you!

Finish Line Etiquette
·       Once you have crossed the finish line, keep moving forward as directed by volunteers. There is a great place to wait for your friends later in the finish area.
·       Exit the chute and wait for friends or family in a central location.
·       Enjoy the post-race refreshments, but remember it is not an all you can eat buffet for you and your family. There are many other finishers behind you who want to have the same variety of foods and fluids.
·       Stay around for the awards ceremony to cheer on the overall winners along with the age group winners. Running is one of the few sports where the participants get to mingle closely with the event winners.

Award Winner Etiquette
·       If you won an award, stay for the award ceremony. It is about you, after all.
·       If you feel you deserved an award but your name was not announced, don’t run on stage to debate the award with the announcer. The announcer usually just reads the information given to them by the race officials. Find a race official and discuss the discrepancy with them.

Remember no event is perfect and people work hard to make them safe and enjoyable. The Bakersfield Marathon & Half Marathon is staffed primarily by volunteers, but there is a race director or race committee that is responsible for an event. If you have ideas for improving an event or concerns you would like to address, share them with the race director or race committee in a positive and productive manner after the race.

Thank you for your participation.
The Bakersfield Marathon Race Committee

Saturday, March 21, 2026 - Health & Wellness Expo 

Location   Kern County Museum 3801 Chester Ave.

8:00am-9:00am - Blue Zones Kids Run Bib Pick Up

9:00am-9:15am - Blue Zones Project Story and Warm-Up led by Mary Crocker

9:15am: Diaper Dash 350 Yard (5 years old and under)

9:40am: 1K Fun Run (12 years old and under)

10:00am to 5:00pm Marathon, Half, 10K & 6K Bib Pick Up

Sunday, March 22, 2026 - Race Day

5:00am    Bakersfield College and Kern County Museum Parking Opens

5:30am    Same Day Registration & Packet Pickup (ONLY FOR THOSE WHO PAID FOR VIP PICK UP)

6:15am    Museum Parking Entrance Closes until 8:00am

6:55am    National Anthem

7:02am    Marathon Start - 7 hour course time limit

7:07am    Half Marathon Start - 6 hour 15 minute course time limit

7:47am    10K Start - 2 hour course time limit

7:52am    6K Start - 1 hour 45 minute course time limit

8:00am    Festival Area Opens

8:00am    Food Area Opens          

8:30am    Beer Garden Opens

2:02pm    Finish Line Closes

2:20pm    Beer Garden Last Call

2:45pm    Beer Garden Closes

3:15pm    Festival Area Closes

We are always looking for excellent companies to partner with us in bringing the Bakersfield Marathon to life.

We have many options for you and your brand to reach tens of thousands of participants on race weekend and hundreds of thousands of people through our emails, social media campaigns and other marketing.

Click here if you are interested in booking a booth at the event. 

If your organization is interested in becoming a sponsor please  you can also 

Click below to download our Sponsorship Packet showcasing various opportunities and levels of sponsorship. All of our packages are customizable to your specific needs. Please email directors@activebakersfield.org to start the conversation. 

We look forward to working together in support of healthy and active lifestyles for those in Bakersfield and beyond!

We are excited to welcome our Training Partners!

Glinn and Giordano Physical Therapy

Glinn and Giordano Physical Therapy is thrilled to be a part of the 2022 Bakersfield Marathon! Being in Bakersfield for over 40 years they are well versed in working with our community in performance enhancement, injury prevention and recovery.

Glinn & Giordano will be hosting a training session to review some of the major components of running including:

·       Common Injuries
·       Risk Factors
·       Running skills and drills
·       Strength and mobility
·       Posture
·       Cadence
·       Nutrition

Whether you’re an experienced runner or just beginning feel free to join their training session on January 12, 2022.  Make sure you bring clothes you can move in because they will be reviewing and performing exercises and drills to work on while training for the 2022 Bakersfield Marathon.

Count on Glinn & Giordano to be there at the start of the race to help with any last minute preparations.  Can’t wait to see you all there!   
If you would like to attend the training session please RSVP as space will be limited. Reach out at (661) 832-9737 or sjelmini@ggphysicaltherapy.com

Click on PDF to open and print Volunteer Water-Station Instructions.

Please be reminded that some water-stations have pop-up tents designed for First-Aid personnel, as well as 1 table and chairs.
First-aid personnel can find their supplies inside of the water-station foot-lockers.

Thank you all for your volunteer service!

We will have volunteers at aid stations on course at the following locations.

All aid stations have porta-potties.

 Full Marathon

Mile 1.7 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage

Mile 3.88 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage

Mile 6.4 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage

Mile 7.95 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage

Mile 10.3 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage

Mile 12.5 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage & GU Energy Gels

Mile 13.3 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage

Mile 14.1 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage & GU Energy Gels

Mile 15.9 - Water, Fluid Performance Beverage & GU Energy Gels

Mile 18 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage

Mile 19.5 - Water, Fluid Performance Beverage & GU Energy Gels

Mile 20.5 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage

Mile 21 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage

Mile 22.1 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage & GU Energy Gels

Mile 23.5 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage

Mile 25 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage

 
Half Marathon
Mile 1.7 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage
Mile 3 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage
Mile 4.6 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage
Mile 6.9 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage
Mile 7.6 - Water, Fluid Performance Beverage & GU Energy Gels
Mile 9.7 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage 
Mile 10.3 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage
Mile 12.1 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage
 
10K
Mile 1.7 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage
Mile 3 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage
Mile 4.6 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage
 
6K
Mile 1.2 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage
Mile 2 - Water & Fluid Performance Beverage
 

In addition to providing local runners the chance to complete a Boston-qualifying marathon right in their own backyard, we are thrilled to welcome participants from across the U.S. and around the world. The Bakersfield Marathon truly has a race for everyone!

Choose from our scenic Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 6K, or Kids' Runs (1K & 1/4 mile), all winding through historic Downtown Bakersfield.

Special Offer: Children 9 and under automatically receive a $25 entry fee for the 6K during registration!

Packet pickup will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Health & Wellness Expo, where you can explore health-focused vendors and race-day essentials.

Looking to get your business or group involved? Check out our Sponsorship Packet for exclusive opportunities. Plus, groups of 15+ enjoy 15% off registrations! Contact us at directors@activebakersfield.org for details.