Love Your Park Fun Run & 5K

Join us for a community celebration that brings neighbors together for a great cause - supporting the North of the River Foundation's Youth Scholarship Fund! Every step you take helps local children and families access recreation programs, sports, and camps that build confidence, connection, and lifelong memories. Whether you're running the 5K, walking the Fun Run, or cheering from the sidelines, this event is all about loving our parks, loving our hearts, and giving back to the parks that make our neighborhoods thrive.
Participants will receive a finisher medal, and all proceeds go directly toward scholarships for youth recreation opportunities. Let's move together for a purpose! All pre-registered participants will receive a medal.

Choose from our Fun Run for beginners, walkers, families, and children or our 5K for runners. 

Please note, our Fun Run takes place within Polo Community Park boundaries, while our 5K goes beyond the park.

Learn more about the Foundation, access route maps, and more here.

The Love Your Park campaign celebrates public health and public parks within Bakersfield. With Pop-Up Rec, NOR is bringing the fun to your neighborhood! Participants and their family and friends are invited to join us for lawn games with local recreation staff, learn about NOR programs in the community, and explore North of the River parks across the District. Pop-Up Rec will be on-site at Polo from 8-11am on 2/1/26.

• Finisher Medal
• Unisex T-Shirt (those that sign up after 1/15/26 are not guaranteed a shirt)
• Disposable Water Bottle
• Granola Bar (those that sign up after 1/30/26 are not guaranteed a granola bar)

Registrations made on 1/30/26 or after are not guaranteed participant perks; all giveaways are based upon availability.