The Adventist Health Bakersfield Foundation is hosting the virtual fun run race, “Tough as Nails Kern Kwarantine 2×4 Ultra Race.” The race began April 24 at 6 p.m. and will be carried on until April 26 at 6 p.m. 

The intention of the race is to raise spirits during the COVID-19 quarantine, and to help those affected by the pandemic. 

“For me, running has always provided a healthy outlet to work through issues I’m facing. We hope this race can provide that same outlet for others, and bring our community together,” Foundation board member Mike Young said.

The race is free for anyone who wishes to participate in the race, and the foundation is also asking for donations to help those affected by COVID-19. 

“Donations will go toward helping families struggling with COVID-19, including buying groceries and covering transportation and lodging costs,”  according to the press release by Adventist Health Bakersfield, 

“So many people in our community are struggling through this quarantine, whether it’s the individuals who are directly fighting the coronavirus, or those who are just going a little stir-crazy at home. We want to find ways to help,” Adventist Health Bakersfield Foundation President Beatris Espericueta Sanders, said in the media release. 

The race consists of two-mile laps every four hours for 48 hours. That means there will be some midnight runs taking place. Also, each two-mile run must be recorded on the Strava app and posted to the Kern Kwarantine Ultra Club page. 

Participants are not required to run in a certain location; they could run from anywhere they would like. 

“You are encouraged to run or walk each 2 mile lap in your own neighborhood. Hey, you can even do 2 miles in your own backyard or on your own treadmill!” the Kern Kwarantine website states.   

Participants must remain six feet apart from any others they encounter, but they can use #Kern2x4 and #GetFitKern on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to show that they are socially present while social distancing. 

The press release also states that organizers will not be sending out bibs for the race, instead they are encouraging racers to use their creativity to craft their own race bibs. 

There will be different prizes awarded for the race: first to finish, the best Strava art, the most socially distant, but most socially present on social media, and the best homemade race bib.