Lace up to celebrate Festival of Lights

The third annual Hanukkah 8 Krazy Kilometers, an 8K run organized by Temple Beth El in celebration of the eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, is going virtual — and solo — this year. This event also includes a 2K Latke Loop Fun Run.

These holiday runs can be completed anytime during Hanukkah, which begins on Dec. 10 and ends on Dec. 18. Participants will have the option to run a “virtual” 8K or 2K at a location of their choosing or a “solo” 8K or 2K on a set course at Panorama Vista Preserve, a 935-acre open space area located within the Kern River Parkway in northeast Bakersfield (901 E. Roberts Lane). This native riparian habitat preserve is open to the public and includes hiking, biking and equestrian trails.

Timed results will be provided for all solo participants and awards will be given to the top finishers of the 8K solo run.

The registration fee is $32 for the 8K and $24 for the 2K. All participants will receive a custom race bib, finisher medal, Hanukkah swag and entry in the race raffle. Those who register by Dec. 10 will be guaranteed an event T-shirt and gaiter face mask.

There will also be a holiday costume contest this year and a nightly drawing for one dozen Hanukkah cookies. Visit 8krazykilometers.org for more information or to register.

Hanukkah celebrates religious freedom and is one of the most widely observed holidays on the Jewish calendar. Also known as the Festival of Lights, it is traditionally celebrated by lighting a holiday candelabrum called a “menorah,” eating foods fried in oil like potato pancake “latkes,” playing the four-sided top or “dreidel” game, and exchanging gifts.

In the spirit of holiday giving, a portion of each participant’s registration fee will be donated to the Kern River Parkway Foundation, a local nonprofit foundation that works to protect, preserve and restore the natural riparian and wildlife habitat of the Kern River.