The Dad Wave 5K

Join us for the Dad Wave 5K & 3K Family Run — a powerful, community-centered event celebrating fatherhood, connection, and the strength it takes to show up every day.

Hosted at Aptos High School, this unique track-based event invites runners, walkers, families, and supporters of all ages to come together for a morning of movement, meaning, and community. Whether you're running the 5K, walking the family-friendly 3K, or cheering from the stands, you’re part of something bigger.

Fatherhood is filled with incredible highs, but it can also come with quiet challenges that often go unseen. Dad Wave 5K exists to remind every father that he doesn’t have to navigate those waves alone.

Proceeds from this event benefit The Circle Family Center and MENtors, supporting programs that provide education, connection, and mental health support for fathers and families in our community.

Why We Run...

To celebrate the dads who show up with love, strength, and presence
To create space for connection, community, and support
To raise awareness around the emotional journey of fatherhood

What to Expect...

A fun stadium atmosphere
Family-friendly activities and community vendors
Music, cheering, and a powerful finish line experience
A chance to be part of a growing movement of support for fathers
To support local programs that uplift families

Our Message...

No dad should face the waves of fatherhood alone.
Let’s show up, move together, and build a wave of support that reaches far beyond race day.