The Dad Wave 5K
- Date
- June 20, 2026
- Location
- 100 Mariner Way, Aptos, CA
- Distance
- The Dad Wave 5k · 3K Family Fun Run
From the Organizer
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.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
74°
Typical Low
52°
Chance of Rain
4%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Santa Cruz, 6 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Aptos, CA
Elevation
128 ft
Nearest Airport
SJC
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport · 27 mi
Time Zone
Pacific Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at The Dad Wave 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
More Running races near Aptos, CA
Summer 2026 Santa Cruz Track Club All Comers Meet
8 miles away
2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run
8 miles away
San Lorenzo River Trail Run
8 miles away
Santa Cruz Track Club Cross Country Challenge
8 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is The Dad Wave 5K?
- The Dad Wave 5K is a running race held in Aptos, California on June 20, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is The Dad Wave 5K?
- Saturday, June 20, 2026 in Aptos, California at 100 Mariner Way, Aptos, CA. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for The Dad Wave 5K?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
The Dad Wave 5K
Jun 20, 2026