For nearly four decades, the Village Shalom Father’s Day Run has been more than just a community race. What began in 1987 as the “May Day Run” has grown into one of the longest-running Father’s Day races in the Kansas City area — bringing together runners, walkers, families, volunteers, and supporters for a meaningful cause.
Hosted annually by Village Shalom, the Father’s Day Run supports memory care and senior living programs while creating a tradition centered around health, connection, and honoring loved ones.
The History of the Father’s Day Run
The story of the Father’s Day Run began in 1987 when Village Shalom launched the original “May Day Run.” The goal was simple: create a community-focused event that encouraged wellness while supporting older adults in the Kansas City community.
As the years passed, the race evolved into the Father’s Day Run, becoming a beloved annual tradition for families across the metro. Generations of runners and walkers have participated over the years, many returning annually to honor fathers, grandfathers, spouses, and loved ones impacted by aging or memory loss.
Today, the race continues to grow while remaining deeply connected to Village Shalom’s mission of providing compassionate senior care and memory support services.
Father’s Day Run Kansas City: More Than a Race Since 1987
More Than a Kansas City 5K and 10K
While the event includes both a 5K and 10K race, the Father’s Day Run is about much more than crossing a finish line.
Funds raised through the event help support memory care programs and resident engagement initiatives at Village Shalom. These programs are designed to enhance quality of life for seniors through meaningful activities, therapeutic experiences, social connection, and innovative dementia care support.
As a nonprofit senior living community in Leawood, Kansas, Village Shalom serves older adults across multiple levels of care, including assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and memory support.
The Father’s Day Run helps provide resources that encourage dignity, independence, and meaningful moments for residents and families navigating dementia and aging.
Supporting Memory Care and Senior Living in Kansas City
Memory loss affects millions of families, and events like the Father’s Day Run help raise awareness while supporting programs that make a direct impact locally.
Proceeds from the race benefit programs that support residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. From sensory engagement and therapeutic activities to social programming and innovative memory care tools, these services help residents remain connected and engaged.
The event also brings the broader Kansas City community together around a shared mission of supporting older adults and caregivers.
A Father’s Day Tradition for Families
For many participants, the Father’s Day Run has become a meaningful annual tradition.
Some participants walk in honor of a parent or spouse. Others participate alongside multiple generations of family members. Many volunteers and sponsors have supported the race for years, helping continue a tradition that has become part of the Kansas City community.
This year’s race is also part of Village Shalom’s “Summer of Champions” campaign, celebrating the everyday champions who make a difference in the lives of older adults — including caregivers, residents, families, donors, staff members, and volunteers.
Join the 2026 Father’s Day Run
The 2026 Father’s Day Run will take place on Sunday, June 21, at Village Shalom on the Helzberg Campus in Leawood, Kansas.
Participants can choose from a 5K, 10K, or family-friendly activities while supporting memory care and senior living programs in the Kansas City area.
Whether you run, walk, volunteer, sponsor, or cheer from the sidelines, every step helps continue a tradition that has been making a difference since 1987.
Learn more or register at Village Shalom Father’s Day Run.
