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.
Supporting Memory Care Through Every Mile
While the Father’s Day Run includes both a 5K and 10K race, the event is about much more than crossing a finish line. Every registration, sponsorship, and donation helps support memory care programs and resident engagement initiatives at Village Shalom.
As a nonprofit senior living community in Leawood, Kansas, Village Shalom provides assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and memory support services for older adults throughout the Kansas City area. Funds raised through the Father’s Day Run help enhance quality of life for residents through meaningful activities, therapeutic experiences, social connections, and innovative dementia care programs.
With memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease affecting millions of families, the race also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness and support services that make a direct local impact. From sensory engagement and therapeutic programming to specialized memory care tools and caregiver support, these resources help residents remain connected, engaged, and purposeful.
Just as importantly, the Father’s Day Run brings the Kansas City community together around a shared commitment to honoring older adults, supporting caregivers, and ensuring seniors receive compassionate, person-centered care. Every mile run and every dollar raised helps create meaningful moments for residents and families navigating the journey of aging and memory loss.
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.
