Waves of Hope 5K 2026: A Powerful Morning of Community and Resilience
- Karen Thomas
- May 4
- 2 min read
The shoreline showed up for us on May 2nd. Waves crashing, dolphins surfacing in the distance, dogs tugging at leashes, kids laughing, families walking together, runners of every age moving with purpose. It all came together in a way that felt bigger than a first year event. It felt like community in motion.
From the start line to the final finishers, the morning carried a steady rhythm of remembrance and resilience. Some ran for loved ones they have lost. Some ran for themselves. Some ran simply to be part of something hopeful. Every person who stepped onto the sand added their own story to the day, and watching each of you cross the finish line was a reminder of the strength that lives in all of us.
The Remembrance and Resilience Station became a quiet anchor throughout the morning. It was a place to pause, breathe, write a name, or honor a memory. Seeing people gather there, gently placing cards and me
ssages, was one of the most meaningful parts of the event. Those moments will continue to guide how we grow this tradition in the years ahead.
This first annual Waves of Hope 5K would not have been possible without the generosity and belief of our sponsors. We are deeply grateful for the businesses and partners who stood with us and helped bring this event to life:
Vital Veterans Consultants
Hot Spot Yoga STA
Flat Spell Tattoo
Stewart Maxcy, Artist
Shipwright Communications and Consulting
Last Call Marine
Guy Harvey St. Augustine Beach Resort
Back 40 A1A
DJ Voo Doo
Stir It Up St. Augustine
Van Gang Ent
Your support helped create a morning rooted in movement, remembrance, and community strength.
To every runner, walker, volunteer, family member, and supporter, thank you for showing up for this beginning. Thank you for bringing your energy, your stories, and your resilience to the shoreline. The ocean teaches us to keep moving, to rise and fall, to return again and again. You embodied that beautifully.
We will carry this morning forward as we continue building spaces for healing, connection, and hope. Until next time, keep practicing resilience and keep listening to what the shoreline has to teach.
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