Event Description

Bring your patriotic spirit to commemorate Memorial Day weekend. Celebrate healing for veterans who struggle with post-traumatic stress. 

THE PURPOSE
This event honors military personnel and veterans who are overcoming the challenges of post-traumatic stress, and promotes mental health therapy in our community.  More than 20 percent of all veterans in San Diego are dealing with post traumatic stress, totaling about 11,000 men and women. Join us: run or hike with a purpose and support San Diego veterans. This event is hosted by Wave Academy, a 501c3 non-profit that provides warm water therapy to active duty military and veterans who have post-traumatic stress. The program is free or low cost to qualifying clients.

THE COURSE
The timed 3.1 mile route follows a well-maintained dirt trail that loops around Lake Poway with beautiful views. The event begins and ends in the grassy, shady park next to the lake. The 5K route goes clock-wise around the lake. Water is available at the start/finish and at 2 miles. Cheerleaders from Helix Charter High School will get you pumped up and cruising to the finish line!

THE GOODS

Participants receive unique custom dog-tag finisher medals and quality cotton t-shirts, plus post-race refreshments. There will be booths with resources for the community. Awards for top 3 adult finishers, top 3 veteran finishers, and top 3 youth finishers, plus great items to give away from our sponsors. 

AWARDS 

Awards will be given in these categories: 

• Top three overall female and male finishers (1st, 2nd 3rd)
• Top three overall veteran female and male finishers (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
• Top three youth (0-17) female and male finishers (1st, 2nd, 3rd)

TIMELINE

6:30am – On-site registration and bib pick-up opens

7:00am – Parking lot at Poway High School opens with bus transportation to start (1 mile distance)

7:30am – Runners warm up

7:40am – Color Guard, Moment of Silence and National Anthem

8:00am – Race starts 

9:15am – Awards & Recognition

LOCATION, TRANSPORTATION & PARKING

Waves for the Brave 5K will start and finish at the south side of Lake Poway park. 

Park at Lake Poway: Poway residents and active-duty military (with ID) are free. Non-residents pay $10.

Park at Poway High School: Free parking is available at Poway High School. It is 1.25 miles from the school to the start of the race. Bus transportation starts at 7am and will loop every 10-15 minutes.

RAISE FOR THE BRAVE

Donate to support warm water therapy for veterans with post-traumatic stress. You can donate here. 

BENEFICIARY

Proceeds support Wave Academy’s program of warm water therapy sessions for qualifying veterans. 

THANK YOU FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Thank you for enhancing the quality of life for San Diego’s veterans, supporting mental health, and our community!