On the morning of May 31, 2026, over 400 runners gathered at the beautiful Ancient Peaks Barn in Santa Margarita for the LIGHTHOUSE Atascadero Fun Run 5K, and the Atascadero Police Foundation was proud to be right there alongside them. Not just as a name on a banner, but as an active, boots-on-the-ground (or, in this case, sneakers-on-the-trail) part of the community we love and serve.
The LIGHTHOUSE Fun Run is one of those events that just feels good to be part of. It raises awareness and funding for LIGHTHOUSE Atascadero’s mission of drug and alcohol prevention, intervention, and education for local youth, and it brings together hundreds of community members of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds for a morning of fun, fresh air, and connection. It’s exactly the kind of cause the APF believes in, and this year, we didn’t just write a check; we once again showed up in person and ran the course.
We Got to Know Our Neighbors
One of the highlights of the day was our APF booth, where we connected with attendees, families, and community members while sharing information about programs we support throughout the year, including the Luca Benedetti Memorial Scholarships, ECHO Birthday Program, Holiday Heroes, Pink Patch Project, and Guardians of Honor. We also handed out APF stickers and temporary tattoos, which were a big hit with kids and adults alike. Watching little ones proudly sport an APF tattoo while cheering on runners at the finish line is the kind of thing that makes your day.
The APD Team Took On the 5K and Crushed It
The Atascadero Police Foundation sponsored an official APD team of 13 participants, made up of 9 adults and 4 kids, who ran the 5K course together on race day. It was great seeing our officers, foundation members, and their families running side by side with 400 neighbors and community members. It was all about showing up for the same causes our community cares about.
And while it wasn’t about the competition, we do have to shout out two incredible members of our team who absolutely brought their A-game.
Congratulations to Nicole and Kellye, who took 1st and 2nd place in their age group!
We are so proud of both of you. The same drive and dedication you showed on that course is exactly what you bring to this community every single day, and it shows.
About LIGHTHOUSE Atascadero
If you’re not already familiar with LIGHTHOUSE Atascadero, they are an incredible local organization dedicated to building a healthy, safe, and addiction-free community for young people through awareness, prevention, intervention, and education. Everything they do is focused on giving young people the tools, support, and opportunities to make healthy choices and build bright futures.
To learn more about LIGHTHOUSE or to make a donation, visit lighthouseatascadero.org.
Two Organizations, One Shared Mission
The APF’s partnership with LIGHTHOUSE isn’t complicated to explain. We both care deeply about the wellbeing of Atascadero’s young people and the health of our community. Public safety and youth development aren’t separate issues; they’re deeply connected, and when organizations like ours work together and show up for each other, the whole community benefits.
We are grateful to LIGHTHOUSE for welcoming the Atascadero Police Foundation as a sponsor, grateful to every single one of the 400+ runners who turned out for such a great cause, and most of all, grateful to be part of the A-town community that genuinely shows up for each other, on the trail and off it.
We hope to see you at the starting line next year.
