Flyers

Gaudreau Family 5k Returns for a Second Year in South Jersey

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Mar 27th, 2026 · 12:10 PM EDT

---

The Gaudreau Family Foundation is holding another charity run/walk event in May to honor the lives of Johnny and Matthew, who died in 2024:

Sewell, NJ – Building on the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural event, which raised over $500,000 and help to fund the construction of The Gaudreau Brothers Wings of Hope playground at Archbishop Damiano School, the 2^nd Annual Gaudreau Family 5K Run/Walk & Family Day will return on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Washington Lake Park, Sewell, NJ.  
 
This year’s event will benefit the newly established Gaudreau Family Foundation, created to honor the enduring legacies of John & Matty Gaudreau. 
 
The Gaudreau Family Foundation honors the lives and legacies of John & Matty Gaudreau by supporting programs that empower children, promote youth athletics, and champion animals. Guided by their unwavering commitment to family and spirit of kindness, compassion, and joy, the Foundation carries forward their legacies, ensuring their positive impact continues to shine throughout the communities where they lived, played, and inspired others. 

…
 
A Day for the Whole Family 

The inspiring morning will offer something for everyone. Competitive runners can participate in the timed 5K race, while families can enjoy a non-competitive 2K run/walk at their own pace. For younger children, the day includes a series of shorter kids dashes designed just for them.  

Beyond the races, families can spend the day together enjoying face-painting, interactive games, and a variety of activities that celebrate the spirit of togetherness that John & Matty cherished. New this year, a cornhole tournament! 
 
Whether families come to compete, walk together, or simply to enjoy a day outdoors in support of a meaningful cause, there will be activities to create lasting memories for all ages. 

A National Movement 

While the main event takes place at Washington Lake Park, families and participants from across the country are encouraged to join virtually – running or walking wherever they are on May 16th. Last year, over 1,000 runners and walkers from all 50 states and Canada participated virtually, including members of the Florida Panthers and their families, led by Matthew Tkachuk. The Panthers went on to win the Stanley Cup just weeks later.  
 
…
 
A raffle of gift baskets, online merchandise sales, and more will help raise additional funds for the Foundation’s mission to support what John & Matty held most dear. 

If you want to sign up to participate or sponsor the event, you can register at www.runsignup.com/GaudreauFamily5K. And the foundation website is worth spending some time on. There’s an entire section of background information on both brothers, a full apparel shop, media releases, grant applications / history, basically anything anybody could think of. There’s also an IG account to follow:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @johnandmattyfoundation