The Gaudreau 5k is almost back. This year, it promises to be bigger and better than ever. You still have plenty of time to get involved too.
The 2nd Annual Gaudreau 5K & Family Fun Day will take place Saturday May 16 at Washington Lake Park in Sewell, NJ. Although most of the in-person activities are full, you can still sign up to participate virtually while helping out key initiatives that will continue to honor the legacies of John and Matthew Gaudreau.
The virtual 5K is $35 as it was in 2025. All proceeds from this year’s event will support initiatives of the Gaudreau Family Foundation which has prioritized three key areas:
- Empowering Children & Promoting Youth Athletics.
- Bringing Communities Together.
- Legacy Initiatives Honoring John & Matthew Gaudreau.
The virtual 5K can take place anywhere between May 1 and May 16. Online submission of your results will be available until 11 P.M. eastern on May 16.
In the year since the debut of the Gaudreau 5K, the Gaudreau Family Foundation has been able to positively impact the community. Here are some of the key statistics they’ve been able to realize from their 2025 fundraising efforts.
- Over 2,500 total runners, walkers, spectators and volunteers helped make the initial event a success.
- Between all sources including donations, sponsorships and fundraising, over $550,000 was raised.
- A new adaptive playground, The Gaudreau Brothers Wings of Hope Playground, was opened on October 4, 2025 at Archbishop Damiano School in Westville, NJ.
In addition to the above impact from last year’s 5K, the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation has been able to award grants to help support and strengthen hockey communities. Just last month, the Foundation awarded six grants to the following entities:
- Gear Up Hockey Foundation, Washington, DC
- Junior Warriors Foundation, Delray Beach, FL
- Newark Ice Hockey Association, Newark, OH
- Haverford Hawks Ice Hockey Club, Havertown, PA
- Unified Special Hockey of Maine, Unity, ME
- A Family in Need, NJ
Back in January, the Foundation was able to award their first-ever grant. It was given to Ohio Sled Hockey, to help give individuals with physical limitations the opportunity to learn about and participate in the sport of hockey.
How You Can Help
Even if you are unable to partake in the 5K virtually, there are still a number of ways you can help support the ongoing mission of the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. Here are some ways you can help.
- A clothing collection which includes hoodies, hats and beanies just to name a few as well as items for youths are available.
- Like breakfast? You can now purchase a special collector’s edition box of “Bond of Brothers Cinnamon Square Cereal.” A picture of John and Matthew are on the front along with family pictures on the back.
- If you just want to make a donation, you can do that too. Follow this link for more information.
According to the Gaudreau 5K’s website, almost $37,000 has been raised by over 400 top donors for this year’s event. This includes a goal of $5,000 set by the Calgary Flames Broadcast Crew.
Keeping the Gaudreau’s Legacy Alive
From the beginning, it was always the goal of the family to keep the legacies of John and Matthew Gaudreau alive. Coming up on two years since the tragedy, they’ve held steadfast to their word.
Whether it’s all the efforts in Philadelphia and New Jersey, Calgary, Columbus and many more, there are numerous examples being seen in which the brothers are being remembered. But perhaps the moment at the Winter Olympics put everything into perspective.
After Jack Hughes won the gold medal for Team U.S.A., the Gaudreau family was at the game. What was the team’s priority after the initial celebration? They wanted to make sure that Johnny’s children got to be in the team picture on the ice. Zach Werenski and others ensured they made it happen, even if it mean getting by some security.
It led to one of the most enduring photos of the Winter Olympics. Johnny’s children were in the photo while being held by Werenski and Dylan Larkin. Johnny’s number 13 jersey has been a mainstay both on Team U.S.A. and with the Columbus Blue Jackets. His jersey still travels with the Blue Jackets everywhere they go.
The Gaudreau 5K has developed into one of their signature events that not only provides support in key areas, it keeps the legacy of John and Matthew alive. May 16 promises to be a big day to continue the mission that the Gaudreau family has started. Based on the numbers, including participants in all 50 states, this 5K promises to be their biggest and best yet.
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