A wet Saturday morning greeted individuals who braved the early morning showers to travel to a sleepy 3,900-person town in Southern New Jersey for the Gaudreau Family 1st Annual 5K Run/Walk and Family Fun Day. The event honors the legacy of John and Matthew Gaudreau, who were killed by an alleged drunk driver while riding bicycles in Salem County, New Jersey, last summer.
Around 7 a.m. EST, the clouds began to dissipate from the Philadelphia area, producing a spectacular sight in the early morning hours near Sewell, New Jersey. “There was a rainbow right before the race,” Jason Richwall, the winner of the competitive portion of the Gaudreau 5K, said. “It was an honor to be a part of it.” The Medford, NJ resident crossed the finish line with a time just over 16 minutes for the 3.1-mile dash.
Lauren Hart, the Flyers’ iconic anthem singer, opened the event with her traditional tune at Washington Lake Park. Many of the observers of the 45-minute long competitive race had their turn around the 5K course next, followed by a 1-mile race for kids to complete the sprinting fun.
Over 1,000 individuals attended the inaugural Gaudreau 5K, including several NHL players such as former Flyers defenseman Tony DeAngelo. An additional 1,300 participants joined virtually, according to Stephen Whyno of The Associated Press.
Today our players, staff and their families participated in the @Gaudreau5K after practice in honor of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. pic.twitter.com/NgBFWRrHi2
— x – Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) May 31, 2025
The Florida Panthers took the 3.1-mile physical challenge together as a team following their practice as the team prepares to face the Edmonton Oilers in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk played alongside Johnny Gaudreau with the Calgary Flames.
The proceeds earned from the Gaudreau Family’s 1st Annual 5K Run Walk and Family Fun Day will help change the lives of students by providing a new adaptive playground at Archbishop Damiano School in Westville, New Jersey.
Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
