More than 1,000 People Show Up to Honor Gaudreau Brothers at Memorial 5K in New Jersey

A huge crowd packed Washington Lake Park in Sewell, New Jersey for the first-ever Gaudreau Family 5K this weekend. Over 1,100 runners completed the course in person and another 1,300 participated virtually to remember Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.

"This is great, we are bringing the hockey community and the running community together here in South Jersey and Philadelphia to celebrate Johnny and Matthew," said Dave Welsh to Fox29.

Starting early morning, runners picked from three options: a chip-timed 5K race, an untimed run/walk, and a special one-mile course for kids.

"When you first heard this tragedy that occurred, it was so riveting and overwhelming that anything that we could possibly do to help, we were right on board," said one participant.

The money raised will help build a special playground at Archbishop Damiano School, where both brothers formed close relationships with students.

People joining virtually did their runs during the week from May 24 to May 31. The first 500 people who signed up got special shirts and finisher medals.

The park was full of life all day long. Kids got excited over balloon animals while grown-ups did yoga. Local bands performed as runners crossed the finish line.

NHL stars Brady Tkachuk, Erik Gudbranson, Zach Aston-Reese, along with other players and former players participated. Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers participated virtually.

Later, at Dunlop's Bar and Grill inside Hollydell Ice Arena, people shared stories about the brothers who had touched so many lives.