JJ's Journey for a Cause

🎉 Celebrate JJ's Birthday!

Join us in celebrating our sweet angel's 5th birthday! We can't think of any better way to honor JJ than to participate in a 5K in his memory. Doesn't matter if you run or walk, just get outside and move your feet #forJJ! We invite you to stay and hang out after the race to celebrate JJ's birthday - we will have music, snacks, balloons, and entertainment!

💖 Support a Cause

All proceeds will go to First Candle, an organization that works to help bereaved families and hoping to bring an end to SIDS.

🕊️ Our Story

In November of 2021 we unexpectedly lost our 5 month old son, JJ. He was a perfectly healthy and happy baby, thriving and enjoying life. What started as a typical Friday morning for our family changed completely when we got the call that JJ had gone down for his morning nap at daycare and did not wake up. We did everything we were supposed to do and unfortunately have no answers to what caused this tragedy. To honor our son and in hopes to help prevent this from happening to other families in the future, we are working to raise money for research for SIDS.

📅 Race Details

• Cost:
• 5 Miler: $50 per person
• 5K: $30 per person
• Price increase: 30 days prior to race day
• Ages 5 and under: Free (won't receive a bib for timing)

👦 Kids Fun Run

This year we will be adding a kids fun run as a part of our event. This race will be geared towards elementary school-aged kids, ideally ages 5-12. It will take place on a much shorter course (less than one mile). Kids will be sprinkled with color powder while running to create a fun "color run" experience!

🏆 Awards

Awards this year are being presented by Pace Yourself Run Company! A new local running store in Wendell, NC.

• Top 3 male & female finishers overall
• Top male & female finisher in each age division 1-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.

🚨 Registration Deadline

DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR GUARANTEED T-SHIRT SIZE IS MAY 9, 2026!!!

Please read carefully! We will need to have everyone's requested shirt sizes about a month in advance in order to know how many of each size to order and allow time for production. Sizes Available: See specific race options at registration.

📦 Packet Pick Up

There will be two options for packet pick up prior to race day. The first packet pick up will be held Thursday June 4th from 5-7 p.m. at Pace Yourself run store in downtown Wendell. The second packet pick up will be held Friday June 5th from 5-8 p.m. at the Farmhouse Cafe in Wendell Falls. If you are not able to attend either of the pre-race packet pick up dates we will also be offering packet pick up on race day but you must arrive early!

• 5 Miler Race will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday June 6th.
• 5K Race will begin at 8:00 a.m.
• Packet pick up will be from 6:00am-7:30am.
• Kids fun run will begin at 9:00am shortly after the 5K begins.

🌐 Virtual 5K

We will also be offering a virtual option for people who would like to participate in JJ's Journey but are not local. You will complete your 3.1 miles anytime between May 31st-June 6th and submit your time to the RaceJoy app.

📱 Stay Connected

Follow us on social media @jjsjourneyforacause and tag us in your posts using #run4JJ !!!

📍 Event Location

The race will be held at 320 Vintage Point Lane, Wendell, NC.

🔗 More Information

For additional details, please visit JJ's Journey for a Cause.