JJ's Journey for a Cause
- Date Sun 30th May 2027 - Sat 5th June 2027
- Time 8:00AM EDT
- Location Wendell, North Carolina
- Price Free - $22.65
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km, 1 Mile
Event summary
Join us for the 6th Annual JJ's Journey for a Cause, taking place from May 30 to June 5, 2027, in Wendell, Wake! This heartwarming event honors the memory of a beloved little boy, JJ, as we come together as a community to run, walk, and celebrate his 6th birthday. The highlight of the week will be the 5K race on June 4, starting at 8:00 a.m., where participants can race for personal bests or enjoy a leisurely stroll while supporting a vital cause.
In addition to the 5K, there’s a special Kids Fun Run (Color Run) designed for children aged 5-12, ensuring a fun-filled experience for the whole family. Every dollar raised during this event will benefit First Candle, an organization dedicated to preventing SIDS and supporting families affected by the loss of a baby. After the race, stick around for a joyful celebration featuring music, snacks, and entertainment as we honor JJ's impactful legacy. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to make a difference and create lasting memories! Register early for guaranteed t-shirt sizes and be part of this meaningful occasion!
In addition to the 5K, there’s a special Kids Fun Run (Color Run) designed for children aged 5-12, ensuring a fun-filled experience for the whole family. Every dollar raised during this event will benefit First Candle, an organization dedicated to preventing SIDS and supporting families affected by the loss of a baby. After the race, stick around for a joyful celebration featuring music, snacks, and entertainment as we honor JJ's impactful legacy. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to make a difference and create lasting memories! Register early for guaranteed t-shirt sizes and be part of this meaningful occasion!
Organiser's Description
JOIN US FOR THE 6TH ANNUAL JJS JOURNEY FOR A CAUSE 5K!
Join us in celebrating our sweet angel JJs 6th birthday! We cant think of a better way to honor JJ than by coming together as a community to run, walk, and move our feet #FORJJ! Whether youre racing for a personal best, enjoying a morning walk, or simply showing your support, we invite you to be part of this special day as we honor JJs life and help make a difference for other families.
The celebration doesnt end at the finish line! Stick around after the race to celebrate JJs birthday with us. Well have music, snacks, balloons, and entertainment as we spend time together remembering our sweet boy and celebrating the impact he continues to make.
EVERY DOLLAR RAISED WILL BENEFIT FIRST CANDLE, an organization dedicated to supporting families who have experienced the loss of a baby and working toward a future free from SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths. Through this event, we hope to support grieving families, raise awareness, and help fund the research needed to prevent other families from experiencing this unimaginable loss.
Our Story
In November of 2021 our world changed forever when we unexpectedly lost our 5-month-old son, JJ. He was a perfectly healthy, happy baby who was thriving and enjoying life. What began as a typical Friday morning for our family became every parents worst nightmare when we received the call that JJ had gone down for his morning nap at daycare and never woke up.
We did everything we were supposed to do, and despite the heartbreak and countless questions, we still have no answers as to what caused his death.
Since losing JJ, we have made it our mission to honor his life in a way that can help other families. What began as a way to celebrate our sons birthday has grown into an annual tradition that brings our community together for a purpose bigger than ourselves. Through JJs Journey for a Cause, we hope to raise money for SIDS research, support bereaved families, and help prevent other parents from experiencing the loss we know all too well.
JJs life was far too short, but his impact continues to grow with every person who shows up, every step taken, and every dollar raised in his memory.
THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF JJS JOURNEY. WE ARE SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE YOU ALONGSIDE US AS WE CONTINUE TO CELEBRATE HIS LIFE, HONOR HIS MEMORY, AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE #FORJJ.
RACE DETAILS
Cost:
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 (Color Run)
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 local running store in Wendell, NC.
Awards will be presented to:
* 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+.
***DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR GUARANTEED TSHIRT SIZE IS MAY 3, 2027!!!***
_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 3rd from 5-7 p.m. at Pace Yourself run store in downtown Wendell. The second packet pick up will be held Friday June 4th 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_!
5K Race will begin at 8:00 a.m.
Packet pick up will be from 6:00am-7:30am (Really suggest either picking up the night before or one of the other times during the week if you are local)
Kids fun run will begin at 9:00am shortly after the 5K begins. This is to allow for the racers to start earlier before it gets too hot and to allow everything to remain on the same day.
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 30th-June 5th and submit your time to the RaceJoy app.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @JJSJOURNEYFORACAUSE AND TAG US IN YOUR POSTS USING #RUN4JJ !!!
Join us in celebrating our sweet angel JJs 6th birthday! We cant think of a better way to honor JJ than by coming together as a community to run, walk, and move our feet #FORJJ! Whether youre racing for a personal best, enjoying a morning walk, or simply showing your support, we invite you to be part of this special day as we honor JJs life and help make a difference for other families.
The celebration doesnt end at the finish line! Stick around after the race to celebrate JJs birthday with us. Well have music, snacks, balloons, and entertainment as we spend time together remembering our sweet boy and celebrating the impact he continues to make.
EVERY DOLLAR RAISED WILL BENEFIT FIRST CANDLE, an organization dedicated to supporting families who have experienced the loss of a baby and working toward a future free from SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths. Through this event, we hope to support grieving families, raise awareness, and help fund the research needed to prevent other families from experiencing this unimaginable loss.
Our Story
In November of 2021 our world changed forever when we unexpectedly lost our 5-month-old son, JJ. He was a perfectly healthy, happy baby who was thriving and enjoying life. What began as a typical Friday morning for our family became every parents worst nightmare when we received the call that JJ had gone down for his morning nap at daycare and never woke up.
We did everything we were supposed to do, and despite the heartbreak and countless questions, we still have no answers as to what caused his death.
Since losing JJ, we have made it our mission to honor his life in a way that can help other families. What began as a way to celebrate our sons birthday has grown into an annual tradition that brings our community together for a purpose bigger than ourselves. Through JJs Journey for a Cause, we hope to raise money for SIDS research, support bereaved families, and help prevent other parents from experiencing the loss we know all too well.
JJs life was far too short, but his impact continues to grow with every person who shows up, every step taken, and every dollar raised in his memory.
THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF JJS JOURNEY. WE ARE SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE YOU ALONGSIDE US AS WE CONTINUE TO CELEBRATE HIS LIFE, HONOR HIS MEMORY, AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE #FORJJ.
RACE DETAILS
Cost:
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 (Color Run)
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 local running store in Wendell, NC.
Awards will be presented to:
* 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+.
***DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR GUARANTEED TSHIRT SIZE IS MAY 3, 2027!!!***
_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 3rd from 5-7 p.m. at Pace Yourself run store in downtown Wendell. The second packet pick up will be held Friday June 4th 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_!
5K Race will begin at 8:00 a.m.
Packet pick up will be from 6:00am-7:30am (Really suggest either picking up the night before or one of the other times during the week if you are local)
Kids fun run will begin at 9:00am shortly after the 5K begins. This is to allow for the racers to start earlier before it gets too hot and to allow everything to remain on the same day.
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 30th-June 5th and submit your time to the RaceJoy app.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @JJSJOURNEYFORACAUSE AND TAG US IN YOUR POSTS USING #RUN4JJ !!!
Races
-
5k
Incl. $2.65 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 5th June 2027 (8:00AM EDT)
$22.65
OPENS 31 DEC -
Kids Fun Run
Sat 5th June 2027 (9:00AM EDT)
Free
OPENS 31 DECFun run designed for kids ages 5-12 years old. **Untimed** Run as may laps as you can in the 20 minute period. (one lap ~0.33 miles) Medal awarded to all participants! -
Virtual 5K
Incl. $2.65 Fee & T-Shirt
$22.65
OPENS 31 DECComplete your 3.1 miles anytime between May 31-June 6 and submit your time to the RaceJoy app.
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320 Vintage Point Lane, Wendell, 27591, NC, United States
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