Events
Twins Tot Run/Walk 5K
Twins Tot Vigil Walk
Place
Punta Gorda, FL US 33950
Description
TWINS TOT Walk/Run 5K — Run. Remember. Protect.
Join us March 28, 2026 at South County Regional Park (670 Cooper St, Punta Gorda, FL 33950) for a high-energy, heartwarming morning celebrating children, families, and community — and standing together to prevent child drowning. Be part of Movement, Remembrance, and Action.
Why we gather
Founded by Paul DeMello in loving memory of his twin sons, Christian and Joshua, the Twins TOT Walk/Run now honors all children while raising funds and awareness for Just Against Children Drowning to provide life‑saving swim lessons and water‑safety education.
Who can come
Family-friendly and welcoming to all ages. Dogs on leash and strollers are allowed (for safety, they will start at the back). Can’t be there in person? Register as a Virtual Participant and join the cause from anywhere.
How to participate
- Chip‑timed 5K run/walk — chase a personal best and compete for awards.
- Vigil Walk — a gentle, reflective tribute to remember children lost and promote water safety.
- Virtual participation — complete your 5K wherever you are and support the mission.
Perks
- High‑quality race shirt — register by February 28, 2026 to guarantee yours.
- Raffle prizes — sold on race day.
-Finish‑line fare: Healthy, replenishing snacks and beverages provided for runners; menu to be announced
Race day schedule
- Early packet pickup: details TBD
- Race day packet pickup & on‑site registration: 6:45 – 7:45 AM
- Run/Walk start: 8:00 AM
- Food served: ~8:30 AM
- Awards & presentations: 9:15 AM
- Moment of silence & guest speaker: 10:00 AM
- Vigil Walk begins: 10:15 AM
- Raffle prize announcements: 10:45 AM
MOVE WITH US! REMEMBER WIYH US! TAKE ACTION WITH US!
Register by February 28, 2026 to secure your spot and guaranteed race shirt. WOO HOO!! See you at the finish line!
Awards
Age Group Awards
M/F 1st- 3rd place awards in the following age groups:
>6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+
Overall Awards
M/F Overall, Masters, Grand Masters, Senior Grandmaster, Veterans Grandmaster.
JUST AGAINST CHILDREN DROWNING FOUNDATION:
JACD, a 501 (C)(3) non-profit foundation, was incorporated on April 1, 2010, after the tragic drowning of 13-month-old twins Joshua and Christian DeMello. Our hope is that through spreading awareness and being able to financially help when needed, we can prevent similar events from happening. At JACD, we strongly believe and recommend that every home with a pool needs to have a child barrier (even if you don’t have children yourself ), along with proper supervision at all times. We also promote swimming lessons and CPR.
Surprisingly, 58% of parents report that they don’t consider drowning a risk to their children, yet statistics show that a swimming pool is 14 times more likely to be involved in the death of a child, aged 1 — 4 years old, than a motor vehicle. In fact, while most parents worry about things like a hot stove, iron, sharp objects, a fall from tall surfaces, perhaps animals, or even a loaded gun in the house, the most dangerous thing is something that is always around us in some way: water. And the worst part is that we don’t tend to think much about this. Whether it be the toilet, sink, pool, bathtub, a puddle outside, a pot or pan, there is a constant need to protect your child from becoming a victim. Please take the time to check out the information offered here.
It could save a life!
4-19 pool safety abc 9am interview
Child Safety Source Interview With Paul Demello
Become a Sponsor
Our Music Sponsor
Race Contact Info
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Directions
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