Family of Duluth Murder Victim Keeping His Memory Alive Through Memorial 5k

DULUTH, Minn. — Nearly one year after the tragic loss of 25 year old Maxton Gudowski, his family, loved ones and community members are continuing to keep his memory alive.

“It’s been definitely an up and down roller coaster of emotions. We’re so thankful. We have so much family and friends with support that’s truly what gets us through,” Maxton’s mother Lisa Gudowski said.

In the wake of her grief, Maxton’s mother is channeling her love into a memorial 5k run and walk, holding the event on what would have been his 26th birthday.

“Our Maxton, he was so kind and caring and smart and funny, always making us laugh, and he would give anyone the shirt off his back to help people, and that’s truly what he was all about, and that’s why we’re so proud to keep his memory alive, and especially with his 5k giving back to our community,” Gudowski said.

The run isn’t just a way to honor and remember Maxton, proceeds from the 5k will benefit Duluth Harbor Mission and an on-site raffle will raise money for Duluth Animal Allies and the School District of Superior Angel Fund.

“Maxton was an avid runner when he was younger, and we just felt that was a suiting way to keep his memory going. He started off with the whippersnapper races for grandma’s marathon, and then that progressed into the Irving 5k,” Gudowski said.

The love for Maxton goes beyond the 5k, members of the community organized a meat raffle in his name, also supporting the angel fund. A memorial tree and engraved bricks have also been installed to honor Maxton’s life.

“If I didn’t have the support, it would be truly hard to function each day and with everyone’s love and care and checking in, it just truly means a lot,” Gudowski said.

The memorial 5k will take place on July 19, starting at Portman Park in Duluth at 9 a.m. Maxton’s family hopes to make the 5k an annual event and to support various organizations in the northland.

Link to sign up for Maxton’s Memorial 5k.