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Sat March 14, 2026
Gainesville, GA 30501 US Directions
RaceJoy Ready

Events

5K Run (Friends, Family & Community)

Price: $30
Time: 9:00AM EDT
Price increases after March 13, 2026 at 8:00am EDT

5K Run (Brenau Students)

Price: $10
Time: 9:00AM EDT
Price increases after March 13, 2026 at 8:00am EDT

5K Run (Brenau Employees)

Price: $15
Time: 9:00AM EDT
Price increases after March 13, 2026 at 8:00am EDT

5K (Phantom Runner/Shirt Purchase Only

Price: $20
Registration closes on March 13, 2026 at 8:00am EDT and re-opens on March 14, 2026 at 8:00am EDT

1K Fun Run (Friends, Family & Community)

Price: $15
Time: 9:00AM EDT
Price increases after March 13, 2026 at 8:00am EDT

1K Fun Run (Brenau students and employees)

Price: $15
Time: 9:00AM EDT
Price increases after March 13, 2026 at 8:00am EDT

1K Fun Run (Children under 10)

Price: $10
Time: 9:00AM EDT
Price increases after March 13, 2026 at 8:00am EDT
Open to ages 10 and under.

Place

Brenau University Amphitheater
102 Prior Street
Gainesville, GA US 30501

Description

On March 14, Brenau University will host its annual Dempsey Dash 5K and 1K Fun Run in memory of the university’s long-time executive vice president and CFO, Wayne Dempsey. The event benefits the Wayne W. Dempsey Endowed Scholarship Fund, first funded in Dempsey’s memory in 2014 by an anonymous donor.


Official Dempsey Dash T-shirts provided for all pre-registered participants by February 20. All other registered participants through race day will receive shirt while supplies last.


Certified race: Certification # is GA24002DJ


Why A Bowtie?
Known for his impeccable style, Dr. Dempsey was a true "clotheshorse" who was rarely seen on campus without a sharp suit or a fashionable sport coat. His commitment to fashion was legendary—his sons even recall him mowing the lawn in penny loafers. His signature bow tie habit allegedly began in the late 1980s, inspired by his eldest son. Not content with clip-ons, Dr. Dempsey spent hours mastering the art of tying them by hand. This look soon became his professional calling card.  Today, his sons cherish his extensive collection, continuing to wear his ties as a stylish tribute to a unique man.

When to pick up participant bags or shirts?
Saturday, at registration/check-in. 

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

RaceJoy


Available for Apple and Android devices.

Interactive Race Day Experience with RaceJoy

Live Phone Tracking, GPS Progress Alerts and Cheers!

We are providing you with RaceJoy as part of the official race experience for the Dempsey Dash 5K and 1k Fun Run.

Download the RaceJoy mobile app in advance to ensure proper phone setup. Invite your friends and family to track you and send you cheers!

Some key RaceJoy features include:

GPS Progress Alerts

  • Receive continual progress updates as you complete your goal.

Live GPS Tracking

  • Remote spectators can track your progress live in a map view. You can also track others.

Send-a-Cheer

  • Receive supportive audio cheers from remote friends & family.

Virtual Results (virtual events only)

  • Enter your race-assigned bib number to automatically submit your finish data for real-time scored results.
To use RaceJoy, you must carry your phone and activate tracking on the day you complete your race.
View RaceJoy How-To

Sponsorship Opportunities

To purchase your sponsorship and set up your free entries click HERE, then follow the guide below:

Sponsors Guide         Participants Guide

 

TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION OR FOR MORE INFO: Contact Matt Thomas, Vice President for University Advancement, at 770.718.5309 or mthomas@brenau.edu.

Course Map

We have a flat course with 2 loops around the Brenau University campus. 

Awards

  • 5K Overall Male & Female
  • 5K TOP Male & Female in each age group category: 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+.

Directions

Race Participant Survey

Please complete the following survey to help us better understand your race experience.

Did you participate in the race?
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