Jeff McGowan Memorial 5K

The Jeff McGowan Memorial 5K will take place live and in-person on Sunday, August 7, at Scioto Audubon Metro Park (start by the water tower). Join the Columbus Running Company and RUNOHIO for this ninth annual event in memory of Jeff McGowan and Mark Dempsey. Virtual 5K and 1-mile options are also available for those who cannot or do not wish to participate in the live event.

All proceeds from the race will benefit the Jeff McGowan Memorial Scholarship.

Participants can pick up their race number and t-shirt early at the Short North Columbus Running Company store (details below) or at the race site on race day. Virtual 5K Run/Walk or 1 Mile Run/Walk athletes can also pick up their race number, t-shirt and finisher pint glass at Columbus Running Company's Short North location during early packet pickup times. If you are unable to pick up your race packet, it will be mailed to you two weeks after the event. Unfortunately, due to shipping limitations, pint glasses will not be included.

This year’s race will again honor of Mark Dempsey as his name as well as Jeff’s name will be on the back of the race t-shirts and pint glasses. Mark was president of the Columbus Shamrock Club in 2008 where Mark and Jeff first met. Mark died unexpectedly on January 10, 2020.

Remembering Jeff and Mark

"When Mark Dempsey opened Dempsey's Food & Spirits in March 2012, Jeff McGowan was one of his first friends to enjoy a pint of Guinness and take part in the raucous Irish celebration that year. After Jeff passed away Mark made it a point to always have a few of the Jeff McGowan Memorial 5K race pint glasses on hand at Dempsey's for Jeff's family and many friends who stopped in to raise a pint in honor of him. Mark passed away in January but we'd like to think he and Jeff are raising a pint in honor of all the participants in this year's race." - Megan Dempsey, Mark's wife.

Jeff McGowan unexpectedly died on May 26, 2012. Jeff was an active member of the Shamrock Club of Columbus. A 1983 graduate of Circleville High School and a 1990 graduate of Ohio University, Jeff set school records at Circleville High School in the 2.5 mile and 5km cross country events as well as in the 800 meters, 1600 meters and 3200 meters. His senior year Jeff placed 3rd in the Ohio High School Athletic Association Cross Country Championships and was second in the 800 meters and 1600 meters at the OHSAA State Track & Field Championships.

This year’s Columbus Shamrock Club’s St. Patrick’s Parade badge honors both Jeff McGowan and Mark Dempsey  - here is the story behind the badge - http://runohio.com/index.php/news-features/features/150-2021-columbus-shamrock-club-parade-badge 

Early Packet Pickup

Save time in line on race morning and pick up your race gear at Columbus Running Company's Short North location (765 North High St Suite B 43215) on Friday, August 5 (10a-8p) or Saturday, August 6 (10a-6p). Race day packet pickup will also be available at the event near the climbing wall at Scioto Audubon Metro Park. Virtual 5K Run/Walk or 1 Mile Run/Walk athletes can also pick up their race number, t-shirt and finisher pint glass at Columbus Running Company's Short North location during early packet pickup times. If you are unable to pick up your race packet, it will be mailed to you two weeks after the event. Unfortunately, due to shipping limitations, pint glasses will not be included.

You can donate to the Jeff McGowan Memorial Scholarship Fund during your registration or by clicking here.

To utilize a paper registration form (must be postmarked by July 30th), download here.