Jeff McGowan Memorial 5K

At this time we hope to offer an in-person 5K Run on Sunday, August 1, at Scioto Audubon Metro Park (start by the climbing wall) as well as a Virtual 5K Run/Walk and a 1 Mile Run/Walk. Join the Columbus Running Company and RUNOHIO for this eighth annual event in memory of Jeff McGowan and Mark Dempsey. If the Scioto Audubon - Metro Parks, City of Columbus, or Franklin Country does not allow in-person running events by July 15th all entries will be converted to a Virtual event.

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

In-person 5K Runners can pick up their race number and t-shirt early at the Short North Columbus Running Company store 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 (see below). If you or a friend 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. All unclaimed pint glasses will be donated to Dempsey's Food & Spirits.

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.

"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 

Athletes who pick up their race packet early at the Short North Columbus Running Company store for the Jeff McGowan Memorial 5K in Memory of Jeff McGowan and Mark Dempsey will receive a free Columbus Shamrock Club’s Parade badge while supplies last.

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