Dempsey Dash 5K and 1k Fun Run
About this race
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.
Pick your distance
Running
5K Run (Friends, Family & Community)
5K Run (Brenau Students)
5K Run (Brenau Employees)
5K (Phantom Runner/Shirt Purchase Only
Can't make it or can't run? You can still support the Wayne W. Dempsey Endowed Scholarship Fund and its beneficiaries by signing up to participate in spirit and receive a t-shirt if registered before the pre-registration deadline. Just want the shirt? Order here!
1K Fun Run (Friends, Family & Community)
1K Fun Run (Brenau students and employees)
1K Fun Run (Children under 10)
Typical race-day weather
Based on 9 years of historical conditions on this event's race dates in Gainesville.
Course
Route map and elevation profile
No course map published yet.
The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.
Reviews
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Results — Dempsey Dash 5K and 1k Fun Run
Other races near Gainesville
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🏃 Plan Your Next Race in Gainesville
Find upcoming events by distance:
- Gainesville 5K Races 17 races
- Gainesville Running Calendar 2026 18 races
Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.
- Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
- Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
- Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
- Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 21 Gainesville events
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