Sigma Chi Hosts 5K in Memory of Thomas Mayo

On the morning of April 15, more than 800 individuals gathered outside the University of Mississippi’s Sigma Chi chapter house for the inaugural Thomas Hayes Mayo 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk. 

The race, which supported The Thomas Hayes Mayo Lab, ultimately raised over $67,000. It also gave family and friends an opportunity to remember the late Thomas Mayo.

“Thomas brought a life and light to everyone he interacted with, and the turnout and support in his memory was incredible,” said Nash Dehmer of Sigma Chi. “The event itself marked my proudest moment as a member of Sigma Chi.”

Thomas, who died in April 2022 of an accidental fentanyl overdose, was a brother at Sigma Chi, student at the University of Mississippi and graduate of Oxford High School. He was beloved for his kindness and positivity. 

“I’m honored to have known Thomas and to carry on his legacy—especially the joy and kindness he exuded—through the The Mayo Lab,” said David Magee, The Lab’s director of operations. “This is life-saving work, and I’m so grateful for the support we saw from so many people at the 5K.”

More than 600 people pre-registered for the 5K, and nearly 200 for the one-mile walk. The race also drew more than 100 walk-up registrations that morning. 

H. J. Mason, Jr., with a time of 19:22 in the 5K, came out first among male runners. Maryann Fulton led the female racers at 21:20. 

Due to the success of the event, Sigma Chi aims to make the race an annual tradition.

“We hope to make this an annual event, so Thomas Mayo’s legacy can always be honored,” Dehmer said. “The Mayo Lab is doing amazing work, and we’ll continue to support all of their efforts.”  

Family and friends of Thomas Mayo, including his parents Cal and Caroline Mayo, gather at the culmination of the inaugural event.