SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The 10th Annual Josh Lee 5K Memorial Race marked a record-breaking year for USC Upstate Athletics, drawing 490 participants, 293 finishers, and raising more than $120,000 for the Josh Lee Memorial Scholarship.
The event honors the legacy of former cross-country runner Josh Lee, whose life and spirit continue to inspire the USC Upstate Spartan community.
"The race has meant a lot to us over the years," said Head Cross Country Coach
Carson Blackwelder. "It's a way to keep Josh's memory and spirit alive, while helping the Lee family honor their son. This year was extra special—it fell exactly ten years to the day of the accident, and we were surprised and grateful to see our largest turnout and the most money raised in the event's history."
"Johnny, Macy, and I are so humbled by the continued support and generosity shown toward us in memory of our Josh," said Laurie Lee, Josh's mother. "To know Josh's legacy will always be remembered is truly heartfelt. To be 10 years after Josh's death and people still remember the way he treated others goes to show how much of an impact Josh had on their lives. Every year, the Josh Lee Memorial 5K is growing. We believe this race is bigger than all of us. Paying it forward is what counts. Giving back so another student can finish their race in life is rewarding in itself. We would like to give our deepest gratitude to the sponsors, donors, and participants for making this year's race such a success. For God be the glory."
USC Upstate extends its gratitude to all participants, donors, and sponsors for supporting the event and helping sustain Josh Lee's enduring impact.
Platinum Level
- Arkwright Foundation
- Ms. Randi L. Berry
- Mr. and Mrs. Wade Lang
- RedSail Technologies
Gold Level
- Mr. Bill Leonard
- Mr. and Mrs. Johnny R. Lee Jr.
- Tallon Consulting, LLC
- Mr. John P. Barber, CPA
Silver Level
- Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Caldwell Sr.
- Mrs. Brenda S. Bledsoe
- Dr. and Mrs. Steven A. Leyland
- Mr. and Mrs. William E. Bagwell
- Mr. and Mrs. John M. Blackman
- Mr. and Mrs. Danny R. Cash Jr.
- Cowpens First Baptist Church
- CWS Insurance Agency, Inc.
- Dr. and Mrs. John A. Harrill Jr.
- Mr. Amir Nawabi
- Mr. and Mrs. Hugh T. James
- Mrs. Dorothy Josey
- Henderson Oil Company
- Mr. and Mrs. George D. Johnson Jr.
- Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Lyon
- Mr. Harry F. Schoen III
- Dr. and Mrs. Gordon B. Sherard III
- Dr. and Mrs. Steven Smiley
- Ms. Becky Dunbar & Beckham Dunbar Clayton
- Spartan Waste
- SPM & Investment, LLC
- Universal Civil Construction
- Ms. Lindsay L. Webster
- Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow W. Willard Jr.
- Mr. Wes P. Wright
Bronze Level
- Mr. De Calvert
- Mr. Sam M. Slade Jr.
- Mr. Winthrop Allen
- Mr. and Mrs. Brion E. Bahnmuller
- Mrs. Anne T. Cecil
- Mr. and Mrs. Timothy L. Cleveland, Esq.
- Mr. and Mrs. Dick Crenshaw Jr.
- Mr. Reed L. Cunningham and Family
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Mrs. Carter N. Graves
- Hodge Floors
- Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Holland
- Mr. Clay Keim
- Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Keim Jr.
- Mr. and Mrs. H. Spencer King III
- Mr. and Mrs. Patrick E. Knie
- Mr. and Mrs. Johnny R. Lee
- Dr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Leong, MD
- Mr. and Mrs. William J. Lowndes IV
- Mr. James S. Mabry
- Mahon & Associates LLC
- Ms. Martha McNeely
- Mr. and Mrs. John D. Montgomery
- Mr. and Mrs. David Moody
- MTM Investment Management LLC
- Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Parrott
- Mr. Andrew N. Poliakoff
- Mr. L. Perrin Powell
- Santolubes Manufacturing, LLC
- Dr. and Mrs. James A. Scardo
- Mrs. Caroline B. Smith
- The Creek Golf Club
- Mrs. Nancy Tiller and Mr. Spencer Johnson
- Mr. and Mrs. Gregory B. Tolbert
- U.S.L.C. Southport Cutting, Inc.
- Ms. Minta P. Warren
- Mr. and Mrs. Peter E. Weisman
- Ms. Tammy E. Whaley
- Mr. and Mrs. Michael B. Wilkes
- William M. Edwards DMD, PA
- Mr. and Mrs. Thomas S. Wood
