Newtown’s Court Lilly won the Scott McDowell Memorial 5K on Aug. 17.
By Chris Chaney
Sun staff

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Clermont County held its 17th annual Scott McDowell Memorial Run on Aug. 17, a 5K run and walk in New Richmond in which all proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Clermont County.

The race’s namesake, Scott McDowell, was an avid runner and native of New Richmond. He tragically passed away from a heart condition at the age of 31. Through his career at Paycor, Inc., McDowell made his affiliation with his hometown well known to those at work and as a result, his coworkers and friends began the run in his memory.

“It’s a really neat event because it’s one of the first that the committee put together to start the (Boys & Girls) Club (of Clermont County),” the executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Clermont County Jill Cochran said. “As the club was in its inception, there had to be money raised to cover the charter process. This was one of the first fundraisers.”

Cochran explained the running community that exists within Paycor and their affiliation with the race.

“They’ve been the presenting sponsor for 17 years,” Cochran said. “It’s been a great partnership. They bring employees to both run and volunteer.”

The 17th edition had over 275 runners and walkers of all ages participate. Court Lilly, a 35 year old from Newtown won the race with a time of 17:04. Lilly was 30 seconds ahead of runner-up Brandon Behymer of Batavia and 50 seconds ahead New Richmond High School track and cross country standout Bobby Bingham.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Clermont County opened in 1996 and have been dedicated to providing quality youth programming, positive influences and hope for great futures for youth of all backgrounds. The Clubs are open Monday through Friday from 3pm to 7pm after school and noon to 5pm during the summer.

There are two clubs in New Richmond, one for ages six to sixth grade at 212 Market St. and a Teen Center that serves all teens from grades 7 to 12 at 213 Union St. There is a third location in Mt. Carmel that is being renovated and expected to open in December.

Membership costs $5 per year in order to ensure there are no income barriers that would keep kids out of the program.

Cochran called this a “signature event” for the New Richmond clubs. Aside from Paycor, other sponsors include EC Nurre Funeral Home, Thrivent for Lutherans, Chick-fil-A, Katie Griefencamp, Jenny Humphries, Rhonda McDowell, Jim Giles, River City Express BP, the Scott McDowell Family, Holtmans Donuts, the Village of New Richmond and the New Richmond Police Department.

For more information, you can contact the Boys & Girls Clubs of Clermont County administrative offices at (513)553-1948 or visit their website at www.bgcclermont.org.