The John Spencer River Run 5K and Nature Walk is held each year at the Odum School of Ecology in memory of John Kyle Spencer, a graduate student at Odum and the River Basin Center who dedicated his research to urban streams, freshwater ecology, conservation and ecological restoration. This community-oriented event brings together current students, alumni, faculty, friends, and supporters for a meaningful morning of running or walking through a route that begins at the Odum School of Ecology. In addition to celebrating the life and legacy of John Spencer, the event helps support the ongoing mission of the school: encouraging ecological research and conservation. Donations and participation benefit the UGA River Basin Center and its John Spencer Research Grant Program, established in his memory to support graduate student research in freshwater ecology and conservation.

Every year the event welcomes both in-person and virtual participation. Whether running, walking, or simply joining to show support, participants come together to honor John Spencer’s passion for the environment and to foster community spirit around ecology and conservation. By attending or contributing, participants help reinforce the values that John Spencer embodied: kindness, generosity, and a deep commitment to preserving and restoring aquatic ecosystems.