Fifth-annual event benefits True Blue

For one local group, health and exercise simply aren't enough. Members use their hobby to benefit worthy local causes as well.

The Trails Runners, a group of running enthusiasts in The Trails of West Frisco neighborhood, have funneled their passion for running into an event that benefits nonprofit organizations in the community.

The group is preparing for its fifth annual benefit 1-mile fun run and competitive 5K Friends of Frisco Run on Oct. 12 in The Trails of West Frisco.

This year's beneficiary is True Blue, a nonprofit organization formed to honor young Frisco resident Ethan Empey, who died in 2012.

"True Blue provides for programs on suicide awareness, prevention and grief support, as well as education on being loving, understanding and empathetic, traits Ethan exhibited every day," said Gillian Alcala, a founder of The Trails Runners and one of the event's organizers.

The event falls on the one-year anniversary of Ethan's death.

"Ethan was very well known in his school, church and community," Alcala said. "We are hopeful that this event will bring the community together to celebrate his life and help raise money for others that are in need of the services True Blue provides."

Previous runs benefitted Frisco Family Services, the Steele family, Hope Park and the Tisdale family.

The race has grown from 67 runners the first year to a sell-out of 550 runners in 2012. This year, the maximum number of runners has been increased to 600.

"The Friends of Frisco Run distinguishes itself from most other races because it is truly a community coming together to help a local family or organization in need," Alcala said.

The Friends of Frisco run will have a color element to it this year. Volunteers will throw colored powder paint on the runners as they run through one area of the course.

"This is the latest craze in the running community, and color runs are popping up all over the place," Alcala said.

Organizers have found a nontoxic paint that is 100 percent biodegradable. The same type of powdered paint is commonly used in the Indian Holi festival, Alcala said.

The Friends of Frisco Run is chip timed, and runners will have the option to bypass the color zone.

All proceeds from sponsorships and registration fees go toward the cost of the event and True Blue.

Visit www.friendsoffriscorun.com for event details and to sign up.

Friends of Frisco Run Details

Location:

The Trails of West Frisco—intersection of The Trails Parkway and Old Orchard Drive.

Parking is available at Fisher Elementary, Cobb Middle School and area streets.

Schedule:

• 7 a.m.—Registration and packet pickup

• 8 a.m.—Fun Run starts

• 8:30 a.m.—5K starts

• 9:30 a.m.—Awards ceremony

Cost:

• Fun Run: $22 in advance, $25 day of event

• 5K: $32 in advance, $35 day of event

• Family registration: $95 (up to six runners living at the same address)