Gary Burns Frisco Fun Run raises $70,000

Participants in the Oct. 26 Gary Burns Frisco Fun Run raised an estimated $70,000 for the Frisco Education Foundation.

A total of 4,813 registered to run or walk the event, an increase from 4,061 participants in 2012. The run was held for the first time this year at Toyota Stadium to accommodate runners and spectators.

"We had a lot more people register for both the one-mile and 5K this year and many spectators cheering on friends and family," said Allison Miller, Frisco Education Foundation director. "Our area community sponsors stepped up and created a bigger, better entertainment area for families. People hung around a lot longer after the race than in previous years because there was a lot more to see and do."

The Frisco Education Foundation for the first time focused on online registration, rather than paper registration, which served the race well, according to district officials. Also, about 500 people registered during the scheduled packet pick up, which was significantly more than in years before.

The event benefits the Frisco Education Foundation and the Gary Burns Memorial Scholarship Fund, which honors the life and work of Frisco Assistant Fire Chief Gary Burns, who died of colon cancer in 1999.

"We are very thankful to the Frisco ISD family and business community for their support," Miller said. "Fun Run participants, volunteers and sponsors all help the Foundation make a real difference for Frisco ISD students and teachers."

The race sponsors are listed on the Frisco ISD website at www.friscoisd.org.