2013 Beaver Stadium Run Raises More Than $360K!

2013 Beaver Stadium Run Raises More Than $360,000 and Sets A Fundraising Record

Photo Credit: Abby Drey, Centre Daily Times

An estimated more than 3,700 runners and walkers of all ages and abilities took part in the Fourth Annual Beaver Stadium 5K Run/1 Mile Family Fun Walk at Penn State University on Sunday, April 21, 2013 to benefit Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA). Presented by Sheetz, Inc., the 5K began on Porter Road (at the corner of Curtin Road), moved through Penn State’s scenic campus, and concluded with runners racing through the Beaver Stadium Tunnel onto the Nittany Lions’ home turf to “Finish at the Fifty.” The event raised more than $360,000, making it SOPA's largest fundraiser to date!

This year, Franco Harris received the first-ever Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) Community Hero Award as part of the 2013 Beaver Stadium Run. The award was presented the day before the Run on Saturday, April 20th during a VIP Reception held on the campus of Penn State University. The Community Hero Award is given to a member of the Penn State Football Family who has shown support and generosity to Special Olympics and/or the community as a whole.

Franco is a current member of the SOPA’s Executive Advisory Board and his support spans decades. He has spoken at many special events, volunteered in and around the Pittsburgh and State College communities, and served as the Official Race Starter of the Beaver Stadium Run since its inception in 2010. In his role as Race Starter, Franco makes it a point to congratulate every participant as they “Finish at the Fifty” of Beaver Stadium for the Run which has raised nearly a half million dollars in just three years.

The Beaver Stadium Run is a Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) event that included individuals from law enforcement, SOPA athletes, various Penn State University athletes and organizations, and the community. More than 3,400 runners and walkers took part in the Third Annual event, raising more than $310,000.

Click here for Beaver Stadium Run Race Results

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Check Out Our Event Coverage Below:

Centre Daily Times

Beaver Stadium run raises more than $360,000, sets Special Olympics Pa. fundraising record

VIDEO: Special Olympics Beaver Stadium Run

Runner aims to go distance for Special Olympics fundraiser ending at Beaver Stadium

StateCollege.com

Huge Crowd of Runners Sprint to Support Special Olympics: Special Honors for Franco Harris

Special Olympics 5K Race Fundraiser Draws Thousands: Shatters Donation Record (With Video)

Special Olympic athlete is going the distance for winning edge

The Daily Collegian