2013 Jon Francis Foundation Races Seek to 'Give Back'

The Jon Francis Foundation Races are about more than running. They're about the community.

The Jon Francis Foundation Races will seek to benefit the St. Croix Valley by funding the work of the non-profit foundation and several community service organizations in the Twin Cities, according to a press release. 

“We give back to the community,” said David Francis, JFF’s cofounder and executive director.  

Many local business partners, including Lakeview Health, PowerUp, St. Croix Orthopaedics and Great Harvest Bread are sponsoring the JFF Races. In turn, JFF will contribute race proceeds to Stillwater community outreach organizations, including Youth Advantage, Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, Family Means, Boy Scouts of America and Ascension Church. 

New this year, JFF will establish a scholarship in Jon Francis' name and memory at the Stillwater High School. Recipients and requirements will be worked out jointly with the high school. 

The race is named in honor of Jon Francis, who grew up in Stillwater and ran the roads of the course as a gifted high school athlete. Jon Francis disappeared in 2006 while climbing the Grand Mogul in the Sawtooth Mountains. His remains were recovered in 2007. 

The races will take place on Sept. 21, north of Stillwater. The races will begin at 9 a.m. at Square Lake Park. The half-marathon (13.1 miles) race will follow a beautiful and somewhat challenging course on rolling hills and rural roads past lakes, farms, forest and open fields. The 8K (5 miles) race will circle Square Lake. The PowerUp 1K Fun Run is a short course designed for families and young runners. The Fun Run is free to children under 12 and their families.

For more information or to register for a race visit www.jonfrancisraces.com or www.jonfrancisfoundation.org.

For updates and other information about the community, join us on Patch, Like us on Facebook and follow Stillwater Patch on Twitter.