History
Bill Burby was a beloved teacher and coach on Vashon Island. He worked tirelessly in the 1970's to incorporate health education into the school district's K-12 curriculum. He skied, took leading roles in Island musicals, and climbed mountains. He believed in personal growth and in mentoring others as they worked to achieve their own goals. His colleague and friend, Russ Brazill notes he was a "coaches coach" .
For several years, Brazill, Burby, Doug Kloke and others had organized an annual informal run on trails behind the post office. In 1981, Bob McCormick and Neal Allen, student officers of the VHS class of 1983, joined with Burby and Kloke to turn it into the K2 10K Strawberry Festival Run to raise money for the school.
When Bill died suddenly in 1989, the race was renamed in his honor and became The Bill Burby Inspirational 10K Run. Since that time, the race has taken on new dimensions. It now has a 5k run and walk. It has become a Strawberry Festival weekend tradition and favorite family activity. It starts and finishes near the corner of Vashon Highway SW and SW Gorsuch Road and is sanctioned by U.S. Track and Field Association.
In August of 2020, Aaron Burby, the son of Bill Burby, passed away from an undetected rare brain disease. Like his dad, Aaron was a very inspirational person who encouraged anyone whom he crossed paths and was a beloved member during his time in our community. He dedicated himself to health and fitness as he completed nineteen Iron-Man triathlon races. Aaron was also an avid swimmer, and has won the Bill Burby 10K Race named after his dad many times. For all of his athletic accomplishments he was even a better human being, as Aaron brought out the best of everyone he was around.
Your participation in the race helps provide needed funds to Vashon Island High School athletic teams and honors Bill Burby's dedication to the health and fitness of our island's youth. It also allows us to provide the annual " The Bill Burby Wellness Scholarship" to a high school senior through the Vashon Community Scholarship Fund.
Contact: For more information, please contact the Bill Burby Fun Run Association at billburbyrace@gmail.com
The Bill Burby Fun Run Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
