FANS Honor Roll

The FANS race began in 1990. This unique urban ultra marathon combined two unique things, an opportunity for local runners to partake in a well-supported ultra marathon and the opportunity to fund scholarships for student scholars from traditionally underserved communities. In the intervening years, thousands of runners and student scholars have benefited from this special event. This race is entirely volunteer driven. The proceeds after race expenses go fully to the FANS scholarship fund. Many hands (and feet) have made this event happen over the years. We are introducing this web page to honor some of the special people that have given of themselves to contribute to the success of FANS.

Founded by Bob Frawley

We like to begin this tribute page by recognizing the late great Bob Frawley. Bob was an ultra-marathon runner who worked in the social services community. He saw a couple of needs. There weren’t many local ultra marathons in Minnesota at the time, and the educational and aspirational needs of many students could use a boost. He came up with the idea for creating a great race for runners and a way to help those student scholars. Without Bob Frawley, there would be no FANS. We are eternally grateful to Bob!

There are a number of tales of the genesis of the FANS Ultra races, but several people who knew Bob shared some accounts which, when combined, which may be the closest to the truth.

In April of 1989 Bill Boutang was race director of some races in Baker Park (Orono, MN) and added a 100 miler to the 50 mile race. At this time there were no 100 mile races in Minnesota. (the Superior 100 would not begin until 1991). Fast Eddie Rousseau entered the race and recalls running much of it with Bob Frawley who was training for the Western States Race. As often happens in races, running together leads to conversations which leads to a solid friendship.

Bob Frawley was working for Pillsbury United Communities and in 1988 he had started a program called FANS (Furthering Achievement through a Network of Support). This program helped Minneapolis high school students as they developed academic and job skills so they could make a successful transition from high school to post-secondary education.

As it turned out, Bob didn’t get into Western so he did his hundred mile race around Lake Harriet. He thought he could parlay this bold effort into a fundraiser to help support scholarships for the students he was working with. His Lake Harriet run did indeed raise some money and he started thinking more and more about how this could be an annual thing.

The following year Bill contacted Fast Eddie (Edward Rousseau) and told him he was going to put on a 24 Hour race on the last weekend in June as Minnesota's answer to Western States. He would also continue his efforts to make it a fundraiser. The money would be directed to the FANS program to fund scholarships.

Bob visited with the race directors of the Cornbelt Running Club 24 Hour (Davenport, IA) and got some pointers from them. He then rounded up some volunteers and got the first FANS going on the last Saturday in June 1990 with 35 runners around Lake Harriet. Just as there is now, you could pay an entry fee or you could collect pledges. The students came to the race and volunteered (those students would be approaching age 50 now!!). And, just like the Western States race, It was hot. Several years later it was moved to the first Saturday in June which was cooler but competed with weddings and graduation parties.

Bob and his volunteers continued to pull off one great race after another with dedicated, organized hard work, and great devoted volunteers. He was the race director for about 10 years at which time he let others take the lead. However, he continued to participate in the race. In fact, he ran in every race from 2001 until 2024. His career mileage tops out at 1595! He always had a smile and kind words for everyone. He was especially grateful to the race directors for keeping the tradition going.

Sue Olsen also had fond memories of Bob’s commitment to the race and it’s runners. She recalled how he was so supportive when she was going to be the first person to accumulate 3000 lifetime miles. He was running the 12 hour race that year (2018). He went home to get some sleep but made sure to return in time to run the lap with her when she crossed the 3k mark.

People remember him as a wonderful, caring person and someone who did great things for the youth in our community as well as supporting the running community.