More than 1,600 runners and walkers participated in the Beaver Stadium 5K Run/Family Fun Walk , raising over $80,000 to benefit Special Olympics Pennsylvania. In only it’s second year, this new Blue-White Weekend tradition was able to double the previous number of participants and donations received.

Runners and walkers were greeted by Sue Paterno, former Nittany Lion standout Franco Harris, law enforcement officials and Penn State student-athletes as they made their way from the south tunnel of Beaver Stadium to the finish on the 50-yard line.

“We are thrilled beyond words,” said Paterno, who is a long-time supporter, volunteer and organizer with Special Olympics. “We want to make this event grow and grow.”

The Beaver Stadium 5K Run supports county chapters of Special Olympics and the SOPA state Summer Games, which are held annually at Penn State in June.