The Bill Burby Race works to preserve some of the Island Strawberry Festival historic traditions. First, it brings honor to Mr. Bill Burby, a former VHS coach and teacher of health, who influenced many young people toward healthy living. Mr. Burby died in 1989.  

A second preserved feature of the race is to provide funds to be used by island sports programs and scholarships and to honor the life of Ryan Krug, a dedicated high school runner who died tragically and suddenly in 2013.