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Runners compete to support technology in schools
iRun
Runners leave the starting line for the iRun for BYOT 5k race on Saturday. The race, held by the Morrow Foundation, raises money to purchase technology related items, such as tablets, for students who do not have access to them. - photo by Jim Dean

irun
Along with the money raised from the race, the Morrow Foundation also received a check from the Sawnee-Cumming Optimist Club for $3,600 to be used for technology. - photo by Jim Dean
Organizers of the Fourth Annual iRun For BYOT say the event on Oct. 6 was a success. More than 900 runners competed.
Jim and Peggie Morrow organize the 5K and Fun Run as a part of their charity, The Forsyth BYOT Benefit, in order to raise funds for technology in Forsyth County Schools.  It is held each year in October at Shiloh Point Elementary.
“So many of our students don’t have access to technology at home and that creates a digital divide.” Peggie Morrow said.  “If I am the only one in class without a device and internet at home, I will not succeed in school.  Everyday, everyone else comes in with their homework assignment, but I can’t.  Soon, I will just give up and quit caring because I will never catch up with the others no matter how smart I am.”
The iRun For BYOT brings families, educators and businesses together to unite for this cause.  
Dr. Jeff Bearden, superintendent of Forsyth County Schools, and Meghann Farmer, Innovative Learning Specialist, promote the event in all of the schools encouraging each school to participate in some way.  Many of the schools teams had T-shirts made supporting their school.  Lakeside Middle School won a plaque for having the most runners in a team.
The Forsyth BYOT Benefit has donated more than $220,000 to Forsyth County Schools in the past five years putting devices and internet in hundreds of students’ homes.