School vice-principal Shane Burn said the fun run was significant to the school because 11-year-old pupil Emma Jones had been diagnosed with the condition.

"This will be the third year we have participated in the run, which raises awareness and money for research in the neurological condition.

"It's not one of the more well known conditions, but it sure has a huge impact on Emma and her family and of course other families that deal with it as well."

Go the Tan will take place this weekend around the Melbourne Botanic Gardens.

Entry fees from the event will go towards the Friedreich Ataxia Research Association - a registered charity that funds research into the neurological, degenerative disease at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute.

To find out more visit www.gothetan.com.au