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Written by Marty Mazur

There are a number of Holiday Jingle Bell Runs in the area in the next two weeks. They're all on our calendar. Here's a list:

(1) Monday, December 19: Bellefonte Holiday Lights Run, 6 p.m. from Bellefonte Area High School. Wear your holiday running gear, bells, lights, hats, ......! You can run/walk 2-5 miles of the surrounding streets of Bellefonte! All are welcome! Families encouraged to attend! Hot chocolate and cookies afterward! We had approx 40 last year and hope to be bigger and better this year! Please let Kim Gasper know if you are coming and do not plan on running/walking.We can use your helpin the refreshments area. Also, please her me know if you would be interested in baking 1-2 dozen cookies to bring along! In the spirit of the season, please bring an item or donation for Pets Come First. Kim's email address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

(2) Tuesday, December 20: The State College Jingle Bell Run, a "light-seeing" tour of the Christmas lights in State College neighborhoods on the west end of town. Meet at the West Side Stadium parking lot on W. College and Corl St. at 6 PM. The route is a little improvised and makes some stops along the way including one at Marty Mazur's house for cookies, hot punch and/or bourbon. All are welcome. The pace is easy. The distance is around 4-5 miles, but come and run as much as you'd like. Those who want food or refreshment after the run can warm up at the West Side Stadium. If you're thinking of coming and meeting us along the way, you can call Marty at 360-9967 to find out where we are.

(3) Thursday, December 22: Thursday Track Jingle Bell Run. From Rec Hall at noon. Runners are encouraged to wear holiday attire: bells, crazy hats, costumes, lights...nothing is off limits! Runners head to the track for the famous two-lap year end "workout", then jog through town startling holiday shoppers. The run is about 4+ miles at a moderate pace.

(4) Tuesday, December 27: Tara Murray will lead a group run from the American Philatelic Society at the Match Factory complex in Bellefonte. Meet at the Match Factory at the Philatelic Society entrance at noon. Pace will be easy. Mileage will be 3 or 4. She can give a tour of the Match Factory after the run for those interested. Then the group will head over to the Gamble Mill for lunch.

Hope to see you at one or more of these!

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Written by Denise Weaver

It was great for once not to have the humidity for our track workout!  In attendance we had Kellie, Kathie, David L., Mikey, Pierce and Denise.  Everyone did a super awesome job on their 800's with well under 10 min. mi./paces. Mikey and Pierce saw the hurdles and both decided to go for it.  Happy to say both made it over without any injury :)  We have a great group of runners this year and they ALL are doing a SUPER job along with tons of fun!

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Written by Martin Mazur

Steve McAninch, who last year ran 30 hours to raise $30K for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, is about to embark on an even more superhuman endeavor. Between now and May 19, Steve plans to run 750 miles, with 130,000 feet elevation gain;  bicycle 1500 miles, and lift 1,000,000 pounds.  May 18 into 19, he will conclude his effort with a 100 mile run around the State College area. To kick off his fundraising, Steve is working with Chik-Fil-A to hold a Spirit Night on World Diabetes Day, Monday, November 14. On this day, Chik-Fil-A will donate 15% of all receipts from customers who hand in this ticket. 

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Written by Mike Casper

September 20, 2011

The weather was pleasant and sunny with a gentle breeze as Lance Bland, Jim Myers and Mike Casper headed to the selected hill, the old University Drive-College Ave. ramp, Mike had already put two reps in when reinforcements arrived. Then, lo, down the hill came prancing a score of other Rec Hall Regulars, including Tom Cali and 2011 Dam Half Queen (sans sash) Meerkat Minard. Tom admitted he was tapering for a half marathon a few days away and Wineglass Marathon in 10 days. A few side-fives were exchanged as we climbed the hill; we were acknowledging their bravery in showing up. But as we turned to descend again, alas, they were long gone, probably searching in vain for some flat ground. Their loss!

This is, as it turns out, quite a crossroads venue. Down the hill walked a professionally dressed lady student who seemed to understand what the heck we were doing. As it turns out, it was the girlfriend of Mike Williams, president of the PSU XC Club. She wasn’t missing out on anything, she pointed out, as the XCers will be doing 800s tonight. If you’re a glutton for repeats, show up at Rec Hall after 5.

Keep hilling!

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Written by Martin Mazur

The Girls on the Run international organization recently approved a Happy Valley chapter, as reported here a couple of months ago. The local chapter is now busy setting up shop. Here's the latest news.

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Written by Mark Fedkin

Nittany Track and Field youth club kicked off the Fall cross country season this week. By now we have an enthusiastic crowd of up to 40 kids of various ages to train with the program!

Currently we are looking for more volunteers to help coaches to run the practices. This will mainly involve looking over small groups (age groups) of kids on an easy run or a workout, help with setting up games, stretches, etc. You do not need any special coaching experience for participation – maybe some patience and readiness to communicate to the youngsters.

Please e-mail me if you would like to help ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ). It can be as little as one night per week, but a lot of fun is guaranteed. The NTF Club has practices Monday through Thursday 5:45 to! 7:15 pm near the State College High School (cross country course behind South building). Please feel free to stop by and check us out.