Tussey mOUnTaiNBACK

Last Thursday, 32 runners turned out to do run #1 of the mOUnTaiNBACK Discovery series, Leg 1 of the mOUnTaiNBACK course x2, as an out-and-back (6.4 miles). On August 21, runners will cover Legs 2 and 3, 7.8 miles that are classified as “easy” miles. Runners will meet at Whipple Dam State Park NO LATER THAN 5:40 p.m. to be transported to the start of the run, located at the end of Leg 1 (the crest of the hill on Laurel Run Road where it’s crossed by the Mid-State Trail). The run will start at 6 p.m. Transportation for these runs is coordinated by the group to get runners back to their vehicles afterward. The Discovery series allows runners to experience the 50 mile course one or two legs at a time over 8 Thursday evenings through October 2. Runs range from 4.9 to 8.7 miles each. The first four runs start at 6 p.m., the second four at 5:30 p.m. Runners have found this a great way to experience the course again or for the first time in a noncompetitive group run, and all paces are welcome. The schedule, along with driving directions, mileage and difficulty ratings, is on the “Events” page.

Appalachian Outdoors in downtown State College is the venue, 8 p.m the time for the Xtreme Film Series put on by the mOUnTaiNBACK and the Nittany Valley Running Club. This month’s film is a runner’s running movie: “On the Edge” is billed as one by runners for runners that will inspire the seasoned and beginner alike. Focusing on the nation’s oldest trail race, the Dipsea, started in 1905, it stars Bruce Dern, a runner himself, and features other runners of this storied 7.1 mile race along the Pacific Coast with breathtaking scenery.

Refreshments provided, or byo. Don’t miss it.

The Xtreme Film Series will close the season with a final film on Wednesday, September 10: ‘Fire on the Track’, reputed to be the best of the films chronicling the life and career of American running legend Steve Prefontaine.

Beginning August 14, runners will have a chance to cover the whole 50 mile course of the mOUnTaiNBACK in “digestible” segments through the mOUnTaiNBACK Discovery Series. Runners will cover one or two legs each evening over 8 consecutive Thursday evenings through October 2. The groups runs will meet at specified locations and coordinate transportation to get runners back to their vehicles afterward. Runs range from 4.9 to 8.7 miles each. The first four runs start at 6 p.m., the second four at 5:30 p.m. Runners have found this a great way to experience the course again or for the first time in a noncompetitive group run, and all paces are welcome. The schedule, along with driving directions, mileage and difficulty ratings, is on the “Events” page.

The mOUnTaiNBACK: Discover it again, for the first time.