Tussey mOUnTaiNBACK

If you’ve run one or all of the five Tussey Teasers that take place from March to June each year, you’ve gotten a sampling of the winning combination these group runs have to offer. All take place on the mostly unpaved fire roads that comprise the course of the mOUnTaiNBACK (four exclusively, one incorporating other roads), all include water and timing, and four of the five are free. The May Teaser (May includes registration and features WAVA age- and gender-graded scoring and awards - as well as a “bus tour” of the course en route to the start, and a beach/dip option at the finish end.

The series kicks off March 13 with the Laurel Run Switchbacker 10K, an out-and-back run on Leg 1 of the course. For the full schedule, with start times and driving directions, visit the Events page.

You won’t want to miss this. We were able to snag an early screening copy. Here’s a quick summary:

Three runners. Six countries. 111 days. 4300 miles. Narrated by Matt Damon, the film follows three ultra runners’ quest of running coast-to-coast across the Sahara Desert while also capturing the diverse culture of the Saharan people. On a daily basis, the runners experience the hospitality of the locals as they learn about their lives and the challenges they face.

The film also describes the H2O Africa Project, which is raising public awareness of the water crisis in Africa. Come to Appalachian Outdoors, 123 S. Allen St., State College, Pa. Show time is 7 p.m. This is part of AO’s Free University event series that occurs on first and third Thursdays. As always, the event is free and no registration is required. AO’s phone, if you need it: 814-234-3000.