Mountainback race announces donation to Centre Region Down Syndrome Society

State College, PA—Organizers of the 25th Tussey Mountainback, a regional footrace event held in Central Pennsylvania’s Rothrock State Forest, will announce the event’s 2024 fundraising total in support of this year’s beneficiary, the Centre Region Down Syndrome Society, on Dec. 10. The donation will be presented at the meeting of the Nittany Valley Running Club at Hi-Way Pizza Pub, 1301 W. College Ave., State College, PA. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public. 

The Centre Region Down Syndrome Society is a hands-on organization that provides individuals with Down syndrome and their families the tools, resources and support necessary to participate in, contribute to, and achieve personal health and fulfillment. CRDSS serves families throughout the central PA region, with a majority in Centre County. Its services are focused on health enhancement, social connection, family support and advocacy. 

“Partnering with the Tussey Mountainback has been fun and exciting,” said Justin Behrens, executive director of CRDSS, “and this donation will go a long way to help expand our services to the many families in our communities.” 

“The families of CRDSS have been among the most enthusiastic volunteers we’ve ever had involved in the Tussey Mountainback,” said Mike Casper, the race’s director. “It is truly a joy to support them.” 

Having completed its 25th year, the Mountainback event hosts recreational and competitive teams and ultramarathon runners from throughout the region and beyond with events throughout the year. More than 100 ultramarathon runners and 57 relay teams registered for this year’s event. This year’s events included ultramarathons of 100 miles, 50 miles, and 50 kilometers, a 50-mile relay, a half marathon race, and a kids’ mile. 

For more information about the Centre Region Down Syndrome Society, visit https://www.centreregiondownsyndrome.org. Details about the Mountainback’s events and registration information are available at www.tusseymountainback.com.