Tussey Mountainback to host championships, add events

State College, Pa. – The Tussey Mountainback has been selected by USA Track & Field to host the 2024 USA 50 Mile Road Championships, which are expected to draw elite distance runners from around the country to run the Mountainback’s signature 50-mile loop in Central Pennsylvania’s Rothrock State Forest. The Mountainback race weekend is set for Oct. 25–27.

“This is a great honor, and we are very much up to the task,” said Mike Casper, the Mountainback’s director and co-founder, “and it’s a great way to celebrate the Mountainback’s 25th year.”

The Mountainback will also introduce three new events this year. Distance runners for whom 50 miles is just not far enough, and those who yearn for a modest distance event in the forest, will see new options.

The Mountainback is unveiling a 100-mile race and a half marathon, both to take place during the main race weekend. This year’s race weekend will also include a kids’ 1-mile trail race.

“We’ve had some inquiries over the years from runners who do the 50 miler, about doubling it up to add to the fun and challenge,” said Casper. “It’s exciting to offer the 100 miler to runners this year.” The 100-mile race will use the same course as the 50-miler. The 50-mile event will begin at 7 a.m. on Oct. 27. Runners in the 100-mile race will start at 6:30 p.m. on the evening of Oct. 26. The half marathon, kids’ race, and the Mountainback’s existing 50-kilometer ultramarathon will take place on Oct. 27.

Proceeds from this year’s Mountainback events will support the Centre Region Down Syndrome Society. The Centre County–based organization 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.

The Mountainback also hosts several other events throughout the year. A series of free races called the Tussey Teasers occurs on different parts of the Mountainback’s 50-mile loop course between February 3 and June 23. Later, an 8-week group run series called the Discovery Training Series covers the entire 50-mile loop a portion at a time in the course of eight Saturdays, from Aug. 31 to Oct. 19.

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. To learn about volunteer opportunities, visit the volunteer page of the event website or send an email to volunteer@tusseymountainback.com.

The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau is a major sponsor of the Tussey Mountainback. Additional sponsors include Rapid Transit Sports, Roundhouse Power Sports, Stocker Chevrolet, Steven Bodner Team of RE/MAX Centre Realty, Wegmans, Appalachian Outdoors/The North Face, The Bicycle Shop, Backcountry Spine & Sport, Bortz Custom Builders, Centre Elite Gymnastics, East Coast Health & Fitness, Koch Funeral Home, Webster’s Bookstore Café, Tussey Mountain, and The Sign Stop. For more information, call 814-424-1314 or send email to info@tusseymountainback.com.

Editors: You’re welcome to meet and interview our event participants. Contact: Event director Mike Casper 814-424-1314, info@tusseymountainback.com.