With multiple state forests and state parks and other outdoors areas, Centre County is a hot spot for hiking, trail running, mountain biking and gravel riding. These locations also are home to multiple trail and bike races and events that bring together athletes to test their skills in the mountains. These events are a fun way to meet new people and learn new routes. For those not feeling up to compete, volunteering provides a great way to get out and take part in the fun.
May 21 — Tussey Mountain, Boalsburg
This take on a triathlon starts with a “Fun 5K Your Way” — run, walk or even cut it short to a mile-and-a-half loop. There are no winners or losers. After the 5K, runners will gather for 45 minutes of yoga near the pond. Whether you have never done a “downward facing dog” or you’ve mastered handstands, this practice is for anyone and everyone. Lastly, the event will finish with 15 minutes of guided meditation that will clear the mind and relax the body.
May 22 — Tussey Mountain, Boalsburg
The Rothrock Challenge is a 25k trail race in the heart of Rothrock State Forest. Runners and hiker take on almost 4,000 feet of elevation gain through coniferous forests, blooming mountain laurel, lush rhododendron, groves of ferns, rocky climbs and descents and multiple stream crossings. New this year is a half-marathon option, for those who want to experience the beauty of Rothrock without the cliffs of Shingletown.
BLACK MOSHANNON 5K WALK/5K & 10K RACE
May 28 — Black Moshannon State Park
Runners from all over Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, New York and beyond have a history of showing up at Black Moshannon State Park every Memorial Day Weekend. Those looking for an extra challenge can take on the 5K and 10K race back-to-back.
TRANS-SYLVANIA MOUNTAIN BIKE EPIC RACE
May 24-29 — Rothrock State Park
Central Pennsylvania’s most “epic” mountain bike race takes riders through stages over five days through some of the best trails on the east coast in Rothrock and Bald Eagle state forests. A 3-day option is also offered, and riders can choose to compete solo, as a duo or as part of a team.
June 4 — Colyer Lake, Potter Township
This event benefits the YMCA of Centre County and takes racers out for a 1-mile gravel run, a 15-mile gravel bike ride and a 3-mile, single-track run around Colyer Lake.
TREASTER KETTLE TEST-YOUR-METTLE 10.6 MILER
June 5 — Coyler Lake, Potter Township
Part of the Tussey Teaser series taking on different legs of October’s Tussey Mountainback in Rothrock State Forest, this free event supports the Dyslexia Reading Center of Central PA. Donations accepted.
June 19 — Alan Seeger Natural Area
Part of the Tussey Teaser series taking on different legs of October’s Tussey Mountainback in Rothrock State Forest, this free event supports the Dyslexia Reading Center of Central PA. Donations accepted.
June 11 — Tussey Mountain, Boalsburg
Presented by Specialized Bicycles and Happy Valley Women’s cycling, riders can choose their level of grit — 25, 49 or 65 miles — on gravel roads that travel up, over and down the mountains in Rothrock State Forrest. The event is woman friendly, encouraging more to get involved in bike events and races.
2022 MID-STATE GRAVEL GRINDER AND GRAVEL RUN
July 16-17 — Mid-State Regional Airport, Philipsburg
Trans-Sylvania Productions puts on these races that run in conjunction over a fun race weekend in Centre County. The Mid-State Gravel Grinder takes riders on the full, half or short course on gravel and dirt roads through Moshannon State Forest. The next day runners test their legs on a 25K or 13K route.
July 23 — Coburn Park
The 21st annual 101 mile & marathon distance backcounty mountain bike race in the Bald Eagle and Rothrock State Forests consists of singletrack, doubletrack and fireroads with a bit of pavement.
July 30 — Mid-State Regional Airport, Philipsburg
This half-marathon race takes runners over the parts of Allegheny Front Trail which circles Black Moshannon State Park.
2022 TRANS-SYLVANIA GRAVEL EPIC STAGE RACES
Aug. 25-28 — multiple locations
This four-stage event takes riders on a tour of Centre County’s state forests — Bald Eagle, Moshannon and Rothrock. Short and long courses are offered. Stages can be raced solo or as part of a team.
Oct. 2 — Coburn
Take on the challenge of a half marathon adventure run through the Seven Mountains region of Central Pennsylvania. This course is hiker friendly and appropriate for mid-level and accomplished runners.
TUSSEY MOUNTAINBACK 50 MILE RELAY AND ULTRA
Oct. 16 — Tussey Mountain, Boalsburg
Runners can take on this hilly 50-mile course solo or as part of relay team. The racecourse winds from the Tussey Mountain Ski Area past Whipple Dam State Park, Alan Seeger Natural Area, Penn Roosevelt State Park, Colyer Lake and Bear Meadows Natural Area, returning to the ski area to mark the 50th mile. Leading up the event are numerous Tussey Teaser races that many runners use to help prepare the big event.
This story appears in the May 12-18 edition of The Centre County Gazette
