16th Annual Laurel Run Switchbacker 10K
- Details
- Written by Martin Mazur Martin Mazur
March 2, 2019
Rothrock State Forest
by Mike Casper
Snow flurries, a gentle breeze and snow covered roads greeted runners taking on the switchbacks of Lauren Run Road. The recent snow and icy conditions made for scenic venues but careful footing.
Jake Bayus glided to overall victory, with Steve Templin not far behind and Mark Lozinski in third. Perri Silverhart and Erica Pitcavage shared the victory in the women’s race, adding a kick on the rare patch of clear pavement at the finish. Diane Swauger took third.
Special kudos to Diane Swauger, who logged 12 miles before and another mile after this run, and to David Lloyd, who rode his bike here from Lemont for the race.
Our thanks to series sponsor Subway Restaurants for the party sub, which was handily consumed by participants at the finish line. Many thanks to Doug Schunk for picking up the sub and assisting with timing.
Those who run Tussey Teasers #1 through #5 (February’s Teaser #0 was a bonus) will be eligible for a special prize drawing that will take place on June 16 after Teaser #5, the Eager Seeger Half Marathon.
The next Tussey Teaser on April 7 is the Tussey-to-Whipple 11 Miler, run on Legs 1 through 3 of the Tussey mOUnTaiNBACK course. To register and get details on the remaining Teasers, visit http://www.tusseymountainback.com/tussey_teasers.html.
Runners were eager to assail the Laurel Run Road climb
Jake Bayus was the first runner down the mountain
Steve Templin reprised his last year’s second place finish
David Lloyd was pleased with his double victory over the elements
This was Garrett Day’s first-ever Tussey Teaser run
Jaeson Koszarsky motored through the finish
Perri Silverhart and Erica Pitcavage held a strong pace to the finish
Erica approved of the fresh post-race Subway grub
Overall Order of Finish
Place First Last City Sex Age Time
----- ----- ---- ---- --- --- ----
1 Jake Bayus State College M 27 46:11
2 Steve Templin Muncy M 46 46:33
3 Mark Lozinski Port Matilda M 47 53:39
4 Keith Henderson State College M 54 58:58
5 Erica Pitcavage State College F 29 1:00:12
6 Perri Silverhart State College F 24 1:00:12
7 Alan Effrig State College M 39 1:01:35
8 Diane Swauger Port Matilda F 43 1:02:00
9 Cedric Devoy Port Matilda M 37 1:02:53
10 Garrett Day Boalsburg M 29 1:09:15
11 Regina Lozinski Port Matilda F 39 1:10:45
12 Jaeson Koszarsky Boalsburg M 47 1:12:21
13 Jacob Gordon Huntingdon M 30 1:16:34
14 David Lloyd State College M 48 1:23:30
15 Kathryn Williams Centre Hall F 44 1:25:22
16 Eliza Gabel State College F 27 1:26:27
17 Liz Moriarta Bellefonte F 44 1:26:50
18 Jaeson Crew M 1:28:29
Nittany Valley Half-Marathon Donates $25000 to Centre Volunteers in Medicine
- Details
- Written by Martin Mazur Martin Mazur
The 2018 NVRC Nittany Valley Half-Marathon, held last December, was a big success. The race has been growing the last couple of years under the direction of Katrina D’Anca and her crew of volunteers. The race had 450 runners in 2016, then up to nearly 500 in 2015, but grew to over 650 last year despite some dicey weather. With that success, the Half was able to donate $25,762 from proceeds of the 2018 race to its beneficiary, Centre Volunteers in Medicine. The NVRC has been a significant contributor to the CVIM through its Marathoners for Medicine team (over $600,000 in the last 15 years) and the Nittany Valley Half-Marathon.
NVRC Supports 2018 United Way Day of Caring
- Details
- Written by Martin Mazur Martin Mazur
A crew of weedwhackers and bush trimmers headed for the Penn State Golf Course on October 4 for the United Way Day of Caring. The project was again the golf course perimeter bikepath/jogging path. The trail has been a Centre County United Way Day of Caring project each year from 2011-2018. This year there were 72 volunteers working in shifts to clear brush from wooded portions of the trail. Joe Hughes--Penn State Golf Courses PGA General Manager, Liz & Jim Kisenwether, and Cheree Jones coordinated project
Volunteers: The Penn State men's lacrosse team, KBB Realty employees, Joe Hughes--Penn State Golf Courses PGA General Manager, a representative from KidTech Inc., and several individuals worked tirelessly to clear brush and make the trail safer.
NVRC, as usual, chipped in for food and drinks (lunch).
Here are some highlights of the day.
This year's golf course path cleanup crew for the United Way Day of Caring
2019 Winter Blood Drive Is Successful
- Details
- Written by Mike Casper Mike Casper
THANK YOU!
A hearty thanks to everyone who came out to donate, invited someone to donate, or helped someone get to the Nittany Valley Running Club’s Winter Blood Drive, which was held on January 17 at State College Presbyterian Church! The NVRC’s reason for hosting blood drives is to encourage healthy, able individuals to come out and donate, because currently it is just 4% of the population that provides the blood for the nation’s emergency needs, so you generous donors are invaluable. With your generosity, we collected 19 units of whole blood at this drive and made our goal! That translates to saving up to 57 lives – which is no small achievement. Thank you!
Our presenting donors were treated to fresh Pizza Mia pizza, running films, the new Trail Runner magazine and friendly conversation. Whether you were able or unable to participate in this drive, we encourage you to take a moment to put the NVRC’s Fall Blood Drive, set for Thursday, Sept. 12, on your calendar now. Online appointments will be available about 6 weeks before the drive.
WINNERS: The presenting blood donors, volunteers, and all those whose lives may be saved by those donations were the drive’s many winners.
Drawing prizes went to:
Emily R. – Egg Hill 10 Miler entry (4/7/19)
Details: http://nvrun.com/index.php/racing/club-sponsored/run-around-egg-hill
Wayne W. – Crack O'Dawn 5K entry (6/15/19)
Details: http://nvrun.com/index.php/racing
Hongquyen P. – Arts Fest Races entry (7/14/19)
Details: http://nvrun.com/index.php/racing
Congratulations all!
WHEN AM I ELIGIBLE TO GIVE AGAIN?
If you donated at this drive, you’ll be eligible again on March 7. If you didn’t donate at this drive, you can donate anytime at a drive that fits your schedule. The last date to donate this summer and be eligible to give again at the NVRC’s Sept. 12 drive is July 18.
Thanks for supporting the American Red Cross and the NVRC!
Whitehall Regional Park Advocacy
- Details
- Written by Martin Mazur Martin Mazur
Marathoners for Medicine Team to Hold Kick-Off Dinner January 30
- Details
- Written by Jaimie Wright Jaimie Wright
The Centre Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM) Marathoners for Medicine Team will hold its kick-off dinner on Wednesday, January 30 at CVIM (2520 Green Tech Dr unit D, State College, PA 16803) at 6:00, and we'd love to have you join us if you're racing this spring. We take all racers and all distances.
The Marathoners for Medicine team raises money to support CVIM, a fantastic community organization that provides free and assisted medical and dental care to low-income people who live and work in Centre County and their families. It's a fantastic opportunity for you to combine your love of running with a chance to benefit our community.
Come learn about the team, tour the clinic, and enjoy good food and fellowship with your fellow runners. Please sign up to bring a dish to share by January 26. Depending on the headcount, we may adjust the quantity of food and paper products on the signup.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e044bafa823a31-marathoners
Please sign up for the potluck or respond to Jaimie Wright if you can come so she can get an accurate count by Saturday, January 26.
CVIM is a fantastic cause, and we hope you'll consider joining us on January 30.
Contact Jaimie Wright with questions at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
NVRC Fall Blood Drive Is September 13
- Details
- Written by Martin Mazur Martin Mazur
The Nittany Valley Running Club’s Fall Blood Drive is on Thursday, September 13 and has a running theme. You can participate by donating blood, volunteering, bringing baked goodies or just come to watch a running movie. Hours are 11:30am-5pm at the State College Presbyterian Church Social Hall, 132 W. Beaver Ave., in downtown State College. Note this is a NEW LOCATION for the NVRC drives, with easy parking. All presenting donors have a chance to win a free race entry or running gear. You can make your appointment online at http://www.redcrossblood.org/give/drive/driveSearchList.jsp?zipSponsor=nvrc, just click the arrow to choose your time. Power red donations are possible at this drive. You can use RapidPass to do the Q&A part in advance on the morning before your visit: http://www.redcrossblood.org/RapidPass. Non-runners are welcome, walk-in donors too. For eligibility info, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html