Group Runs
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- Written by Martin Mazur Martin Mazur
The Nittany Valley Running Club has been holding Saturday morning group runs since the middle of July 2003. Lately, we've been getting ore or more options every weekend. Keep an eye on the Group Runs page here on the NVRC web site, or join the Google Group NVRC to get the current week’s run plan. Group runs are shown on our main calendar. The group runs appear on the main calendar. Or, you can click on any date on the mini-calendar below to see what's going on that day.
There are often local races that many in the club participate in and there may not be an organized group run on those days. If there's not a scheduled run check out the race calendar.
The group runs attract a wide range of ability. Typically, group runs are listed with a proposed distance and approximate pace. Some group runs can be 5 miles or so at a 10 minute mile pace, others might be marathon training length (15 or more miles), and at a pace under 8 minuters per mile!We try to separate runs that are longer and/or faster from those that are shorter and/or slower paced. On most runs, there is usually an option to go shorter, which some runners take, and an option for those who want a longer training run. The whole group is usually together for at least a few miles.
For a little more about the pace and mileage of the various group runs, see "Can I Keep Up With You?"
We are always looking for organizers for the runs. All it requires is for you to let us know so we can post the time, place, and a description of what you plan to do. Email Marty Mazur at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you can help!
2019 Holiday Group Runs
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- Written by Martin Mazur Martin Mazur
Last week we had two pre-Christmas group runs. Unfortunately, numbers were down, in large part because of the weather. Marty Mazur led the State College Jingle Bell Run around the west end of town on Tuesday evening (12/17). Usually, 10 to 20+ people participate, and Marty passes the hat to collect for the State College Food Bank. This year, a morning ice storm hit. By evening, the roads and sidewalks were pretty clear and the temperatures were relatively mild (mid-30s), but the morning conditions probably left people a bit leery about venturing out. Only five runners came for the run, which was pleasant enough and included a stop at Marty’s house for warm Fireball apple cider punch and cookies. The run ended at Hi-Way Pizza West. Marty ended up sending $100 from his collection to the Food Bank.
The next evening was not pleasant at all. Icy squalls kept the numbers down at the Bellefonte Holiday Lights run. Kim Gasper usually gets 20 or more runners for her run, which raises money and collects supplies for Pets Come First. Again, numbers were down, but the conditions didn't stop the small but hardy crew from running (sliding) through the streets of Bellefonte including a visit to the Santa house down by the courthouse. Afterwards, hot chocolate and cookies were enjoyed by all. Below is a picture from the Bellefonte run.
Hopefully, everyone had a nice Christmas. Certainly, the weather this week has been better than last week’s. There was another group run in Bellefonte this morning. And Marty, running with his son Andy in Spring Creek Canyon, ran into a group from the Club (Meira, Carole, Andy McGuire, CJ, and a bunch of happy trail dogs). Keep up the running through the New Year!
Runners from this year's Bellefonte Holiday Lights Run
2018 State College Jingle Bell Run
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- Written by Marty Mazur Marty Mazur
December 18, 2018
Oh, the weather outside was delightful, the runners' attire was frightful! Isn't that how the song goes? This year's State College Jingle Bell Run was a little bit lighlty attended due to multiple running club events on the same evening, but there were plenty of lights draped on some of the runners, and plenty of lights to see on houses and trees along the way. We got together at Hi-Way Pizza West and headed out for a 4+ mile run through the west end of town. Before the run was done, we stopped at Marty Mazur's house for some cookies and refreshments, and then jogged back to Hi-Way for pizza and more refreshment. Marty passed the hat for the State College Food Bank and the group pitched in $225 to help brighten some Christmases around town.
The runners brought their own lights, just in case...
Christmas cookies, soda and water for the kids, and some nice bourbon for the adults brought out the smiles at Marty's house
Holiday Pizza!
2018 Happy Houserville Holiday Run
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- Written by Tara Murray Tara Murray
December 11, 2018
We had a big crowd for the run last night (and an even bigger crowd for the beer afterward - go figure!). Thanks to everyone who came out. We ran down the bike path to Spring Creek Park and then up to Meira's house. Meira was home with her family, but she must have heard Tom singing carols as we ran, because she came out in her slippers and gave us a mission: to run to the top of the hill and find out what mysterious object the new neighbors' light-up snowman was holding. We dutifully ran to investigate, but were unable to reach a conclusion. Was it a star? A flame? A starter's pistol?
Luckily Happy Valley Brewing Co. was able to find a long table for our crowd, and we enjoyed recovery beverages and dinner. I'm hoping to continue these runs throughout the year, as long as the bike path is ice-free. We may have to design a trophy for anyone who is able to finish the short rib nachos - neither the solo effort nor the pairs competitors were successful yesterday.
Runners getting ready for a jog by Spring Creek and into Houserville
2018 Bellefonte Holiday Lights Run
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- Written by Kim Gasper Kim Gasper
December 18, 2018
We had a nice turnout last night for the annual Holiday Lights Run through Bellefonte. The weather was seasonable as most of our runners/walkers chose the shorter 2-3 mile route. We had two, Daryel and Logan (we need to convert you to distance) runners that took on the 5 mile challenge.
Some stopped for a picture with Santa at the courthouse while others made their way back for some hot chocolate and cookies. We had two beautiful canines join us for the festive tour of Bellefonte.
We collected a nice sack of presents for Pets Come First which our canine participants were very excited about.
Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year! See you next year!
This year's Holiday Lights runners
Some of them got to see Santa!
2017 Happy Houserville Holiday Run
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- Written by Tara Murray Tara Murray
December 20, 2017
8 humans and 1 dog set out on the first annual Happy Houserville Holiday Run. We left from Happy Valley Brewing Co. and ran the bike path to Spring Creek Park. We then crossed into Houserville and ran past Meira’s house, where the Christmas lights were dark and not even the trail-running dogs were stirring. We headed back to the brewery, wisely avoiding the multi-tiered hill to Hill Queen Emeritus Tara’s house. At the brewery, the group miraculously expanded.
This run is a new addition to the holiday run schedule. There was some talk of not waiting a year for the next one and making this a monthly event. Stay tuned!
Ouside the Happy Valley Brewing Company, ready to romp through Houserville