"We knew once we got the $1.5 million, it would give us the extra push and that people would know this would become a reality," board member Teresa Sparacino said. "But we've got a lot of work to do."
The group anticipates between 200 and 250 participants, which would raise at least $3,000 for the theater.
Casper, who came up with the fund-raising idea, said College Avenue was an ideal place for a run.
"College Avenue has such a history for so many people," he said. "And it's along a straight road and there's so many businesses along it. It's a winning combination."
Roy Love, a board member and special events committee director, said the State Theatre would like the race to become an annual event.
"We hope that this will become a very special fall event for Penn Staters each year, getting bigger with the carnival, with a serious road race before," he said.
Those interested can register from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at the State Theatre or from 7:15 to 8:30 a.m. tomorrow at the Centre Furnace Mansion. The cost is $20 and children under five can participate for free. After the race, prizes will be awarded at Players Nite Club, 112 E. College Ave.
"The more students that participate, the more fun it's going to be," Love said. "Students should participate because it's going to give them a venue for popular music they're interested in."
Although fund-raising will continue, construction on the State Theatre should begin in October and the theatre is scheduled to open in July. Organizers said the theater will provide a variety of shows, including musicals, children's programs, concerts, films, poetry readings and workshops.
Board members said they hope the theater will revitalize downtown State College as well.
"The State Theatre's a very important part of our whole vision and strategic plan for downtown," said Sparacino, who is also the State College Downtown Improvement District executive director. "We recognize the importance of this for a healthy downtown. We don't want to be in a situation where there are vacant store fronts."
Traffic will be restricted to one lane during the event but the State College Police Department isn't anticipating any problems.
"It shouldn't be any major disturbance to the town," Officer Jeff Chiston said. "It should run relatively smoothly. We don't see this to be any type of congested traffic at all."
The borough will accommodate participants by restricting traffic on College Avenue to the left lane beginning at 8:40 a.m.
Parking will be restricted along the north side.
The cones blocking the road will be picked up immediately after the last participants finish and the lane should re-open at about 10 a.m.
