While many in State College slept Saturday morning, West College Avenue bustled with activity as about 200 participants and spectators gathered outside the State Theatre at the conclusion of the College Avenue Mile.

The mile-long race, which spanned College Avenue from the Centre Furnace Mansion, 1001 E. College Ave., to the State Theatre, 128 W. College Ave., featured an array of runners, from elite to novice, and some who even donned costumes.

Race participant Mike Hubbard of Houserville, decided early Saturday morning on wearing the Johnny Appleseed outfit he displayed.

"I went to Wal-Mart this morning and bought the pot to wear," he laughed.

Hubbard, who decided to walk the course instead of run, had never seen the inside of the State Theatre until that morning and said he hopes the race will become an annual event.

"Hopefully more people will get involved next year," Hubbard said.

The total amount raised was still being tallied yesterday, but race organizers said they expected to raise about $3,000 for construction efforts at the theater.

Others also took advantage of the race to display their creative drives with colorful outfits, ranging from Fred Flintstone to President George W. Bush.

But for some, the race was all business.

Cash prizes totaling $2,000 were given out to the top three finishers for the men's and women's divisions.

Matt Moran, 29, of State College took the first-place $500 prize in the men's division with a time of 4:34.

Kim Denovellis, 25, also of State College, won the top prize in the women's division with a time of 5:34.

Official results were still being tallied.

Nick Kurijaka (sophomore-communications), who finished the course in 5:05, said the possibility of a $500 first-place prize was an incentive for getting involved.

"It's also a good way to keep in shape," Kurijaka said. "I look for competitions around the area."

In addition to the cash prizes, small ceramic pigs were given out to competitors with the top times in each age division.

The post-race reception, where the day's winners were announced and prizes were distributed, was held at Player's Nite Club, 112 W. College Ave.

Door prizes, including merchandise and gift certificates from various local establishments, were also given away.

Participants in the race said the gathering provided an opportunity for runners and supporters to mingle with one another in a relaxed and communal atmosphere.

Julie Erb of State College said she got involved in the race to support the community and to try for a personal best mile time. "It was such a well-rounded race," Erb said. "It appeals to a lot of people."

Erb said she looks forward to participating in the race in the future. "It's nice to be around such a diverse set of people," she said.

Kevin Abbey, a volunteer working for the College Avenue Mile, said the race was a "great combination" of participants, as it catered to both serious runners as well as others getting involved just for fun. "It was absolutely a success," Abbey said of the race. "It will grow and grow."

Roy Love, State Theatre special events committee director, said he looks forward to the race becoming an annual event and thanked everyone who got involved with the race.

"Tell your friends how fun it was and come out next year," he said.