Some will walk, some will sprint, and some will dress strangely. But all will raise money for the theater.
Event Director Roy Love said the race is expected to draw more than 300 participants this year, which is an increase from 150 participants last year.
"We've introduced several new categories to entice more people to get involved," Love said.
Such categories include mothers with strollers, pets and owners, and other groups.
Registration costs $20 and will continue until the race starts. It includes a commemorative T-shirt for all participants.
Love said that the event is expected to raise $3,000 to $4,000 from the runners and 18 business sponsors, in comparison to the $2,500 that was raised last year.
Mike Negra, State Theatre Inc. president, said the event creates great awareness for the theater.
"It's a good day to get out and show your support for the project," Negra said.
Sgt. Scott Ohs of the State College Police Department said the event will close the right lane of College Avenue from 7:30 to 11 a.m.
Orange cones will be placed to separate the two lanes of the street for safety purposes.
Prizes totaling $2,000 will be awarded to the top six runners: $1,000 for the top three male and $1,000 for the top three female runners in increments of $500, $300 and $200.
Last year's male winner finished in 4 minutes, 34 seconds, while the female winner finished at 5:34.
There are prizes for those less dramatic in speed. Trophies in the form of pink pigs -- modeled after the pig sculpture in the decorated alley between College Avenue and Calder Way -- will be awarded to winners in other categories.
Following the race, Negra said the theater, which is set to reopen in August, will host an open house to show the progress made in demolitions.
"What's been seen behind the fence will be open for all to see," Negra said.
He said the next step in construction is excavating the theater to work on the dressing rooms and green rooms. Next, they will lay the foundation to expand the back of the building for a larger stage.
Negra said more than $2 million still needs to be raised for the theater, including a mortgage payment.
Love said future fundraising activities will include a producer's party aimed at $10,000-level donors, a paver's sale that will sell for $150 one's namesake on blocks outside the theater, and an art auction in the spring.
Love said he eventually wants the race to expand to Allen Street, taking on more of a festival feel.
But, Negra said, "It's not exactly Mardi Gras yet."
