It's not a huge cash prize or fame that awaits the almost 400 participants of the seventh annual Tussey Mountainback 50-Mile Relay and Ultramarathon -- it's a keg full of thirst-quenching beer.
To partake in drinking the keg, the run and fundraising event, participants must register by tomorrow's deadline at www.tusseymountainback.com.
The race, which runs through Rothrock State Forest, can be completed individually or in relay teams consisting of two to eight runners, race director Mike Casper said.
Individuals and teams only race against other teams or individuals in their respective category: men, women, mixed or masters for men and women older than 40. There is a $2,000 prize for the first three winners in the individual men's, women's and master's categories, Casper said.
Beer isn't the only motivator -- the race will raise money to benefit the Centre County Youth Aid Panel Program, a nonprofit organization that provides an alternative to court for first-time youth offenders in Centre County, Casper said.
Last year, the organization helped 130 youth offenders, 43 from State College and Bellefonte, that were placed in the program. It had an 80 percent success rate, according to an Ultramarathon press release.
Casper said the race chooses a new beneficiary each year. Last year, the race raised about $3,000 for the Jared Box Project, an organization that makes boxes filled with toys for chronically ill children, he said.
Ryne Melcher, of Ontario, Canada, who placed third in last year's race, said although he was planning on running the race this year, he can't because he is participating in the world championships for 100K runners as a Canadian team member.
However, he praised the race, saying that although it was a road race, running through the parks made the race have a trail-running feel.
Jeff Gleason, a seasoned Ultramarathon runner with about 20 completed races, said the race was organized very well and the support groups were helpful throughout the race. He said it was a little different than most races he participates in, because the course is mostly roads, not trails like he normally runs.
Casper said the race is designed not only for the seasoned runner, but also for people not quite as experienced. "You don't have to be an Ironman to participate," he said.
