“The Nittany Valley Running Club’s Arts Festival Races are the oldest races in Central Pennsylvania, so we are pleased to announce that after a brief hiatus, the 10-mile, 5K, and Kids Fun Run events will be returning this summer on a new site as the 45th Sue Crowe Memorial Arts Festival Races,” according to Pamela Snyder Etters, Executive Director of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.

“We are also honored to welcome Mount Nittany Health as the Presenting Sponsor of the Arts Festival Races in 2023.”

The Arts Festival Races will be held on Sunday, July 16 at 8:30 a.m. at the Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg, PA. The 5K course will follow roads behind the Military Museum. From the same start, the 10-mile run will follow the 5K course and then head along Warner Boulevard toward Oak Hall and Linden Hall and complete the locally known “Linden Loop” before returning to the Military Museum grounds.

Racers should have plenty of time to be back in downtown State College before the Arts Festival booths open for the final day of the festival at 11 am.

Participants may pick up race packets or register on Saturday July 15, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Arts Festival at the Nittany Valley Running Club booth in the Mount Nittany Health tent across from Schlow Centre Region Library.

The registration fee is $25. Participants may also register by mail or online through RunSignup.

On the day of the race, registration fees increase by $5. Day-of race registration and packet pickup will occur from 7:00 – 8:00 a.m. at the Boalsburg Fire Hall (within walking distance to the Military Museum). This will close promptly at 8:00 a.m. to allow time to prepare for the start of the race at 8:30 a.m. Parking is available at the Fire Hall and vehicles will be allowed to remain there throughout the race.

Kids races are also back! These will be free. No shirt, no timing, just something fun for the kids. Sign up for the Kids Fun Run on the main race registration page.

Race registration proceeds benefit youth running activities in Centre County and the continuing operations of the Nittany Valley Running Club.

“These races have been a staple in Central PA for years and we are very excited to bring them back,” said Hayden Davidson, the Nittany Valley Running Club’s 2023 Arts Festival Races coordinator. “From the kids races to the 10-mile, this is truly a community running event, and we are looking forward to seeing new and old faces this year.”

The races are named in memory of local running legend Sue Crowe. In addition to being a runner of note, Sue gave back to the running community through her work coaching young competitors. Sue and her family were fixtures at the Arts Festival races, and she was a repeat race winner at both 10K and 10-mile distances.

"Engaging in physical activity such as running and walking not only promotes cardiovascular fitness but also plays a vital role in supporting overall heart health," said James Gerardo, MD, Ph.D., Mount Nittany Health, Cardiology. "The Arts Festival Races present a wonderful opportunity for families within our local community to come together, create memories, and simultaneously enhance their physical and mental well-being. It's a great way to celebrate the arts, enjoy quality time, and prioritize our health."

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