Local residents who are interested in pushing themselves to the brink, physically and mentally, will have an opportunity this weekend to test their mettle while contributing to a charitable cause.
The first-ever Hardcore Mudd Run will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Tussey Mountain Ski Area, 301 Bear Meadows Road, Boalsburg. Participants will tackle a 6.5-mile course with 18 to 20 land and water obstacles on the side of the ski mountain.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger Medical Center.
“We believe very much in charitable giving,” said Fred Williamson, public relations director and cofounder of Hardcore Mudd Run LLC, based in Julian.
According to the company’s website, the Hardcore Mudd Run was founded in 2011 by CEO Gideon Schwartz and COO Rich Olsen, both of whom are firefighters.
While mud run events have become popular throughout the world, Williamson said, the Hardcore Mudd Run organizers aim to up the ante.
“We’ve tried to take military obstacles and make them a little tougher,” he said.
While individuals are welcome to attempt the Mudd Run on their own, Williamson said, it is advisable to take on the challenge as a team.
The event is not a race, with the only stipulation being that everyone on the team completes the obstacle course.
“It’s very doable for anyone who has people there to help them,” he said.
The event will also feature music provided by The Insomniacs, as well as food.
Hardcore Mudd Run LLC is looking to host an event every year in the State College area, Williamson said, and is also planning other events in Massachusetts, Ohio and New York.
Participants in the Hardcore Mudd Run must be 18 years of age and must have a valid form of ID for registration and check-in. People can register for either the Saturday or Sunday events.
The cost to participate is $135 per person, or $75 for individuals in the military/public safety sectors.
For more information, call Williamson at 280-2604 or visit www.hardcoremuddrun.com.
Title IX anniversary
Title IX — a federal law that requires gender equity and prohibits gender discrimination on the basis of sex in every educational program that receives federal funding — celebrated its 40th anniversary June 23. The law has had a significant impact on the participation of women and girls in high school and collegiate athletics.
The State College branch of AAUW — an organization that advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research— will commemorate the anniversary with an event Sept. 10 at Schlow Centre Region Library, 211 S. Allen St., State College.
At 6 p.m., there will be a potluck dinner, during which individuals who are interested in joining AAUW can learn more about the organization. At 7 p.m., AAUW member Peg Pennepacker will present “Title IX at 40: More Important Than Ever.”
Pennepacker, athletic director for the State College Area School District who serves as the Title IX consultant for the Pennsylvania Athletic Directors Association. will share her thoughts on the value of Title IX at the high school level.
For more information, visit http://aauwstatecollege.org.
Stephanie Koons writes this weekly column featuring news from the Centre Region. Contact her at 235-3927 or skoons@centredaily.com.
