Running any race is something to be proud of. Whether it’s 1 mile or 50, running a race is something which shouldn’t be taken lightly. But when I have friends tell me that they ran a half-marathon, they always add, “it was just a half-marathon.”
“Just” a half-marathon? “Just” 13.1 miles? That’s pretty impressive. Just because I’m dumb enough to sign up for marathons and one ultra (so far) doesn’t mean I think less of you. Putting yourself out there at the starting line shows your commitment to a healthy lifestyle and your willingness to become uncomfortable in order to grow. A half-marathon is a distance, which should not be taken or thought of lightly.
The Nittany Valley Half-Marathon (NVHM), which benefits Centre Volunteers in Medicine is one of the few longer races offered in the Centre Region. It has been referred to as the no-frills half-marathon. While others have big, gaudy expos that you can spend hours walking around, the NVHM has an easy packet pick up. After a few options on Thursday, packets can be picked up on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Penn Stater, or on the morning of the race, Sunday, Dec. 2 starting at 7 a.m. at the Ag Arena.
While some might like the flash and numerous free samples at other half-marathons, I appreciate the simplicity of the Nittany Valley Half. Instead of making a special trip out on Friday or Saturday, I roll out of bed at a reasonable time, eat a typical breakfast with my family, and then leisurely get ready for the race. Instead of having to leave at dark o’clock and deal with the parking and transit issues of a big city race, I can leave my house less than an hour from the 10 a.m. start time, park near the Ag Arena, and still have time to get my goodie bag and bib. Advantage NVHM.
Another advantage of the no-frills NVHM: the price. While big city half-marathons might have more glitz and glamor, you’ll be paying for it. The Pittsburgh and Philadelphia half marathons can cost over $100 just for registration. The NVHM will cost between $35 and $60 depending on when you register and if you want a finisher’s medal. Again, advantage NVHM.
The course of the NVHM is designed to challenge the runners while also offering some great views. The course could easily be redesigned to hit a higher population of spectators, but then you have to worry about traffic congestion. This is why most big city races start so early, to avoid tying up traffic during peak travel time. The NVHM avoids this and thus has a more reasonable start time without having to worry about rerouting many Sunday travelers.
The NVHM is pretty special to me. It was my second half-marathon ever in 2014. In spite of my daughter being born two weeks prior to it, I was still able to run a personal best at that point, beating my previous half-marathon time by 12 minutes. To give you an idea of what to expect, here’s my breakdown of the race.
First, here is an overview of the course with elevation profile: https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/1613938093
And here is a video preview of the course:
Pre-race – Once I get my packet and bib, I head back to my car to drop off my mystery giveaway item (last year it was a beanie). I head back to the Ag Arena to meet up with some friends, use the bathroom, and enjoy the last bit of warmth. At about 9:45, we head to the start line. Once there we get a few introductions, play/sign the Star Spangled Banner, and then we’re off.
Mile 1 – The first mile is a pleasant jaunt around the fields near the Ag Arena. There are cheers from spectators, some nice photo ops (most likely by John Balogh) and, best of all, a flat first mile!
Mile 2 – This used to be another loop around the Ag Arena fields but last year that changed. Someone (looking at you, Bob Shafer) decided that doing a second loop of flatness wasn’t “fun.” What was added to make up for this second loop? Oh, don’t worry, that’s coming later. Now mile 2 is heading out Fox Hollow Road toward Toftrees. It’s still relatively flat with a few little hills thrown in but nothing too bad.
Mile 3 – You are still on Fox Hollow Road. It’s surprising how long this road is. There are a few rolling hills but nothing too terrible. Those terrible ones are coming, though.
Mile 4 – You make a right off of Fox Hollow Road on to Hemlock Hill Road. As you can tell from the name, there’s a hill on this portion. It isn’t long but it will certainly make the heart pump a little bit. During this portion you’ll get your first water stop – which will include water, Gatorade (for the first time in 35 years) and gummies. Even if you’re not thirsty, take some water and, more importantly, thank the volunteers for helping out. This race couldn’t happen without the volunteers. Thank them for being there and helping out in spite of whatever Mother Nature has thrown at State College that day.
Mile 5 – At this point you can see the University Park Airport. The first year I ran the NVHM, I assumed that the road to the airport would be flat because, well, airplanes need a flat runway. I later found out that while the runway is flat, the road to it is not.
Mile 6 – The rolling hills continue as you pass the airport. Two years ago this road got pretty crowded as buses were coming back from the Big Ten Championship Game the night before. At least we won’t have to worry about that this year. Up ahead you can see the end of your time on Fox Hill Road.
Mile 7 – Here you’ll get your second water stop. Again, stay hydrated. Then you make the right on Rock Road and, finally, some down hills. I tend to open it up on this portion and let gravity take over.
Mile 8 – This is probably the most scenic portion of the NVHM as you run along Spring Creek. Enjoy this portion because some not-so-fun hills are coming.
Mile 9 – In my opinion this is the worst hill in the entire course. It is not a long one (only 0.2 miles), but it is a short burner with some significant elevation change. If you feel like walking this portion, there’s no shame in that. By walking it you’ll save some energy and you honestly won’t be going that much slower than if you tried running it. Once you crest the hill, you’ll turn left off of Rock Road and on to the new section of the course.
Mile 10 – After the third water stop, you’ll get to experience the new part of the course. Remember how the first mile was nice and flat? Here is where you make up for not doing that second loop. Sterns Crossing is a beautiful community with some picturesque views and houses. Unfortunately, there are more hills that seem to keep going. I remember running this portion last year. I asked a fellow runner who thought that adding this portion was a good idea. Whoever it was, I still want to smack them in the head.
Mile 11 – The uphill ends and you turn right on to Houserville Road. You get a bit of a pick-me-up with some spectators showing up as you head toward Spring Creek Park when you make the left on Puddintown Road.
Mile 12 – Another picturesque area as you run past Spring Creek Park. You can also see the stadium off in the distance, which means you’re almost done. And then you make the right on Orchard Road. Here comes the fun part.
Mile 13 to the end – Not to scare anyone away but this final mile is referred to as the Spiral of Death. It doesn’t seem that bad at first as you start to make a gradual climb. But then like the Energizer Bunny, it just keeps going, and going, and going. As you continue up Orchard, you’ll see Mount Nittany Medical Center to the right. You may be tempted to make the right turn, but you’ll instead turn left on Park Avenue. Here you’ll get a brief reprieve until you start another gentle uphill climb toward Beaver Stadium. Once you get to the stoplight, make a left on Porter. Guess what? Another hill! This one isn’t too bad and with only a quarter of a mile left, you’ve got it at this point. Once you crest this little hill you’ll make a couple of lefts, see the finish line, and become a half-marathoner!
Post race – Once your legs become un-jello-like, you’ll get a bottle of water, Gatorade, K2 Roots Fresh Pressed Recovery Juice, and a finisher’s medal (if you opted for that). As you walk back to the Ag Arena, be sure to cheer on the other runners as they fight to finish strong. And trust me, those runners finishing the course will be grateful for your encouragement. At the Ag Arena enjoy some Galliker’s chocolate milk and post-race food like pizza, Panera bagels (which, if you get anything other than Cinnamon Crunch, you’re wrong), fruit snacks from Weis, and the post-race staple (and the reason some of us run races) bananas from Wegmans. And remember, after running a race, food the rest of the day is calorie free.
Be sure to stick around for the awards ceremony. Even if you aren’t the fastest, everyone has a potential to win an award. The Hill Challenge award will be given to the runner with the best ratio of time through a particularly hilly section of the course vs. their total time. There is also an Average Joe and Jane award. This award is given to the male and female runners who finish in the middle of the pack. And then of course there’s the 14th mile party at Bill Pickle’s Tap Room where all half-marathon finishers get a complimentary beer – which is well deserved after tackling all of those hills.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a runner, this year the race offers a walkers division. The walkers will start an hour before the runners and will have four and a half hours to finish the 13.1 mile course. It’s not too late to register. Race day registration will be happening from 7–8:30 a.m. at the Ag Arena.
It’s a shame there aren’t more races of longer distances in State College. Outside of the Nittany Valley Half-Marathon and the Tussey Mountainback, there isn’t much else offered in the longer distances. I know there used to be the Mount Nittany Marathon but that hasn’t happened since 2015. Regardless, quality over quantity is the theme with races in State College. All of the races I have ever participated in the Centre Region have been top notch, with the NVHM being up there. I only plan on running a few races year after year and I know the first Sunday in December I’ll be occupied with running this race. Whether it’s your first half-marathon or your 50th, you won’t find a better organized and scenic course in Centre County. After you finish, be proud of what you just did. You ran 13.1 miles! You are a half-marathoner! You are a runner!
December Races (other than the Nittany Valley Half-Marathon)
4th Annual Run Rudolph Run 5k Run/Walk – Dec. 8 at 9 a.m.
Spread holiday cheer by running through the borough. Starting at the 200 block of S. Allen St., the course takes you through the borough by using sidewalks until you return to the State College Borough Building. Proceeds from this event will be donated to Centre County Youth Service Bureau of State College and to the Pat Boland Memorial Internship Award for Penn State students in the College of Communications.
5k Run for the Cookies – Dec. 15 at 9 a.m.
Starting and ending at the beautiful Juniata College campus (OK, I’m a little biased – class of 2004 here), this is a fun run. I have learned that a fun run means that it is not timed, but there will still be cookies. Proceeds will benefit the Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund.
22nd Annual First Night Resolution Run 5k – Dec. 31 at 6 p.m.
Looking to start off that New Year’s resolution early? This is the perfect race to do it. Starting at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church & Wesley Foundation, you will run through a surprisingly quiet Penn State campus before the final kick down College Avenue. I have run this race for a few years now and it is really well done. You can stay nice and warm in the church prior to heading out to the start line. Costumes are highly encouraged. Pre-race day registration and packet pick-up will be on Dec. 30 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the State College Municipal Building, 243 S. Allen St. Race day registration and packet pick-up will be from 4 to 6 p.m. at the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church & Wesley Foundation gym at 250 E. College Ave.
