On The Run with UNR - Hello From Ebensburg!

I’m spending some time today working out of the Ebensburg Up-N-Running. It gives me time to see what the running community is like in other parts of the state. And Pennsylvania has a rich heritage of good runners as well as running events. In the Central PA region, there’s loads of great little races to attend.

Two very active running clubs in the community are: The Ebensburg Area Running Club (EARC), and the Indiana Road Runners Club (IRRC). They host a variety of different distance events. The big event every year for the EARC is the annual Turkey Trot, held on Thanksgiving. It runs through the streets of downtown Ebensburg, ending at the Fire Hall. Proceeds of the event go to one of several charities in the area. They get around 700 plus runners. Everyone has a great time. And there’s plenty of post-race refreshments. To see a really cool video of the race, go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbOFQpt94BQ.

The big event for the Indiana Road Runners Club is the annual Indiana First Bank Marathon, Half Marathon and Marathon Relay. It is held on November 8 on the Ghost Town Trail. A very inexpensive event for those looking to run a November marathon. Visit www.indianaroadrunners.com for more information.

Some other neat events occurring in Central PA are: Saturday, October 7, 2015 The Vampire 5K in Johnstown PA. Proceeds benefit the American Red Cross. I really like the race entry fee categories! It has a $30 Race day entry fee. However, if you donate blood or platelets, the fee is waived. (The donation period has passed as they don’t want someone fainting on the course. But keep it in mind for next year!)

Saturday, October 24. Color Me Pink Run/Walk in Windber, PA (Yep, the home of Tarzan, Johnny Weissmueller!). What a great way of raising funds to advance patient care and breast cancer research during the month of October! Proceeds benefit the Joyce Murtha Breast Cancer Center.

Saturday, November 14. Shanksville Fire Department Station 627 - 6.27 Ladder Run Challenge. It’s three races for the price of one! It’s 6.27 miles . And you advance from the first race, to the second, to the third by covering the distances over a set period of time. Contact dmapes40@yahoo.com for more information. And while you’re there, visit the awe-inspiring Flight 93 Memorial.