By Holly Riddle
The Old Men of the Mountains relay team has run the 50-mile relay 17 consecutive years. Photo by Enhanced Aerial.
There’s been a lot of hype in the last year over IRONMAN 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley — and for good reason. The new-to-Happy Valley event draws thousands of visitors and the economic benefit that follows from such an influx of tourism.
But, let’s not forget the original Happy Valley race, one that still draws a large number of visitors even in its 25th year, and which adds to the area’s robust running and more general outdoor recreation culture. In turn, this culture draws entrepreneurs to the region, attracting founders with Happy Valley’s mix of outdoor adventure and entrepreneurial resources (as was the case with Scott Woods, who we spoke to recently regarding the founding of West Arete).
We’re talking, of course, about the Tussey Mountainback.
A win all around
Celebrating its 25th year this October, the Rothrock State Forest-set Tussey Mountainback is an ultramarathon with a 100-mile race, a 50-mile and 50k option, and a 50-mile relay. This year’s Mountainback incorporates new events, including the newly unveiled 100-mile race, a half marathon and a kids’ mile race. The main race weekend, Oct. 25–27, also includes the hosting of the USA 50 Mile Road Championships.
“The Mountainback draws runners and other athletes and their crews and families from this region and beyond to come and play in central Pennsylvania, which directly impacts our area's recreation, hospitality and business sectors.”
According to race director Mike Casper, when looking back at the event’s inception, “We honestly didn't know if the idea would fly! But we felt confident for three reasons. First, whether you hike, hunt, fish, run or picnic, you can't discover Rothrock State Forest without being spellbound by its beauty. Second, we felt the active personal sports and fitness community in Happy Valley was ready for an event like this. Third, if there could be the opportunity to make this an event that gives back to its home, that would be the icing on the cake. Happily, it did catch on.”
When it comes to giving back to its home, the event does so through its support of an area nonprofit each year (this year’s beneficiary is the Centre Region Down Syndrome Society), but also with its economic impact.
As Casper explained, “The Mountainback draws runners and other athletes and their crews and families from this region and beyond to come and play in central Pennsylvania, which directly impacts our area's recreation, hospitality and business sectors.”
3. Sarah Morrison was first female in the 2023 Tussey Mountainback 50-kilometer ultramarathon. Photo by Enhanced Aerial.
“It’s a win for participants, volunteers, spectators, sponsors, local businesses and hotels, families and for this wonderful region,” he added.
While the event does attract its fair share of serious athletes, it also provides opportunities for the more casual recreationalist. It uniquely provides a mix of challenging and memorable solo and team experiences, and all in a scenic environment.
“The incredible beauty of Rothrock State Forest includes hundreds of miles of unpaved, low-traffic roads that are truly a wonderland for running. Central Pennsylvania has a thriving, active community of all ages and training levels. The relay and ultramarathon events of the Tussey Mountainback serve to bring these forces together, enabling more people to experience this remarkable place while also making a positive impact for others,” Casper summed up.
For more information about this year’s events, visit https://www.tusseymountainback.com/.
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