BOALSBURG – The Outdoor Adventure Collective for the first time is hosting three Happy Valley Town Series: All-Ages Run and Bike Races.
The races are a first-of-its-kind, three-week event uniting Happy Valley’s community in outdoor adventure and camaraderie. The first race was held on Sept. 24, and two more are scheduled on the first two Wednesdays in October — Oct. 1 and Oct 8. The races are held at 5:30 p.m. at Tussey Mountain.
The races feature short-course trail running and biking races for all ages, a vibrant tent expo with local vendors, live music and food, all under the glowing lights of fall evenings. Bicycle race participants must bring their own bicycles.
Designed for everyone from juniors to seasoned athletes, the Happy Valley Town Series offers accessible races with a single registration fee covering all three weeks.
“We wanted to create an all-ages, family friendly, weeknight event that would draw kids and adults out to compete at the same venue, in a condensed spectator-friendly format,” event organizer Josh Stapleton said in a statement.
Participants can choose to run, bike, or both, making it perfect for families, teens, and adults to compete or cheer. The expo is free for vendors such as nonprofits and outdoor sports groups to join along with a door prize contribution. The event showcases local businesses and fosters community connections with food trucks and live music creating a festive atmosphere.
Stapleton explained the decision to host the event on a weeknight instead of a weekend – and the thought process behind involving all ages.
“Nobody I know at any age wants anything else added to their weekend schedule,” Stapleton said. “It is best to think of the HVTS as a ‘training race’ — come out just to get a workout, hit a food truck, and enjoy the music all while spectating the races. Most of us are used to attending a sporting event where only one member of the family gets to participate — this is an opportunity for the entire family to each have an opportunity to get a good workout, all at the same event.”
“We’re excited to bring Happy Valley together for this unique event,” Stapelton added. “The Town Series celebrates outdoor adventure, health, and community spirit, with races and an expo that welcomes all ages to connect through friendly, competitive racing and have fun under the lights.”
Registration is $15. ! Register to race at https://www.bikereg.com/happy-valley-town-series-all-ages-run-and-bike-racing.
“We really wanted to create a high end, unique event, and this takes substantial financial resources,” Stapleton said. “However, we also realize that “cost” is a huge barrier for multiple people in the family to participate. As such, income from the registration fees will only cover about 15% of total costs, the remainder of the event is funded by a grant and donations. If the event continues in the future, we will be looking for partners to donate so that we can keep the registration costs low.”
Stapleton said as of Sept. 22, there were more than 160 people registered from under 5 years old to grandparents.
To honor the work of local, outdoors and sports groups that youth and adults can connect with, the Hometown Hero of the Week will spotlight a group each race week under the categories of Environmental Care, Community Health and Fitness, and Youth Outdoor Engagement. Weekly giveaways will boost engagement and celebrate these heroes’ contributions.
Vendors can sign up for the expo at https://forms.gle/rL1GGaXuCaHatEva6. Spectators are welcome free of charge to enjoy the races, expo, and community vibe.
