Campus Life

Applications available for First Night 5K Resolution Run

The First Night State College 5K Resolution Run will begin at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 31 and wind its way through State College and Penn State's University Park campus.  Credit: First Night State CollegeAll Rights Reserved.

Applications are now available for the First Night 5K Resolution Run, which will take place at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 31 in downtown State College. The run is sponsored by Mount Nittany Health.

The official starter of this year’s race will be Penn State Lady Lion Basketball Coach Coquese Washington.The 5K Resolution Run starts and finishes on College Avenue and gives runners and fast walkers the opportunity to speed into the new year on a certified, mostly flat, wheel-measured course around the streets of State College and Penn State's University Park campus.First Night State College encourages runners and spectators to wear costumes. A plaque will be awarded to the best and most original costume worn by a runner.“Even if you aren't a runner (or fast walker) and, like me, you’d never do a 5K in a million years, you can join in the fun by cheering on the participants,” said Rick Bryant, executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, the producer of First Night State College. “The run is one of our most popular events — typically there are about 1,000 runners. The start of the race really is a sight to behold.”Runners can register online at firstnightstatecollege.com and at the office of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts,  located at 403 South Allen Street, Suite 205A, until noon on Dec. 30. Runners may register on Dec. 30 from 3-7 p.m. at the State College Municipal Building, located at 243 South Allen Street, or on race day between 4-6 p.m. at the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church gym, located at 250 East College Avenue.Each of the first 750 registrants will receive one 2016 First Night State College button and a long-sleeved T-shirt. The registration fee is $25 if postmarked on or before Dec. 24. Thereafter registration is $28. Registration for runners under age 19 is $15 for pre-race registration and $18 thereafter. The First Night button is not included in the youth registration package.For further information, please contact First Night State College at (814) 237-3682 or Dave Eggler, race director, at (814) 571-1960.First Night State College is now in its 22nd year. In addition to the 5K Resolution Run, First Night presents ice sculpture, resolution sculptures, carriage rides, and music and theatrical performances in downtown churches and public buildings.First Night State College is produced by the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts and is sponsored in part by the Borough of State College with grant support from the Centre County Commissioners and Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Last Updated December 14, 2015