Beaver Stadium Run
April 26, 2026
Each year, more than 3,500 runners and walkers of all ages and abilities gather at Penn State University for the Paterno Family Beaver Stadium Run for Special Olympics Pennsylvania, presented by Sheetz, raising critical funds to support 13,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities across the state.
Everything You Need to Know
Beaver Stadium Run Event Information
The 2026 Paterno Family Beaver Stadium Run for Special Olympics Pennsylvania, presented by Sheetz, will be held at Penn State University on April 26! More than 3,500 runners and walkers of all ages and abilities participate in a 5K run or 2-mile family fun walk, presented by Mount Nittany Health.
Proceeds from the Run benefit Special Olympics Pennsylvania and the 13,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
The 2025 Beaver Stadium Run was the most successful Run ever, raising more than $500,000 for Special Olympics Pennsylvania athletes!
Register
Sign up to “Finish at the 50” and be part of this unforgettable event today!
Volunteer
We’re always in need of volunteers to support Beaver Stadium Run! Can we count on you?
Donate
All athletes are able to participate free of charge thanks to the generosity of our supporters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the event schedule?
7:30 am – Registration (located at Medlar Field)
10:15 am – Registration will close promptly
11:00 am – 5K Run/Walk Start Time
11:10 am – 2 Mile Fun Walk Start Time
12:00 pm – Race Course Closed
12:15 pm – Awards
Note: Special Olympics Pennsylvania will provide water and snacks after the race. The event will take place rain or shine.
Additional Notes:
● The start for both courses is on Curtin Road at the entrance to the All Sports Museum.
● The 5K start time is 11:00 am.
● The 2-mile start time is 11:10 am.
● The 2-mile course is west on Curtin Rd, south on Shortlidge Rd, east on Pollock Rd, north on Bigler Rd, east on Curtin Rd and through the tunnel into Beaver Stadium.
● The 5 Km course is west on Curtin Rd, south on Burroughs St, east on Pollock Rd, south on Shortlidge to sidewalk between McElwain & Simmons dorms, north on Mifflin, west on Pollock Rd, north on Bigler Rd, west on Curtin Rd and through the tunnel into Beaver Stadium.
● The racecourse will be closed at 12:15 pm.
● Refreshments are available after the race near the entrance to the All Sports Museum
● Awards will be presented at 12:15 pm near the entrance to the All Sports Museum
● Rest rooms pre-race are located at Medlar Field and outside Gate B of the stadium
● Additional rest rooms are available inside the stadium after 11:00 am when Gate B opens.
How do I participate?
- Register as an Individual or Team
- On-site 5k Run or 2-Mile Walk
- Virtual Runner or Walker
Registration Amounts:
5K Ages 6 and up – $35.00
5K Ages 5 and under – Free
2 Mile Ages 6 and up – $35.00
2 Mile Ages 5 and under – Free
5K Penn State University Student – $25.00
2 Mile Penn State University Student – $25.00
Virtual 5K Ages 6 and up – $35.00
Virtual 2 Mile Ages 6 and up – $35.00
What is the Course Map?
The entire course is on the Penn State campus. The 5K run/walk will begin with the start gate on Curtin Road near the entrance to the Sports Museum of the Beaver Stadium.
From the start, the course will proceed west on Curtin, crossing University Drive. The crossing will be monitored by Penn State police, and cars on University Drive will be temporarily stopped as needed. The course then continues west on Curtin, turning south on Burrows by Rec Hall. The runners go down Burrows and turn onto Pollock Road until they reach the path prior to Old Main at the Schwab Auditorium. The runners follow the path and turn left until they reach the Old Main parking lot. They are then directed back onto Pollock Road. This change in 2024 replaced the section that went down Shortledge across the dorms to McKeen and back onto Pollock.
At the intersection of Pollock Road and Shortledge Road, the runners and walkers merge again on Pollock Road proceeding east, and then heading north on Bigler Road toward Curtin Road. The course then turns east onto Curtin Road, again crossing University Drive, at the same intersection and with the same monitoring being completed by Penn State police. The course then proceeds east about another block on Curtin Road and turns into Beaver Stadium, finishing at the 50-yard line of the football field. The finish within Beaver Stadium is with the approval of Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics and Penn State University Relations.
The 2 mile “fun walk” will begin on Curtin Road, same as the 5K course. The course proceeds west, crossing University Drive, to Shortlidge, turns south, enters the Shortlidge Plaza, then turns east on Pollock, and follows the 3-mile course back to Beaver Stadium.
Note: Event will take place rain or shine
Where can I pick up my bib?
Friday, April 24, 2 pm – 6 pm
Participants can check-in early during this time to pick up event t-shirt and bib number.
Registration Hours: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Main Entrance of Medlar Field
Address: 112 Medlar Field at Lubrano Park; University Park, PA 16802
Saturday, April 25, 11:30 am – 4 pm
Participants can check-in early during to pick up event t-shirt and bib number.
Open Check-in Time: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Main Entrance of Medlar Field
Address: 112 Medlar Field at Lubrano Park; University Park, PA 16802
Sunday, April 26, 7:30 am – 10:15 am — RACE DAY!
Open Check-in Time: 7:30 AM – 10:15 AM
Location: Main Entrance of Medlar Field
Address: 112 Medlar Field at Lubrano Park; University Park, PA 16802
Registration for all participants is on the concourse of Medlar Field. Sign in for all pre-registered participants is on the concourse of Medlar Field. Media registration is on the concourse of Medlar Field. Opening Ceremony will take place at 10:20 am and the race starts promptly at 11 am.
Are strollers allowed?
STROLLERS are NOT allowed inside Beaver Stadium; if you run with one it will need to be places in a designated area near the entrance to the tunnel.
Parents will be required to sign an event waiver the day of the event for children under 10. Children’s strollers must be parked in the identified area on Curtin Road directly across from the tunnel entrance. Participants running with jogging strollers must vacate their strollers on south side of Curtin Road prior to entering the tunnel. Volunteers will be there to assist you.
Are pets allowed?
PETS are NOT allowed inside Beaver Stadium; if you are running with a pet, you will need to stop prior to entering the tunnel onto the field.
Awards Information
Medals will be awarded for:
• Top 3- Men (ages 15 and up)
• Top 3- Women(ages 15 and up)
• 1st place- Girls (ages 14 and under)
• 1st place-Boys (ages 14 and under)
Stadium Visitors & Parking Information
Race-Day Parking Information:
Free parking will be available at Jordan East, Stadium West or at Porter North. Note: NOT PORTER SOUTH
Stadium Visitors:
Note, all visitors to the stadium who would like to watch the race must follow the stadium’s clear bag guidelines.
Opening Ceremony Information
The Beaver Stadium Run Opening Ceremony will take place at 10:20 am on the stage just in front of the Start line on Curtin Road near the entrance to the All Sports Museum. The 5k starts at 11 am and the 2-mile walk starts at 11:10 am.
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