With an 8:30 AM start, plan to arrive in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania well before dawn to handle parking and warm-up at Bellefonte Area High School. The 20th Annual NVRC/Herbie's Home "Town Loop" 4 Mile Run/Walk offers a single 4-mile distance starting from Rogers Stadium Track. Entry fees fall between $30 and $35. This early morning timing gives you the advantage of cooler conditions for your effort, though you'll need to sort accommodations the night before. Bellefonte is a small town in central Pennsylvania, so booking lodging early is advisable given limited options nearby. Whether you're training for a longer race or racing the distance itself, expect a straightforward local event focused on the community loop course.
From the Race Organizer
The NVRC/20th annual Herbie's Home Town Loop 4 mile run/walk will be held on Saturday, August 8th beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Rogers Stadium If you can not participate in the run/walk, we are looking for volunteers on race day. Jeremy Herbstritt was a 1998 Bellefonte Area High School graduate who loved life and the outdoors. He, and 31 other students and professors, were killed during a mass shooting on April 16, 2007 at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia. Herbie’s Home “Town Loop” was created by Jeremy's family and friends in 2007 to remember and honor him, and give something back to the community who gave so much to them in their time of grief. ATTENTION: Bring your used/gently used athletic shoes to donate! Check your closets, not just running shoes but any athletic shoes. There will be a box near the registration table! Subject: 20 Years of Herbie’s Hometown Loop: Help Bellefonte XC Reach the National Stage For 20 years, the Bellefonte community has gathered for Herbie’s Hometown Loop to honor the memory of Jeremy Herbstritt, a dedicated Bellefonte XC alumnus lost in the 2007 Virginia Tech tragedy. This race has always been about more than just miles; it’s about the heart, history, and healing of our town. As we prepare for our 20th Anniversary Race on Saturday, August 8th , we are asking for your support to help our current student-athletes reach a new milestone. Our goal is to send the Bellefonte XC Program to the Great American XC Festival in Cary, North Carolina in early October . This trip offers our runners the chance to compete against the top talent in the nation—an experience that builds character, discipline, and lifelong memories. By sponsoring the 20th Annual HHL, you honor Jeremy’s legacy, invest in our youth, and gain visibility among hundreds of local families. Sponsorship Opportunities: The 20th Anniversary Legacy Sponsor ($1,000+) : Large logo on back of shirt, prominent website placement, 4 free registrations, and a social media "Sponsor Spotlight. "The Pacesetter" ($500) : Logo on the back of the official race shirt, website logo, and 2 free registrations. The "Red & White" Partner ($250): Logo on race website, social media shout-out, and 1 free registration. The "Red Raider" Supporter (Up to $249): Name listed on our race website and a heartfelt thank you on our social media "Supporter Wall." We believe every contribution—no matter the form — brings our runners one mile closer to North Carolina . Whether you choose a custom monetary donation or provide a prize for our post-race silent auction , we would be incredibly grateful for your investment in these athletes. Calling All Bellefonte XC Alumni! 🔴⚪ This fall, the current Red Raider XC team has a massive opportunity to compete at The Great American XC Festival in North Carolina. To get them there, we need their biggest supporters—our xc alumni network. As we celebrate the 20th Annual Herbie’s Hometown Loop, we invite you to give back to the program that built so many memories. Whether you run the Loop with us or make a direct donation, your support directly funds the travel, lodging, and entry fees for this milestone trip. How You Can Help Today : · Run or walk the 20th Annual Herbie's Hometown Loop. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Bellefonte/17thAnnualNVRCHerbiesHomeTownLoop4MileRunWalk · [ Make a Direct Donation by hitting “Donate” tab on race website ] – Every dollar goes straight to the team's travel fund. Let’s help the next generation of Bellefonte runners chase their PRs on a national stage. Once a Red Raider, always a Red Raider! With Gratitude, Kim Gasper/Varsity Bellefonte XC Coach & Herbie’s Hometown Loop Race Director 2026 Bellefonte Area XC Program (HS/MS)/Coaches/Families/Herbstritt family If you can not be a part of this year’s race but would like to make a donation to support our Bellefonte XC program , please click on the “DONATE” tab. All participants are encouraged to visit the Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair in downtown Bellefonte on August 7-8th . You can take a free shuttle down from the high school after the race. COURSE : The 4-mile course is wheel measured. The run/walk begins and ends at the Bellefonte Area HS track and traverses the perimeter of the town of Bellefonte. ENTRY FEES : $30 if registered by August 6th, 2026. $35 thereafter, and on race day. T-shirts will be guaranteed to the first 50 entrants . Silent auction will take place at the race! RACE DAY REGISTRATION and BIB PICK-UP will take place on Saturday, August 08, 2026 beginning at 7am at Rogers Stadium (Bellefonte Area track). FREE PARKING is available at Bellefonte Area High School CHECKS should be made payable to the: “NVRC” (Nittany Valley Running Club)/Add "BAXC" on memo line All NVRC members receive a $5 discount! Race Contact Info If you have any questions about this race, click the button below. NVRC AND THE BELLEFONTE AREA XC PROGRAM WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE OUR “LEGACY SPONSORS” ARIZE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION RAPID TRANSIT SPORTS N
