Penn State to Bucknell: 57 Miles--One Final Journey

By Tori Chace '26, Grant Kern '26, and Trent Dinant '26

The Penn State to Bucknell run has long been one of Bucknell cross country's most unique traditions. Beginning in 2003 (more information on the history found here: https://tjr013.wixsite.com/stuccorunningclub/psu-to-bu) this challenge/rite of passage is an entirely unforgettable experience. This spring, the three of us had the privilege of becoming part of that tradition.

We began under gray skies with a singular lap around the Penn State outdoor track, seemingly racing the weather from the start. For many of the early miles, the clouds chased us, occasionally catching up with bursts of rain. At times, we escaped downpours by ducking into gas stations at remarkably convenient moments. The long climb through Bald Eagle State Park eventually caught us in steady rain. By mile 34, the peak of the climb, we were cold, damp, and pretty exhausted. Fortunately, we were met by teammates in a support car who helped us warm up and regroup as we began the final 23 miles.

The drastic downhill mile on the backside of Bald Eagle around mile 35 left our bodies feeling the accumulated miles, but together we pushed forward and reached mile 42 as a group. Much of our running was spent in silence, interrupted only by scattered comments about cows running alongside us or discussion about when our next stop might be. Yet even in the quiet, the support between us was felt in every step.

At times we spread out slightly as our bodies responded differently to the terrain and fatigue. Around miles 36-38, I remember insisting that Grant and Trent should go ahead if they wanted to move faster. Grant responded simply that no, we want to do this together, as it is more motivating that way. That moment captured the essence of not only our friendships built the past four years, but Bucknell XCTF as a whole--stronger together, working for one another, believing that collective success matters more than individual achievement. For the remainder, we stayed nearly footfall for footfall. Few words were spoken, but we could feel one another's determination and shared gratitude for the opportunity to experience this together through the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside.

As we continued, almost unexpectedly, the sun emerged. The shivering from cold rain turned to sweat beneath warm skies. Trent carried us to mile 42, where then his knee could no longer keep up with his heart for the journey. Grant and I continued toward the familiar 12-mile rail trail drop-off point--the place where, for four years, long runs with steady state had become an ingrained part of our training. It felt like seeing light at the end of the tunnel, though dark storm clouds loomed ahead.

Along the rail trail, Professor Wheatley, Coach Rob, and Coach Donner met us at different points, and somehow our pace quickened, dipping into the mid-seven-minute range, our bodies finding release after almost eight hours of running. We returned to Bucknell, where many of our teammates, assistant coaches, and Coach Donner (even with chocolate milkshakes) greeted us at the outdoor track. One final lap around the Bucknell track rounded out the 57-mile journey--finishing in a downpour of rain, thunder, and lightning.

There were aches, and pains, and tightnesses we've never felt before and hope to never feel again. But knowing that you're suffering through the pain with your best friends doing the sport you've always loved, that is the best way to get through it. If it wasn't for our teammates' and coaches' support along the way, there was absolutely no shot we could have done it. That shows the power and camaraderie of this program. We came together to do something that seemed impossible, because we had the support and tradition of this program; something that we will value for our lifetimes.

In many ways, the run reflected our independent, but adjacent, Bucknell journeys themselves: difficult, unpredictable, deeply communal, and ultimately unforgettable. We are endlessly grateful for the experiences that shaped us both individually and together at Bucknell and through our running, and for the teammates, coaches, and alumni whose support made those journeys possible.

Grant Kern '26, Tori Chace '26, Trent Dinant '26 at the end of their run from Penn State to Bucknell