One hundred and seventy one runners competed in the annual Raven Half Marathon on Sunday October 4, 2026. The race starts and ends at the main pavilion in Poe Valley State Park off of US Route 322 in Centre County, PA. This year The Raven added a 10K segment to the race. Amateur radio operators provided communications among headquarters at the pavilion and four aid stations on the race route through the mountains.
The route provides a combination of significant running challenges over trails, elevation changes, and beautiful natural surroundings including the Penn’s View Vista. The day was cool with light rain further complicating the event. Amateur radio operators participating, and their home counties, were:
- Carmine Prestia, K3CWP – Centre County
- Bill Gartner, KD3CPR – Centre County
- Dave Kolesar, W3KCK – Centre County
- Andrew Mummert, W3AND – Cumberland County
- Keith Comp, KC3FVN – Perry County
- Dan Muthler, K9SDW – Centre County
Except for the sighting of a non participating bear. The race went smoothly with no incidents or problems. There were more runners that last year but it finished earlier than expected. The cooler weather may have helped the runners go faster.
A big thank you to the above amateur radio operators for coming in to support the race and the public service component of our hobby. W3AND and KC3FVN get a shout out for traveling to support Centre County ARES. They are regular volunteers.
The 2026 Raven is a first for this writer. Mascots cheered the runners on when they started and then crossed the finish line. K3CWP was lucky enough to be photographed with The Ravens!
K3CWP and The Ravens
Our thanks to The Raven for inviting us to provide communications and train for the day we migh have to help out in and emergency or disaster situation.
Carmine Prestia, K3CWP, ARRL EC, Centre County, PA