Sunday News

State

Penn State students

limber up for THON

STATE COLLEGE -- Bend at the knees, then jump and reach for the ceiling with arms extended. Repeat as a catchy song echoes through the gym.

The 30-minute fitness class for Penn State dance marathon participants was a just a tiny preview of the grueling 46-hour event for charity that starts Friday.

The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon is billed as the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. For the first time, workouts were offered for the more than 700 participants, as well as the army of volunteers, to get in shape for the annual epic affair.

The students say they're motivated by the cause. THON, as it's commonly known to students and alumni, has raised more than $88 million over almost three dozen years. The money goes to the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital to benefit pediatric cancer research and care.

From our wire services