In just 11 days, a record 710 participants will dance in THON 2013 — two more than the usual 708 due to an inconsistency in the registration process.

“Due to a discrepancy between the THON 2013 Rulebook and the dancer registration packet, THON has allotted an additional dancer couple,” THON Overall Chairperson Will Martin wrote in an email. “THON is honoring this discrepancy by allowing that one additional couple the opportunity to dance during THON Weekend.”

Traditionally, 708 lucky dancers are selected every year to stand for the 46 hours on the Bryce Jordan Center floor. That number — along with multiple THON volunteers, friends, Four Diamonds children, and media — is a number THON has determined to be the safest number to be on the floor given capacity limits.

“THON has communicated with Penn State Environmental Health and Safety as well as the Bryce Jordan Center staff about the two additional bodies on the event floor for this year and ensures that all participating will remain safe throughout THON Weekend,” Martin added.

This new number will not necessarily be adopted in perpetuity. According to Martin, THON will reassess the situation after THON weekend and decide the future number of allotted dancer positions.

For now, though, two additional dancers will have the opportunity to experience the weekend of a lifetime and stand in solidarity against pediatric cancer with 708 other participants. We’ve certainly come a long way — the first THON in 1973 lasted 30 hours and included 78 dancers.

See you in 11 days!