While the Bryce Jordan Center is a sight to behold this weekend, the spirit of THON, the dedication to a cause greater than oneself, is a global phenomenon. From the surf breaks of California to the library stacks of India, THON culture has inspired quite a variety of marathons that trade dancing for surfing, ping-pong, and even reading.

Here is a look at how other communities around the world are staying on their feet (or their boards) to make a difference.

Phil’ Fun-A-Thon

The THON spirit has even reached the Land Down Under. Established in 2016 at the University of New South Wales, Phil’ Fun-a-Thon is Australia’s largest student-led philanthropy initiative. Much like our own mission, they fundraise “For The Kids,” specifically supporting the Child Life and Music Therapy team at Sydney Children’s Hospital. To celebrate the childhoods they are protecting, participants endure 24 hours of non-stop team challenges, ranging from inflatable obstacle courses to scavenger hunts.

Ping Pong-A-Thon

Ping Pong-A-Thon takes the fight against human trafficking to the table tennis court. The Ping Pong-A-Thon hosts a series of table tennis events, ranging from three to 24 hours long. Events are held by a variety of venues throughout the U.S. and Australia each year to support young people facing exploitation in Southeast Asia. This global movement has seen massive success, raising over 542,000 Australian dollars in 2025 alone through the power of sport and endurance.

#IndiaGetsReading Read-A-Thon

Proving that you don’t always have to be on your feet to make a difference, Room to Read India hosts the #IndiaGetsReading Read-a-thon. This month-long event encourages children to develop literacy and life skills by tracking their reading minutes. Participants gather pledges from friends and family for every minute spent reading books, turning a quiet hobby into a major annual campaign that funds foundational learning for children across India.

Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon

While we’re used to the BJC dance floor, the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon takes to the waves of Del Mar, California. As the world’s longest-running dog surfing competition, this annual event sees “SurFURS” compete in ten-minute heats to raise life-saving funds for orphan pets at the Helen Woodward Animal Center.

Mirroring the dedication of Penn State’s own mission, the event remains unique as the only one of its kind where 100% of proceeds go directly to its cause. Between tandem “Peeps & Pups” heats and canine costume contests, it’s a high-energy reminder that whether on a dance floor or a surfboard, the drive to help those in need knows no bounds.

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Across the globe, these marathons prove that the THON spirit isn’t confined to the floor of the BJC. Whether it’s through 24 hours of table tennis, a month of reading, or a literal dogfight on a surfboard, these communities share our belief that endurance and empathy can change lives. While the methods may differ and the locations span oceans, the heartbeat remains the same: a relentless drive to stand up for those who need it most.