Month: July 2019

Gring’s Mill 5k/10k — Sunday, August 4

by pagodapacers

GRING’S MILL RUN

RACE DAY: SUNDAY, AUGUST 4TH, 2019
ONLINE REGISTRATION ENDS MIDNIGHT, 7/31/19
On-line registration ends on Wednesday. To be guaranteed a shirt you must register by Wednesday.

If you prefer to wait and see how you feel that day, same day registration will be available. Same day entrants will receive shirts while available.

Location is starting at the Berks County Heritage Center (1102 Red Bridge Road, Reading PA  19605), entrance from 183. There is plenty of parking.

The course is mostly flat, beautiful and scenic with a nice downhill start toward the Red Bridge. Post race food includes, pulled pork, bagels, pizza from Mangia Pizza, and ice cream and sorbet from Sweet Ride Ice Cream.

Gift bags guaranteed to all who are pre-registered for the half-mile kids’ run, Same day entrants will receive gift bags while available. There is an extra special surprise in the kid’s bag this year. 

If you are still undecided, here are a few other reasons you may want to run: All runners will receive 2 free raffle tickets (more can be purchased, so bring cash).  

Donors of door prizes include: Chester County Running Store, The Farmhouse Kitchen, Blind Hartmans Tavern, Running Start, Uberendurance Sports, Pagoda Pacers, Mimmos Restaurant, The Village Salon, Bella Italia Pizza, Root, Weis Markets, 1787 Brewing Company, Pretzel City Sports, Ganly’s Pub, Trooper Thorns, The Market at Boyer Junction, Massage Envy Spa, Van Scoy Jewelers, T8, Tino’s Pizzeria & Bar, Beulah’s Bodywork, Road ID, The Auto Spa, Sly Fox, Sweet Ride Ice Cream and Yogo Crazy. 

We also have a live band! Music by the Rockman Blues Band beginning at 9 am. 

Registration/number pickup opens at 7:30 AM. 5K/10K starts at 9:00 AM, Fun Run approx. 10:15 AM. Clock at finish, water/aid on course, instant results, and all those great raffle items. Finish in front of the historic Red Covered Bridge.

Letter from the President (July 2019)

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Up until a few days ago I thought I’d be writing about volunteers, upcoming races, and looking forward to seeing Matt Brophy’s touch on his first Pacer Newsletter as editor.

If you’ve been current with the Pagoda Pacers Discussion Group on Facebook, you are probably aware of what has been a tumultuous July. One of my experiences in my youth was being a pallbearer for an uncle. For me, the scrawny high school kid, he was a large man both in stature, but also in how he carried himself. He looked like Lee Marvin in The Dirty Dozen. He was a factory worker–a machinist. He was also an athlete. However, his time of youthful athleticism was taken by WWII. He never spoke of his wartime experience, which I believe for him and many others was a coping mechanism.   

Grabbing that brass rail was a first for me. Carrying that casket may have been one of the most formative points of my youth. The strain of the weight while I looked down upon the flag draped in front of me left an impression that remains with my soul. I’ve told many a person being a pallbearer is an important life experience. 

Now, as a club, we mourn the loss of James Cramer, and as I thought of touching on this point in the Newsletter, something hit me. You see my experience of carrying that casket was not singular; there were others. I did not bear that weight alone. My heart goes out to Jim’s family and close friends. My utmost respect and admiration go out to the family of trail runners that made multiple trips to the AT looking for a friend. Share the good stories of Jim, and remind everyone we need not bear this weight alone.

The weather has been brutal the last few weeks. Between the rain and heat, it’s a wonder anyone has had enough motivation to change the calendar, let alone run. I think typically August is supposed to be the hot month, so if you’re training for something, find a buddy and a really early start time. Mike Whalen posted some good hints a few weeks back on the Discussion group on “hyper-hydration” and managing water intake during the heat.  Well worth reaching out to Mike if you have questions. 

As I noted in prior months, the Charlie Horse race was very successful, and we were fortunate to present a check for $3,400 to the Special Olympics and meet a few of their athletes at our July meeting.   A similar motion was approved to present to the “Friends of Nolde” our 50/50ish split from the Run for the Ages. Up next is the Grings Mill 5k and 10k. 

Yep, as you read this we’re soliciting for volunteers and runners for Sunday August 4th at the Berks County Heritage Center. Spend a little time with friends and fellow Pacers at possibly one of Berks’ oldest continuous running races. The work of many lightens the load. See you on Sunday. 

Steve

Race Results: July 2019

by pagodapacers
Chobot Challenge 15K
10/166Ben Hatt1:11:14
39Don Mengel1:25:29
102Tom Chobot1:48:44
142Barbara Raifsnider2:05:17
145Paul Makurath2:05:59
Double Trouble 15K
36/189Scott Thomas1:37:50
82Katie Thomas1:56:122nd F0-29
113Tom Chobot2:06:32
133Paul Makurath2:16:322nd M68+
156Barbara Raifsnider2:27:07
184Gwyn Chobot2:10:022nd F60-67
Cheesy Chase 5K
3/174Jimmy Blandford18:471st M40-49
16Elaine Cook23:202nd F50-59
46Tom Chobot26:282nd M60-67
65Lauren Massaro28:241st Overall F Clyde
66John Thompson28:25
72Janine Beidler28:511st F Master Clyde
77Barbara Raifsnider29:09
81Lee Zechman29:35
82Doug Zechman29:36
110Blair Hogg31:35
145Yuriko Beaman36:26
156Rose Hagy39:361st F68-74
157Gwyn Chobot40:18
164Helene Horn44:04
Laurel Highlands 70.5 Miler
34/95Andy Styer17:13:33
Finger Lakes 50k
31/140Andy Styer6:35:18

Email race results to Race Results Coordinator Karen Rule at raceresults@pagodapacers.com.

Register for the 33rd annual Kris Kringle 5-Mile Run!

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Registration is open for the 33rd KRIS KRINGLE 5 MILE RUN on Sunday, December 29 at the Berks County Agricultural Center.

We got hoodies; we got airline tickets to give away; we got a great course that is part road, part trail, and all fun. Run CLOCKWISE this year, and kill the hill.

Click HERE to download a race application, or register online at PRETZELCITYSPORTS.com. You can learn more about the race at PAGODAPACERS.com.

Proceeds benefit high school runners through the Berks County Cross Country Coaches Association and also provide for college scholarships, free running shoes to students in need, and the sponsorship for the Junior High Cross Country Invitational Race.

Minutes from the General Meeting (July 2019)

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General Meeting Minutes

Date: July 11, 2019

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Blind Hartman’s Tavern

Presentation to Special Olympics: The check from the Charlie Horse run proceeds was presented to the Special Olympics representatives. The families, athletes, and their global messenger thanked us for our continued support to their organization and the support of their athletes. 

Treasury Report – Shaun Luther—131% of target. Nothing out of the order to report.

Races:

  • Charlie Horse: No report
  • Run for the Ages: Donna Hey—About 170 people ran. Nolde Forest received 50/50-ish split (favored towards Nolde) of the profits of the race, the extra donations, and raffle proceeds. Motion made to make donation to Nolde Forest, seconded, and approved by the membership.
  • Grings Mill: Caroline Hill and Jane Setley–so far 92 registered runners, a little down from previous last year, so they will be increasing the e-mail blasts. Registration closes on 7/31. Setting up on Saturday, 8/3, from 8 to 12. They have tank-style t-shirts this year. 
  • Blues Cruise—Dan Govern—registrations down a bit. He wants to bring people back to the race, so Dan is looking to upgrade the swag. He has chosen to give a finisher’s medal this year, as well as, possibly, a winter beanie hat or Patagonia long sleeve winter running shirt. Dan will incorporate a branding theme of the anchor and nautical wheel. He is changing the food, and suggestions are welcome on what would be a good offering. Trail clean up to be announced.
  • Oley Valley Country Classic: No report
  • Kris Kringle: no report
  • Shiver by the River: Sue Jackson, starting to confirm the dates. Some of the paving in the development has been done, so this should improve the course. Tiffany Pantoja is joining as a race director to assist Sue and Kelsie Jackson. 

Committee Reports

Social Committee:

  • Bike ride in the fall—Caroline Hill—date to be determined.

Communications Committee:

  • Newsletter—Matt Brophy is taking over, and going more towards a news blog style. Thanks to Beth Auman for her efforts over the years with this. The email address for the newsletter is:  Editor@pagodapacers.com
  • Constant Contact emails–Polly Corvaia updated the information and can be used by the group.

Community Service:

  • Weekly runs: 8/28 is now open—contact Phil if interested in hosting or switching with that date.
  • Reading Hospital Race—Beth Auman would like added to the minutes that she is asking the Pacers to support the race as volunteers, as they have in previous years. Ellie Alderfer will coordinate the Pacer volunteers.

Membership committee:

  • Membership suggestion: Jane Setley suggested a trial offering of new memberships at the Grings Mill run. The new memberships, for the regular price of one year, would be good for the rest of 2019 and the entire 2020 year, and also give few raffle tickets. She also recommends a Pagoda Pacer membership table at all of our own races. Motion made to take new membership applications at the race (that day only) that allows new members to get the bonus months, seconded, and approved.
  • It was suggested that an effort be made to wear club shirts/colors at races for representation, as other clubs do.

Old business:

  • T-shirts sales coordinated by Jim Demsko went well, and will be available on 7/17 for those who ordered. This type of offering will likely be available again.
  • Trailer—still looking for trailer in a good price range. Two sellers in mind for the purchase.
  • New signs for race directions: still needs to be purchases. Mike Whalen will look into this.

New business:

  • Mike Whalen mentioned getting a Pagoda Pacer-branded swag bag to be used for all races, with the idea that purchasing in bulk will lower the cost.
  • Board of Directors meeting
    • Phil Lechner has asked for some assistance with the Sunshine Committee.
    • Beth Auman is stepping down as editor of the newletter.
    • Charlie Horse and Run for the Ages need volunteer support in the race director positions.
  • Charlie Crowell is directing a mini-triathlon, $20, at the Twin Valley pool. A very good introductory event to triathlons. He has further details, if you are interested.

Wednesday Night Runs: August locations

by pagodapacers

We run every Wednesday night–year round–at 6:15pm. Come join us. All paces welcome. No membership required.

Come for the run; stay for the fellowship. Bring a covered dish to share if you have time.

Locations for upcoming Wednesday Night Runs:

–AUGUST 7: TROUT RUN SPORTS COMPLEX, 950 W NEVERSINK RD, READING. Post-run hosted by Lennie and Julie Burton, 221 Gibraltar Rd, Reading.

–AUGUST 14: Steve Maguire and Jane Setley’s residence, 515 Brownsville Rd, Sinking Spring, PA

–AUGUST 21: Tracy Barlet’s residence, 21 Jeffrey Rd, Reading, PA (Greenfields)

–AUGUST 28: Scottish Rite Cathedral, 430 S 7th Ave, Reading. PREVIEW THE NEW READING HOSPITAL ROAD RUN COURSE! Post-run at 3rd and Spruce in West Reading.