Volunteers Needed for Blues Cruise and RaceMates

Two great volunteer opportunities are on the horizon!

The Pacers RaceMates program helps athletes from IMABLE to experience the completion of a 5k race. We use 2 or more volunteers to push each athlete in a “race chariot.” The final race of 2023 is September 10th at 630 Evans Ave in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. We race at around a 10-minute mile and are in need of 3-4 additional runners for this event. Please see our post on the Facebook Discussion Group and email Dale at Racematesrunning@gmail.com or contact Michael Whalen (bluescruiserd@gmail.com).

Blues Cruise is also in need of volunteers for the October 1st 50k trail race at Blue Marsh Lake. Volunteers can work as many hours as desired for this all-day event. Free t-shirts will be given to all who register to help. Go to  https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=100611 and click the volunteer tab. Choose an activity that interests you, and Elaine Cook (co-race director) will be in contact to discuss times and duties.

THANKS!

Michael Whalen:

Race Director, Blues Cruise 50K

Oley Valley Race Director: “Summer Is Over!”

That’s right–you might as well accept it.

Summer is over! Put away your pool pass and speedo, and break out the hoodie and the fire pit. Fall races are fast approaching!!

Saturday, November 4th: Run the farm roads of Oley for 10 miles or 5 kilometers and take home an awesome long sleeve cotton T with original Oley Artwork

If you run fast enough, you will also take home a locally made artisan award to adorn your mantle and help you more effectively brag to your friends about your accomplishments! 

The race begins and ends at the Oley Fairgrounds. There are indoor facilities for pre- and post-race socializing.

And we will have Munchiez Food Truck on site making you a hot meal for purchase!

Standard post-race fare (pretzels, bagels, fruit) will also be available as part of the race.

We need volunteers to put  on this wonderful event so if you dont want to run volunteer…or do both!

Sign up today!

https://www.pagodapacers.com/Races-Results/Races/Oley-Valley-Country-Classic.aspx

https://www.pretzelcitysports.com/onlineform1.php?id=1244

See you in Oley…

LB

Registration Now Open for ’23-’24 Shiver by the River Race Series!

Dates:  Each 2nd Sunday, December ’23 to March ’24:  Dec 10th, 2023; Jan 14th, 2024; Feb 11th, 2024; March 10th, 2024.

Time:  10:00 am

Location:  Jim Dietrich Park

Online registration for the series is open and can be found at https://www.pretzelcitysports.com/onlineform1.php?id=1631

This year we are not mailing apps!  However, we will still accept mail-in registrations.  Apps can be printed from https://www.pretzelcitysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/23-Reading-Shiver-by-the-river-5k-10k.pdf or can be picked up at any of the many races timed by Pretzel City Sports.  We plan to also have copies at our monthly meetings (if we remember to bring them).  

Pre-registration is only available for the series; however, we will have race-day registration for both the series and individual races.   

Instead of a shirt, we are offering a sports towel, measuring 11×42.

 

Each race includes a post-race buffet of soup, pretzels, and snacks. The end-of-series party includes a buffet, lots and lots of door prizes, overall awards, and 5-year age-group awards. As always, this buffet is free to any runner who registers for the series or runs at least 3 races. There is a nominal charge for all others.

Come out and join us for our 34th season!!!!!!

Race Directors Sue Jackson, Georgine McCool, Tiffany Pantoja

Minutes from the General Meeting, August 2023

General Meeting Minutes

Date: August 10, 2023

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Mohnton Fire Company

Treasury Report – Shaun Luther—Account balance is at 135% of target. Grings Mill race expenses listed. Wine and cheese social expenses will be coming in.

Races:

  • Grings Mill 5K and 10K (concluded for 2023) – Jason Karpinski – Total revenue of the race was discussed.  Some expenses varied (increased) this year. There were 233 registrants this year versus 236 last year. 200 people actually ran the race each year. $302 was donated from participants to Opportunity House. A motion made to contribute an additional $398 of club funds to make an even $700. The motion was seconded and approved by the membership present. The remaining amount left for contribution will be used to fund the annual scholarships.
  • Blues Cruise 50K (Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the Dry Brooks day use pavillion) – Mike Whalen – meeting with Elaine Cook every 2 weeks for race planning. They will have a meeting with the captains of the aid stations. Current registration stands at 144 runners from 10 states. An online swag store is being planned. Volunteers are needed the entire month of September, and, of course, on race day. All volunteers must sign up on “UltraSignup – Blues Cruise 50K” in order to keep track of everyone, and assign people where additional help may be needed. (Note: Volunteer swag will be given only to those who have signed up and helped. No registration = no swag.) This event is an RRCA Regional 50K Championship, which comes with some benefits. The event is also a Trail Sisters approved race. Mike is talking to Holiday Inn to about reserving a block of rooms. Planning some more spectator-friendly events. Fire –police doing Old Church Rd crossings. There will be scheduled trail maintenance throughout September (Kincaid, Beane, Demsko, Whalen). Saturday, Sept 30 will be the trail marking. Mike is looking for a Strava map of the lake—please forward it to him if you have one. Training runs being planned. September 10th is a long run on the Blues Cruise course. 
  • Oley Valley Country Classic (Saturday, November 4, 2023) – Lenny Burton – a few registrations so far. Food truck committed 
  • Shiver by the River 5K and 10K (12/10/23, 1/14/24, 2/11/24, & 3/10/24) – Sue Jackson – online registration is open. No mailings this year. But you can print out the online application and mail it in. Swag this year is a runner’s towel. 
  • Jr. High Cross Country Fall Invitational – Saturday, October 21, Tom Chobot – needs about 10 volunteers on this day

Committee Reports

Social Committee:

  • Brittany Harris – Wine and Cheese Party, The Barn at Cacoosing (Saturday, September 16) – need some volunteers. Tickets would have to be purchased on line. No money accepted at the door—can purchase on-line that evening. (Will be the same format for the Christmas Party.)

Community Service

  • Weekly runs – Matt is coming back soon! Lisa D. is having the WNR after the boat launch. “Dip off” for cool prizes.
  • Trail Maintenance – Mike Whalen – Blue Marsh, the large tree down on the ski slope taken care of. 
  • Horseshoe trail – Shaun Luther – the Horseshoe trail organization may be willing to purchase a heavy duty weed whacker or some other piece of equipment; would come in very useful for trail maintenance. Shaun will look into this further
  • Long run, August 19, at Rocky Park near York; 5 or 10-mile loop
  • Race Mates – this Saturday have a race with 3 athletes. Have been busy this season planned.

Old business

  • MeetUp app – will hold off on posting on MeetUp until people’s homes are not being used for the social gathering after WNRs. Likely to start in the fall.

New business

  • Pacer-branded pop-up canopy tent for use for ‘whatever’ will be purchased – races, events, etc. Two logo selections – looking for vote of preference.
  • Step and repeat background wall (i.e., a large photo backdrop with the club’s logo) to have pictures done will be purchased. Jane Setley recommended getting a replaceable roller style, so that it can be changed out as needed.
  • Michelle also considering purchasing handheld waterproof signs with the Pacer logo – useful for holding and using in photos.

Race Results (August 2023)

Want to see your race results in the next newsletter?

Email your race results to Amy Bird at raceresults@pagodapacers.com.

Triple Trouble 15k

1:08:09Mihai Sanchez1st M 0-29
1:11:57Jason Karpinski1st M 30-39
1:26:32Chris Fisher
1:34:54Emily Trudel
1:46:22Tania Salaneck
1:46:40Amy Bird
1:56:02Fred Foose
2:04:50Shawn Weller
2:05:26Robert Stichter
2:15:50Cyndi Borelli
2:27:29Scott Scheidt
2:42:22Helene Horn
2:42:24Joanne Patti

Triple Trouble 50k

4:16:18Jason Karpinski1st Male Overall
5:49:47Chris Fisher
6:22:29Amy Bird3rd F 40-49

James Biever Memorial 5k Run

32:35Dianne Showers3rd F 60-69
41:22Rick Showers

Bradley Mayer Memorial Running Man 5k

17:54Mihai Sanchez2nd M Overall
42:14Bruce Cronrath3rd M 80+
43:30Rose Hagy1st F 70-79

Miles for Maria 5k

35:44Diane Gilbert2nd F 60+
38:09Cyndi Borelli
38:38Joanne Patti3rd F 60+
44:59Bruce Cronrath2nd M 60+

Eastern States 100

31:33:23Karin Tursack
32:14:04David Dunkelberger

Ironton Rail-Trail 10k

88:16Bruce Cronrath1st M 70+

Kaercher Creek 5k

42:04Barbara Raifsnider

1st Promise 5k Run

27:17Duane Renninger1st M 50-59

Chobot Challenge 13.25k Trail Race

1:14:52Ray Ingaglio
1:33:49Fred Foose
1:35:27Amy Bird5th F 40-49
1:41:48Tom Chobot2nd M 68-74
3:12:48Evette Vega
3:19:36Michael Oetting

Ragged 75 Stage Race

19:56:45Kelly Ammon3rd F 30-39
20:57:04Brandon Beane3rd M 40-49
22:47:19Steve Vida

Buy Your Wine & Cheese Tix Now!

The Pagoda Pacer Wine and Cheese Party is back for 2023 with a new location at the Barn at Cacoosing! This fun event will be held on Saturday, September 16th from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm and is a great way to relax and mingle with fellow pacers. Your ticket includes wine, beer, soda, a large variety of cheeses, meats, fruits, desserts and more. The main event will be in the barn, but if it is nice weather please feel free to bring a chair to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for non members through 9/16. 

Tickets must be bought in advance online, we will not be accepting cash at the door. 

Advance ticket purchase makes this much easier on the club volunteers and helps get an accurate head count for food and alcohol. Also you must be 21 to attend and please leave the little ones at home to enjoy an evening out with your friends. We can’t wait to see you there!

  • Unsure if you are current on your Pagoda Pacer Membership? You can check your membership status here
  • Not a member of the Pagoda Pacers Athletic Club yet? No problem! Join today to take advantage of the member discount to this and future Pacer events.
  • Join the Pagoda Pacers Now

Also, our event organizers (Lisa Domeshek and Brittni Harris) could use a few volunteers to help out with parking and checking folks in. If you are able to help out, please contact them (lisa.domeshek@gmail.com, bstreichler@gmail.com).

Wednesday Night Runs (September ’23 Locations)

Our mid-week group runs have at least two different distance options (3-4 miles and 5-6 miles) with an appointed leader for each route. Each run will have its own Facebook “event,” and the routes will be posted a couple days before the run. After each run, those who can will stick around for food, drink, and good conversation, either at a nearby restaurant or a club member’s residence. Come for the run; stay (if you can) for the fellowship. (If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries–just come run with us!)

September 6: Monocacy Hill Recreation Area — Post-run to follow at Island Pizza

September 13: Mohnton Playground — Post-run to follow at Schaylor Brewing

September 20: Jeff Hogue’s residence (403 Oak Grove Road) — Post-run to follow at the same location. Bring a suit & towel if you want to swim!

September 27: Mike Whalen’s residence (701 Pony Rd, Mohrsville) — Post-run to follow at the same location

All runs start at 6:15 p.m

37th Annual Kris Kringle 5-Mile Run

The Pagoda Pacers Athletic Club is happy to invite you to the 37th annual Kris Kringle 5 Mile Run!

Looking to squeeze in one last fun event in over the Christmas break? This race is always a family favorite, with proceeds benefiting the Berks County Cross Country Coaches Association. So grab your friends & family and close out 2023 with us!

New for this year, registration is through RunSignUp, and there are no mail-in applications. Also, no extra hoodies will be ordered. Runners must register by 12/3/23 if they would like a hoodie.