November’s Monthly Membership Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 9th, at Mohnton Fire Company Social Quarters, 100 E Summit St., Mohnton, PA 19540. The meeting is upstairs. Enter the front door and go up the stairs to your left. There is no need to ring the buzzer for entry.
This month, we’re planning something a little different for the monthly Pacer Long Run.
Help us put the “Pagoda” back in “Pagoda Pacers” as we run from the Wyomissing Quarry Soccer Fields up to Reading’s iconic landmark and back on the Saturday after Thanksgiving! This will be in the neighborhood of 13 miles (with options to turn around and head back early), and mostly on pavement (but with a little trail fun mixed in).
Here are 2 great opportunities to represent our club and engage with the community to spread the word about who we are and what we’re about:
We’re looking for a couple people to represent the Pacers at the upcoming Girls on the Run event on November 18th. Plan to arrive by 7:30am to set up the tent and table. The even plans to wrap up around noon. You will be responsible for tending to the table, providing all around good cheer and positive vibes at the event, and engaging with the event attendees to represent Pacers in the running community.
The Pagoda Pacers will have a table at the upcoming Fawn Hill Holiday Beer Garden & Market. The event is on Saturday, November 25th from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm at Fawn Hill Hop Yard (141 Wilma Ave. Reading, PA 19607). Set up is between 9:00am and 10:45. We are looking for a few people to split this day spending time at the Pacers tent, engaging with event goers to get word out about our club – who we are, what we do, why they should come check us out etc. This can be done in 2hr shifts if needed; you do not have to spend the whole day at the table.
If you are interested in working the table at any of these events, please reach out to me at mhenry.pacers@gmail.com so that I can start putting the schedule together and provide further information.
pacer passport
The year is winding down, but there are still some upcoming opportunities to complete this year’s Pacer Passport. The next couple months will feature plenty of organized Pacer runs to attend (WNRs and Pacer long runs), plenty of opportunities to volunteer, and 3 more opportunities to register for a Pacer Race (Oley, Shiver, Kris Kringle).
Note: the last chance to fulfill the meeting requirement will be at November’s monthly meeting since we do not a have meeting in December.
If you are on track for completing the passport this year and haven’t done so yet, please reach out to me (mhenry.pacers@gmail.com) so that I know to include you in the headcount when ordering this year’s reward. I would like to have an idea on the headcount by the end of November.
The SHIVER by the RIVER 5K & 10K is NOW. The first one is Dec 10th, at Jim Dietrich Park, in Muhlenberg Twp. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., both races start at 10 a.m. If you can’t run all 4 races, run 3, run 2, or run 1.
As always, we will have race day registration. Pre-registration deadline is 11/18.
The ’23-’24 swag is a 11”x42” sports towel. Register early to guarantee a towel while supplies last!!
Note – we did not mail applications this year; however, if needed, the app can be printed from the Pacer website or picked up at any race that is timed by Pretzel City Sports.
New this year – we are running the course backwards from previous years!
If you choose not to run the race, please consider volunteering. We need volunteers before the race, for parking and registration; during the race – on the road, at the finish line and in the farmhouse; and after the race – for cleanup. If you can help prior to the race, please plan to arrive between 8:00 – 8:15. If you can help with the race itself, please arrive no later than 9:30. Look for one of the race directors somewhere around the farmhouse. Thank you in advance for your support!
Gwyn and I wish to thank the PPAC for their enthusiastic support of two major youth cross country races held in Berks County during the month of October.
Over 30 members took time out of their day to help out at the BCIAA Conference Run (high school) and the Fall Run Off Invitational (junior high) which combined, comprised 500 young Berks County runners. Many of the volunteers had previously run these races and saw this as an opportunity to give back to their sport. All seemed to enjoy being part of the future of our running community.
Each year, we receive an abundance of compliments and gestures of appreciation from officials, coaches, and parents, and we make it clear that we can only do this with the support we receive from the Pagoda Pacers Athletic Club. This year was no different. We cannot overemphasize the importance and impact that the club’s contribution has had with these two races. Well done, Pacers!
This year’s club election will be conducted online from Wednesday, November 1st until Thursday, November 9th at 5 p.m. Each club member will receive an email with instructions for how to vote. If you are a club remember and did not receive such an email on November 1st, please reach out to Matt Brophy at Matthew.L.Brophy@gmail.com.
Below are the candidates running for elected positions this year.
candidate for president
STEVE VIDA: I joined the Pagoda Pacers about 10 years ago. I had been running for a few years – but always alone. Then I went to my first Wednesday Night Run and knew I’d be coming back every week. I love running with the group and meeting new runners. Even 10 years later, I don’t often miss a WNR.
I am now asking for your vote in the election for President of the Pagoda Pacers. These would be my priorities as President: 1. Maintain good governance of the club’s resources. 2. Support our race directors and event coordinators. These leaders take on a great deal of responsibility and make things happen for the club. When they have issues, I want to help resolve them. 3. Listen to club members – being open to complaints and new ideas. 4. There is a lot going on in the running community in Berks County. I want to ensure the club remains central to this activity. We need to be engaged, responsive and accessible.
CANDIDATES for board of directors
JASON KARPINSKI: My time with the club began well before I was ever a member. I first had interactions with the club when I attempted my first Blues Cruise in 2006. Since 2006 I have had the fortune to run (if my math is correct) sixteen 50k, three 100k, and two 100-milers, with plans to run many, many more. Running has become an incredibly large part of my life and without a doubt it is the community of running that draws me in over and over again. I have been able to get a taste for the hard work that our members and race directors put into our events and I take pride in knowing how much our active member base cares for each other and the greater Reading area. As a Board of Directors member I would work to further the reach of the PPAC within the community through increased volunteer opportunities, and my own engagement in community events. It is my belief that the impact made by this club, although already large, can become something unimaginable.
SUE JACKSON: I’ve been an active member of the Pacers since 1987. Over the years I have volunteered at numerous races and events – way too many to count. I’ve been a race director of Shiver by the River since 1998; served as president of the Pacers; and have been on the scholarship committed for about 15 years, including several years as chair of the scholarship committee. This club and people I have met have become a big part of my life. I’ve seen the club grow not only in numbers, but also in technology, activities for our members, and community outreach. I want us to continue to become a real welcoming part of the running community, constantly bringing in new and younger members. I’m asking for your vote so that I can actively help guide the club as it continues to grow and change.
MIHAI SANCHEZ: I’m Mihai Sanchez and I’ve been a proud member of the Pagoda Pacers for three years. I compete in various races throughout the region and enjoy giving back when I’m not racing. I’ve volunteered at Pacer races and youth races and I’ve also had the honor of serving as an assistant Jr. High coach at Wyomissing. With my active presence in our great running community, I am running for Board of Directors to expand on my service for the next generation of the club. I feel as if I can provide a similar, but different perspective as to how we can expand our reach and continue the traditions and values of the club throughout our races and events. Serving as a de facto leader in the running community has been an honor and an opportunity to serve on the board would be a responsibility I would gladly take on as we look to promote wellness and make positive memories for many more in the community.
CURTIS MUSSER: I started running to stay active and challenge myself. Little did I know then that many of my friends would be a direct result of this lifestyle. Now growing the running community is as important to me as my own running goals are. Sometime about two years ago I joined the Pacers and started getting involved.
MICHELLE HENRY: While I’m happy with what the club has accomplished during my two years as president, I’m ready to let someone else steer the ship for awhile. That being said, I really would like to continue to be involved and offer whatever ideas I can contribute. We’ve done a lot to make the club more welcoming to new runners and to diversify the ways that members can engage with both social and athletic events. I hope I can continue to be an advocate for such progress as the club continues to be a refuge for fun, fellowship, and inspiration. Vote for me, y’all!
Treasury Report – Shaun Luther – 123% of target. Expenses for Blues Cruise expected. Paid the annual bill for Storage World.
Races:
Blues Cruise 50K (completed for 2023) – Mike Whalen: gave the statistics for Blues Cruise. Items donated and given in kind totaled $5875. Hoffman Industries donated 6 new folding tables, facilitated by Jeff Hills. The runners did ok, even in the warm weather. No issues with the park reported – the directors were especially focused on the parking and the overtime of the rangers. Over 40 volunteer hours of trail maintenance were logged. The profit was respectable. Elaine Cook: 131 registered volunteers – all the runners talked about how good the course was and how committed the volunteers were. “Oktoberfest” won the aid station of the year – the surveys were overwhelming positive for the aid stations. The date for next year’s event will be October 6, 2024. Registration will open in December.
Oley Valley Country Classic10 mile and 5K runs (Saturday, November 4) – About 100 runners registered so far. Volunteers needed. Lenny and Barry setting up on Friday. Trailer pullers are needed.
Kris Kringle 5-Mile Run (Sunday, December 31) – About 60 runners registered so far, on New Year’s Eve day again this year.
Shiver by the River 5K and 10K (First race is December 10) – Sue Jackson – Some people won gift certificates for the race, and they should mail in their application with the certificate. About 40 people registered so far.
Jr. High Cross Country Fall Invitational (Saturday, October 23) – Tom and Gwen Chobot continue as directors for this event. They are looking for volunteers, 6:30 to 11:00 at the Fair Grounds. The High School event is on October 17. More details are posted in the discussion group on Facebook. Parking, registration, finish line, and tear down.
Committee Reports
Social Committee:
Wine and cheese social evening (recently held) – a really nice venue and event, which included a brief glimpse of the STARLINK satellites train in the summer sky. Britny and Lisa did an excellent job of organizing. They will book this venue and do a similar event again next year. The pre-registration via an app went well, and seems to be how event registration will be handled in the future.
Skating, 5 to 7 p.m., Oct 21, at Skateaway, Tiffany and family hosting.
Christmas Party, Friday, December 1, at the Grill Fire Company. Planning to do the pre-event attendance signup like the wine and cheese social.
Communications Committee
Website – Michelle Henry will work with Ed Recker, Caroline Hill, and John Durand to improve the website
Community Service
Long run, scheduled for Sunday, Oct 29, at Opalanie Park / Bryn Coed Preserve – see the discussion board for details.
Race Mates – IM Able in Wyo went well. This program will start up again in the Spring with the Lacey Run.
The club is donating unopened race food to Opportunity House. A volunteer Pacer-hosted dinner, is scheduled for Monday, January 8, for Pacer. Mike Whalen made a motion to have the club pay for the food (not the volunteers), seconded, and approved by the members present. Donations will be approved up to reasonable expenses to prepare the meal for approximately 70 to 80 people.
Membership committee: Annual membership drive will commence soon. Jason Karpinski will be sending out an e-blast.
Old business
Annual club election starts at the beginning of November – refer to the newsletter for information for those who would like to run for office.
For anyone still wanting to complete the Pacer passport: November is the last meeting to attend for the year, in case you need your meeting attendance completed.
New business
Oil Creek 100-miler – Cody Harris (2nd overall) and Jason Karpinski was a finisher. Congratulations to them. (Other Pacers ran and finished well – hopefully they will post their completion in the race results section.)
Girls on the Run, upcoming, help needed. 9:00 for volunteers. Saturday Nov 18.
Don’t forget to wear reflective gear and to bring a headlamp or flashlight!
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!)
November 1: Cumru Elementary — Post-run to follow at Schaylor Brewing
The race directors like to highlight a couple changes we will be implementing this year:
Registration
Registration is now open!! We are doing online and same-day registration ONLY this year. Sorry, no paper applications. Don’t worry, we’re not charging you online processing fees.
Your race registration fee is for the RUN ONLY. You will have the option to add swag during the checkout process.
We’re switching up the way we do SWAG. Don’t worry, we still have the hoodies. You guys seem to love those things! BUT, some people prefer a lower registration fee and no swag. That’s why this year we have swag and no swag options:
Hoodies are an add-on item at checkout during the race registration process. As mentioned, the registration fee is for the RUN ONLY. As you proceed to check out, you will have the option to add a hoodie for an additional cost, or bypass.
Deadline to order hoodies is 12/3/2023 (same day as the price increase). We will not be ordering extra, we are not extending the deadline, and we will not have any for sale at the race. We suggest registering ASAP to not miss out if this is something you really look forward to having each year.
All hoodies purchased must be picked up at the race prior to race start. No holds and no shipping.
Pagoda Pacers News 