Month: June 2025

Race Report: World’s End 50k and Laurel Highlands 70-Miler

by pagodapacers

by Andy Styer

The “World’s-End-and-Laurel-Highlands Double” seems to be my thing. In 2022, I completed the World’s End 100K and Laurel Highlands 70.5 mile races on back-to-back weekends. In 2024, I completed the World’s End 100K and Laurel Highlands 50k on back-to-back weekends. This year, I completed the World’s End 50k and Laurel Highlands 70.5 mile races, but there was a 2-week gap. Why would one do such hard races in close time frames? Well, there is no real reason except that I can! 

World’s End 50K

I have done the 100K 4 times, with 3 finishes and 1 DNF. This race, in my opinion, is one of the hardest out there. The terrain, the hills, and mud make this one a handful. This year, with all of the rain, the mud was the worst I have seen. There was nary a dry spot on the course, and the stream crossings were as high as they’ve ever been. The temps, however, were cool, which I think helped out a bit. The race itself went rather well, and I set no hard goals for this one. I kind of hung back at the start and waited until I got in a groove. That groove ended up being so groovy, that I missed a turn and tacked on almost 2 extra miles! I had to re-pass a bunch of people I had passed, and, with 3 miles left, I turned on the gas and passed at least 10 people who had had enough of this race! I did have one, nice, headlong fall in the mud, which added to the “spice” of finishing with my slowest 50k time of 7hr 37 min. The elevation gain for this bad boy was 6339′!

Laurel Highlands 70.5-miler

This was my 4th year doing the 70.5 miler, with 3 finishes and 1 DNF. I also have done the 50k one time. This is an old school, classic, point-to-point race, which runs the entire Laurel Highlands hiking trail. This is the 46th consecutive year, and it’s just a fabulous race. The mountain laurel is always in bloom this time of the year, and, unlike World’s End, every stream crossing has a wooden bridge. The terrain is fairly technical, and the elevation gain is 11,500′ for the 70 miles. Another cool thing about this race is it crosses over the PA Turnpike via a special bridge for the trail. 

This particular day wasn’t really hot, but the humidity was OFF THE CHARTS from the start. I drank over 5 gallons of fluid during the race. I finished with my slowest LH time (18hr 44min), but it was another rewarding day of perseverance. I couldn’t remember a time during the race when I had any real low points. As for now, it’s rest time for the summer, as I enjoy some more casual and recreational running. 

Thanks for reading!

Pacer Wine & Cheese Party Set for 9/6/25!

by pagodapacers

The Pagoda Pacer Wine and Cheese Party is back for 2025 at the Barn at Cacoosing (9 Evans Hill Rd, Sinking Spring)!

This fun event will be held on Saturday, September 6th from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. 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 $20 each for Pacer members and $25 for non-members through 8/25. After that, prices go up: $25 for members and $30 for non-members, so buy yours NOW and save $5!

Tickets must be bought in advance online; we will not be accepting cash at the door. Advance ticket purchase makes this much easier on club volunteers by helping us get an accurate head count for food and alcohol.

buy tickets now!

Also, you must be 21 to attend; please leave the little ones at home, so you can 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 the Pagoda Pacers now to take advantage of the member discount to this and future Pacer events.

FFWR Hosts “Move Her Mind — Women Empowerment through Fitness”

by pagodapacers

Join Fleet Feet West Reading and Asics for a high-energy night celebrating strong, unstoppable women in sport! Move Her Mind kicks off Friday, July 25th at 6:30pm with a cocktail hour meet & greet at the vibrant Eight-Twenty at the Mills, followed by an inspiring panel discussion led by keynote speaker Sam Snukis, and a powerhouse lineup of women athletes, coaches, and a sports psychiatrist. During the cocktail hour we’ll have Swedish meatballs, vegetarian spring rolls, and hummus dip. There will be a cash bar, but the first drink is on us.

We’ll dive into what drives us, how we overcome barriers, and what keeps us moving. Moderated by Ken Singleton, with panelists Sorita Averill, Jess Cammauf, Aimee Kohler, Jess Wayashe, and Alexandra Kyros, expect honest stories, laughs, and lasting motivation. BLiNCK Studios will be providing professional quality audio/video production for our guests.

You’ll also receive sweet swag bags and opportunities to win raffles—including prizes from Shokz Headphones, Amphipod Safety Lights, Asics shoes, and other gear to keep you safe on a run! Bring a friend and get a chance to win a Philadelphia Half-Marathon bib.

The inspiration continues Saturday morning with a group trail run at Brentwood Trailhead featuring ASICS shoes to demo. All paces and faces are welcome, even if they didn’t join us on Friday.

Why come? To connect. To grow. To move—together.

Come for the stories, stay for the sisterhood.

click here for ticket information

Justa Fat-Ass Run on July 12, 2025

by pagodapacers

Instead of offering our normal “Weekend 10-Miler,” the Pacers are organizing two different Fat-Ass style group runs in July!

The first will be organized by the Blues Cruise race directors as a training run for the October ultramarathon.

Please note: this run is open to EVERYBODY–not just registered Blues Cruise participants.

The event will take place from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. (must start final loop before 11 a.m.) on Saturday, July 12 at the Justa Road trailhead at Blue Marsh.

We are looking at a 5-mile figure 8-ish loop with about 700 feet of climbing. This event will be an informal, “fat-ass” style run, in which participants bring snacks to share and there is no registration or awards. We’ll have cold water and Gatorade and mark the loop. You arrive anytime during the event (as long as you start your final loop by 11 a.m.) and run it as many times as you like! We added time to this year’s event by popular demand.

The beauty of this system is runners of all paces can enjoy a long run together at their own speed, while intersecting with each other at multiple times during the event. Bragging rights available to those who complete the most loops or distinguish themselves in any other way that catches our fancy!

Follow the Facebook Event for this run for updates. 

***THERE ARE NO RESTROOM FACILITIES AT JUSTA ROAD. Nearest bathroom is at State Hill Boat Ramp; plan on stopping there on your way in. Bring a snack to share, hydration vest or belt, reusable cup, lawn chair, and some dry clothes if you don’t want to leave sweaty.

Post-run refueling at Ganly’s Irish Pub!

Next Away Game: Horse-Shoe Trail, Brickerville on 7/26/25

by pagodapacers

We’ll meet at the Horse-Shoe Trail parking lot at 80 Pumping Station Rd in Brickerville, PA for a group long run on Saturday, July 26, at 8:30 a.m.

The route will be posted on the Facebook Event closer to the day of the run.

This will be about a 10-mile, hilly trail run, with options for shorter routes.

Two fun options for post-run: First, cool off with a soak in Hammer Creek. Next, join us for lunch at Pour Man’s Brewing in Ephrata.

Hope you can join us!

Wednesday Night Runs (July ’25 Locations)

by pagodapacers

Our mid-week group runs have at least two different distance options (3-4 miles and 5-6 miles) with an appointed leader for at least one of the two routes. 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!)

All runs start at 6:15 p.m.

This Month’s Membership Meeting: 7/10/25

by pagodapacers

** Please let us know if you will attend, so we can plan for food.**

We submit a headcount on the Monday before the meeting. You can mark yourself “Going” to the Facebook Event, comment on the event, or contact president@pagodapacers.com.

Mohnton Fire Company Social Quarters
100 E. Summit ST
Mohnton, PA 19540
https://goo.gl/maps/fukZK8BEGAsXUjDv5

The meeting is upstairs. Enter the front door and the stairs are on your left. No need to ring the buzzer for entry.

Food and drink at 6:30pm
Meeting starts at 7:00pm

All members welcome. Members are responsible for purchasing their own beverages.

Minutes from the Monthly Meeting (June 12, 2025)

by pagodapacers

Pagoda Pacer A.C. Monthly Membership Meeting

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Mohnton Fire Company

Steven Vida presided

Jennifer Pierdomenico recorded minutes

26 members in attendance

CALL TO ORDER at 7:07 pm

Minutes from the June meeting were accepted as posted.

REPORTS

Treasurer Report (Shaun Luther)

  • Balance is $94,279 which is ~89% of target.

Charlie Horse Race Report (Shaun Luther)

  • 115 registered runners and 103 finishers for the half-marathon
  • 46 registered runners and 45 finishers for the Pony
  • Income/expenses will be finalized for next month’s meeting.
  • 24 now registered for Triple-Trail Challenge. Last year there were 18 Triple-Trail finishers.)

Run for the Ages (Blair Hogg)

  • 139 preregistered, and day-of registration will be available.  
  • Looking to move back to last Sunday in June next year.

NEW BUSINESS

Blue Marsh Trail Maintenance (Steve Vida)

Staffing levels at Blue Marsh are currently reduced, and the rangers will focus resources on mowing.  They suggested that if groups want to help, they should give attention to trail maintenance in the wooded areas.  Mike Whalen offered to lead club efforts for tail maintenance. 

Pacer Picnic (Steve Vida)

Steve is trying to organize a Pacer event at the South Mountain YMCA camp.  The club would have access to the Cushion Peak side of the property for the weekend of July 19.  Preliminary plans include a “fat-ass” run in the morning, picnic in the afternoon, and camping overnight.

Motion:  Steve Vida made a motion that was adopted after discussion and amendment as follows:  “Approve up to $1,000 expenses for the picnic event.”  

Discussion:  Approved funds would go towards facility rental for the weekend ($600 for the weekend), port-o-potties, etc.  Details about food, beverages, costs, etc. to be worked out and information to follow.

Race Clock (Shaun Luther)

One of the two club race clocks seemed to be not working.  Shaun was unsuccessful in trying to duplicate the non-functionality after running it for 4.5hrs.  The new clock is $400-500, which was approved earlier.  After some discussion, it was decided to continue with the purchase of a new clock.

MEETING ADJOURNED at 7:52 pm