September 2025 – Pagoda Pacers News

Race Report: Eastern States 100

September 2, 2025 by pagodapacers

by Kelly Ammon

I ran my first “real” trail run at Monocacy Hill on a Wednesday Night Run with the Pacers (probably 2019?). I ran my first ultra at the Pacer race we all know and love, Blues Cruise 50k, in 2021. And I DNF’d my first race ever at Eastern States 100 in 2025.

ES100 was on my radar since I first got into trail and ultra running. It’s a bucket list race for a lot of trail runners, and it’s relatively local, so a lot of my badass friends have run it or attempted to run it. I knew I didn’t want to jump straight into a 100M, so I spent some time running shorter ultras (ha) before I pulled the trigger and signed up in 2024. Then lovely Hurricane Debby spoiled our plans. Ok, so I guess I’ll run ES in 2025.

Leading up to the race, my training went really well. I won’t say I felt confident, but I felt as ready as I could to run a hundred miles in the woods on a technical course with 20,000 ft of elevation. Even the week leading up to the race and the night before, I didn’t really feel anxious, but excited and ready to go.

On race day, everything was completely fine. Not great, not good, not bad, not terrible. But fine. The weather was warm and humid, but not out of the ordinary for PA in the beginning of August. I got some hot spots/blisters pretty early on, but nothing devastating. My nutrition and hydration plans were working out, and I got through the first 43 miles without any major problems.

Steve Vida jumped in to pace me at mile 43, and by mile 45 the wheels were coming off. (I cannot stress enough that Steve is a wonderful pacer, and my downward spiral had nothing to do with him. He is truly great and all would be lucky to have him.)

I found myself in a funk I could not pull out of. I cried for…..7 miles. Steve said it was only 2, but I know he was only saying that to be nice. Physically, I was fine. My legs were tired but no more than at other races. I wasn’t having stomach issues either. The biggest problem was my brain and convincing myself to keep going.

My reason for running has always been because it’s fun. Yes, there are plenty of times I don’t want to keep going, but that feeling goes away by the next mile. Or rather, the end goal is worth the suffering, and that’s part of the fun. What do you do when your main reason for running goes out the window and no one is forcing you to go on but yourself? (And maybe also Steve when he won’t let you drop 8 miles earlier.) In the woods at ES, I looked at my watch and said, “I have to keep doing this for FIFTEEN to TWENTY more HOURS?!” and that’s where despair set in. So I quit.

I’ve thought a lot about the race over the past three weeks. Do I regret dropping at mile 58? No. Would I have done a lot differently both leading up to and during the race? Absolutely. Am I someone who never finishes a hundred mile race? Maybe? I’m not saying never again, but I’m also not itching to sign up for a redemption race. Right now, I’m going to focus on races that I think will be fun. I guess if I had to sum up my feelings and experience of my Eastern States 100 DNF, I’d have to say “medium.”

Race Report: Bridge of the Gods Half Marathon

September 2, 2025 by pagodapacers

by Jennifer Pierdomenico

Bridge_of_the_Gods_Half_Marathon_0828 Download

Pagoda Pathfinders Back for Fall ’25!

September 2, 2025 by pagodapacers

Pathfinders Fall Session: 2025

Provided by the Pagoda Pacers for new and beginning runners

Purpose of the Pathfinders program:

This past June, the Pathfinders program turned one! The program continues to grow and evolve. An essential part of the Pagoda Pacers’ mission is to “promote physical fitness and wellness,” and that is what the Pathfinders program strives to do.

Goals of the Pathfinders program:

This free program provides a community that helps eliminate the economic barrier to improving health and wellness. Participants have the opportunity to learn more about fitness and wellness while engaging with others in an environment that fosters their identity, feelings of capability, and motivation. Benefits of the program include:

· Weekly group runs.

· The opportunity to join our private Strava and/or Facebook groups for inspiration, additional information, accountability, additional support, celebrating progress and daily wins, sharing questions, and more.

· The opportunity/option to join us at the Shiver by the River 5K on December 14. Program participants can pay to participate in the race, or join us and cheer fellow runners on.

· Fun activities integrated into the eight week session, such as adding an inspirational song to our group’s playlist, bringing a healthy snack to share at a group meetup, and painting a kindness rock to “hide” at a run.

· Informational emails that will help benefit and foster participants’ fitness and wellness, including topics such as static stretching/dynamic warm-ups, recovery, types of workouts, etc.

· Meeting our participants’ training needs at their current individual ability level and building on it, working towards the goals they set for themselves.

What some previous participants have to say about their experience in this program:

“Something I loved about the Pathfinders is that the program is meant to meet you where you are. As someone who uses run/walk intervals, I have struggled to join group runs and fun runs because I always feel like I am holding someone back because they choose to detour from their preferred pace to match mine. This is NOT the vibe of the Pathfinders program. If someone is a runner, including someone who is SLOW like myself, but wants to feel welcomed and included, the Pathfinders is a great group to run with.” (Rachel)

“I feel like the program was useful and personalized to each person. It also helped get me outside and running by holding me accountable. Running at my own pace instead of trying to keep up with a big group when just starting out made it less stressful.” (Jaden)

Information on our Fall Season:

When – Sundays, from October 19 – December 7 from 10:00 – 11:00 am, with option to participate at the Shiver by the River race on December 14

Where – Jim Dietrich Park, at 4899 Stoudts Ferry Bridge Rd, Reading, PA 19605.

Cost – free for participants, but there is a registration fee for those who choose to run the race.

What to expect – the first half hour of our sessions will begin with a “walk and talk”, where we will talk about how training is going, goals, etc., and catch up with each other in general (socialize). This is followed by an optional slow jog or run/walk intervals, depending on what the group is up for on that day. I am hoping to have drinks and snacks available afterwards.

*There is a “no drop” policy – no one gets left behind, because we all stick together. If the group is large enough, we may be able to break into two groups for the second half hour.

There is a limit of 15 participants per season. A wait list will be created if needed. Our next season will be in the spring.

Program facilitator and qualifications:

Hi! My name is Andi, and I am a member of the Pagoda Pacers. This October will be my ten year “runnerversary”, and I also start my senior year at the University of Arizona’s global campus. My major is Applied Behavioral Science, with emphases on health & wellness, as well as public health. I have my USATF Level One Coaching certification (earned back in February this year), and am also studying for my Health Coach certification. My son started running for school in junior high, and is now a collegiate runner (cross-country and track). He is also starting his senior year in college this fall.

For more information, questions or concerns:

Please see https://www.pagodapacers.com/Group-Runs/Pagoda-Pathfinders.aspx for more information, or email Andi at pagodapathfinders@gmail.com.

Time to Pass the Torch

September 1, 2025September 2, 2025 by pagodapacers

by Tom Chobot

Gwyn and I have been members of the club for roughly 35 years. During that time, we have run and/or been involved in countless club races and club functions, and cherish every memory of every one of them. Moreover, the Pacers have become a second family to us, as we have been blessed to have formed a boatload of close friendships which, in our hearts, are indeed considered family. When we retired three years ago, we moved into the home where I grew up in Susquehanna County in Northeast PA. It was a shock at first, as we started with only a small handful of folks whom we knew here. However, little by little, we began getting involved in the local community, including establishing a kids’ fun run at a local community fair, starting a run/jog/walk club, and volunteer coaching with the local high school cross-country team. This brings us to the point of this article. It’s time to start cutting our ties with our Berks County involvements – a very difficult decision indeed.

In 2009, Phil Lechner, Gwyn, and I approached the club with the idea of hosting an all-county junior high cross-country meet which would mimic the Berks high school XC championship meet. The club instantly embraced the idea, and has continuously supported the race ever since. Additionally, Gwyn and I began to co-direct the high school championship race in 2014 and have approached the club for volunteers each year since, and the club has always come through.

This year will be our last for both. Most likely, Phil will take over the junior high race, and he will need lots of help. I plead to the club to continue this race as an official club event, and I wish to emphasize the importance of this event with respect to the future of our sport in the Berks area. Nearly every Berks County cross-country runner over the last 16 years has participated, averaging 200 runners each year. In terms of community service, this event has arguably given the club the greatest return on investment over that time frame.

The BCIAA will be looking for directors and volunteers as well for the high school race. Might be something to consider.

Letting go of these races is no easier than watching your child leave for college or the military, but when it’s time, it’s time. We will be asking for volunteers once more this year for October 14^th at Kutztown U. and October 18^th at the Reading Fairgrounds (email me at chobot7957@msn.com if you’re interested), and we hope to see many of you when we volunteer at Blues Cruise. As always, we wish our Pacer family all the best.

Registration Is Open for the ’25-’26 Shiver Series!

September 1, 2025 by pagodapacers

Online registration for the 25-26 Shiver by the River series is open and can be found at Pretzel City Sports!

As always, pre-registration is only for the series. We have day-of registration for the individual races.

Dates: 2^nd Sunday: Dec 14^th, Jan 11^th, Feb 8^th, March 8^th

Time: 10:00 am; Registration opens at 8:30

Location: Jim Dietrich Park, Muhlenberg Twp.

Come out and join us for the best winter series in the area!! If you have never run a Shiver race, or if it’s been a few years, this is a great reason for running through the winter, not to mention seeing runners you haven’t seen for years! If you are one of the many runners we see year after year, we look forward to seeing you again.

Once again, we are not mailing apps! However, we will accept mail-in registrations. Apps can be printed by CLICKING HERE, or you can pick one up at any of the many races timed by Pretzel City Sports. We plan to also have copies at our monthly meetings

This year’s swag is a running waist belt.

Each race includes a post-race buffet of soup, pretzels, and snacks. The end-of-year party includes a hot and cold buffet, plus 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 36th season!!!!!!

Race Directors,

Sue Jackson, Georgine McCool, Tiffany Pantoja

Time to Register for the Oley Valley Country Classic on 11/2/25

September 1, 2025 by pagodapacers

This year’s Oley Valley Country Classic will be held on Sunday, November 2^ndat the Oley Valley High School (17 Jefferson Street Oley PA). The 10-miler will go out at 9AM and the 6k run/walk around 9:05AM. Don’t forget that this is the 1^stday after Daylight Saving Time ends, so you’ve got an extra hour to sleep in before coming out. As many of you now know, this year we are honoring and remembering the original and longtime OVCC Race Director Barry Goodhart who passed away this past winter.

Course distances are 10 miles and, new this year, 6K! Both races will start and finish in front of the high school. Given the usually perfect early November running weather, this is a great opportunity to work toward your 10-mile PR or PR a new distance (it’s only 1 more K). If you’re planning for a late fall marathon, the 10-miler course is a perfect way to tune up. If you’re looking for a nice Sunday morning long/short run or country walk, this event is just for you. Getting ready for the Shiver 5K/10K series or Kris Kringle 5-miler, the 6K is a great place to mark a baseline pace. Both courses are set in the picturesque Oley Valley where the leaves can still be near peak color, which makes for a beautiful late fall run. Click here for the 10-miler course map, or click here for the 6K course map. (Note that these are estimates, as we’re still tweaking the finish.)

Registration/Cost: The mail-in print application is on Pretzel City Sports here and on-line registration is here via RunSignUp. Fees are $40 for the 10-miler and $35 for the 6K if completed/received/postmarked before October 17^thwith shirt guarantee (afterwards will be $45/$40 with no shirt guarantee). Online registration closes on October 31^st, but day-of-race registration will be available.

SWAG

This year’s swag is a long-sleeved shirt like previous years, but now with a hood!!! AND it’s available in both men’s and women’s sizes!!!! Additionally, instead of the usual hex sign, this year’s logo pays tribute to Barry.

AWARDS: 5-year age groups (including 80+) are available in both the men’s/women’s categories of each race, and the 6K has added an under-14 category. Also, the 10-miler is an RRCA Eastern Regional Championship, so there’s a chance of double awards for some people.

Post Race Spread: There will be complementary light fare consisting of Philly soft pretzels / bagels / bananas / water. Also, Munchiez and Fresh Frenchy’s food trucks will be on site for those who want to purchase additional food.

Course Build-up Runs & Preview: Starting this month, we will be having regular build-up runs on the course for anyone who’s run a 5K/10K and is interested in building up to the 10-mile distance. These will take place both Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, with the first couple of weeks shown below. (Follow the Pagoda Pacers Facebook Discussion Group for updates & course routes). We’ll meet in front of the Oley Valley High School gymnasium.

Wednesday, September 3^rd 6PM 3.5 miles

Saturday, September 6^th 8AM 3.5 miles

Wednesday, September 10^th 6PM 4.4 miles

Saturday, September 13^th 8AM 4.4 miles

20th Anniversary Blues Cruise Just a Month Away!

September 1, 2025September 2, 2025 by pagodapacers

The 20th anniversary of the Blues Cruise Ultra is October 5, 2025!

This event features both the classic 50k solo race and the newer 50k relay option!

Lots has been going on at race headquarters! By the time you read this, we will have over 200 runners registered for the 50K, plus at least 12 relay teams!

As always, we are in need of lots of help. Volunteers are needed for trail maintenance the week before the race, and for course marking on October 4th. There are lots of opportunities to help out from 6am-6 pm on race day, including post-race cleanup and pre-race course check. While some volunteers devote their whole day to helping out, shifts are available for those who can only spare a couple hours! Please log onto UltraSignUp and click the VOLUNTEER Tab and pick the assignments that interest you: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=123699

If volunteering for an aid station, please put your preference in the comments (or Elaine can place you where there is a need). Any questions, please contact Elaine Cook directly: bluescruiserd@gmail.com.

Introducing the Pagoda Pacers Trail Maintenance Team!

September 1, 2025 by pagodapacers

Running is fun! Chainsaws are fun! What could be more fun than…wait a minute…

HELP WANTED: The Pagoda Pacers are assembling an all-volunteer Trail Maintenance Team!

As discussed at the August club meeting, the PPAC trail maintenance program will become more organized in the very near future. Staff cutbacks at Blue Marsh Lake have created an opportunity for all of us to “give back”. As needed, the team will also provide care on the Horse-Shoe Trail and at Nolde Forest. The Trail Maintenance Team will have scheduled workdays with tasks for all levels of ability. (Weed whacking, branch trimming, trash pickup, log rolling, trail surveillance, team shuttle, and more).

Our first scheduled workday at Blue Marsh will be September 28th.

To create a roster of those who are interested, we ask volunteers to either email
Bluescruiserd@gmail.com or click “trail maintenance” under the volunteer tab at this link:
https://ultrasignup.com/entrants_event.aspx?did=123699

Thanks for helping keep Berks trails open for running!

Race Results (August ’25)

September 1, 2025 by pagodapacers

Want to see your race results in the newsletter?

Send them to newsletter editor Matt Brophy at Matthew.L.Brophy@gmail.com!

Labor Pain 12-Hour Race

55 miles in 11:16:48

Lou D’Onofrio

1st M 40-49

Run-4-Sam

29:07

Ben Lego

3rd M 30-39

Annapolis 10-Mile Run

1:15:22	Matthew Brophy
1:21:33	Steven Vida
2:00:02	Yuriko Beaman

Eastern States 100

30:20:51

Cody Harris