Boxing Day Group Run: Rustic Park on 12/26/25

Our next group long run will be at Rustic Park in Birdsboro!

Join us at 9:30 a.m. on Boxing Day (12/26/25) for a 10(ish) mile trail run. This run will be led by our club treasurer, Shaun Luther, who has encyclopedic knowledge of Pennsylvania trails.

The run will start at the trailhead at 1314 Haycreek Road.

Longer option is 10 miles with 1670 ft of gain:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-fc9b003-9

A shorter option is 6.4 miles with 712ft of gain:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-78289d9-19

There will likely be a group heading out to brunch afterwards, as well, if you have the time!

Hope you can join us!

Wednesday Night Runs (December ’25 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 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!)

Remember to bring a head lamp and to wear reflective gear!

Evening runs on 12/3, 12/10, and 12/17 start at 6:15 p.m.

Since the last two Wednesdays of the month are Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, we will run in the MORNING (8:30 a.m.) instead of the evening on those days.

Morning runs on 12/24 and 12/31 start at 8:30 a.m.

Minutes from the Monthly Meeting (November 13, 2025)

Pagoda Pacer A.C. Monthly Membership Meeting

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Mohnton Fire Company

Steven Vida presided

Jennifer Pierdomenico recorded minutes

25 members in attendance

CALL TO ORDER at 7:02 pm

Minutes from the October meeting were accepted as posted.

REPORTS

Treasurer Report (Shaun Luther)

  • Balance is $92,110 and 86% of target.
  • A few Blues Cruise expenses came in
  • All Jr Hi Expenses are in
    • Still waiting for ~$300-400 of race entry fees
  • All Oley Income is in

Election Results (Matt Brophy)

  • Thank you Steve Vida for 2yrs of leadership.
  • Thank you Sue Jackson & Curtis Musser for stepping up to run again and congratulations on re-election to board.
  • Thank you and welcome to Julia Hager new board member
  • Thank you to Blair Hogg and Michelle Henry for stepping up to run for President.
  • Congratulations to Michelle Henry on election to Club President.

Oley Race Report (Jennifer Pierdomenico)

  • Thank you again to all runners and volunteers
    • About 22 club volunteers, 5 HS students and 3 Goodhart children
  • About 300 registered runners (41 day of sign up)
  • 280 Finishers (106 for 6K and 174 for 10M)
  • Winners (6K: Liz Sweeney 6K;  10M: Vince Ferrizzi – repeat winner from 2025)
  • Estimated Financials
    • Expenses ~$6.5K
    • Income ~$11.6K
    • Estimated funds raised ~$5K
  • Next year change end of course to all road race for both 6K/10M.

NEW BUSINESS

Charlie Horse (Shaun Luther)

  • Permit received from township
  • Special Olympics approached about including a Special Olympian event
    • May have a 3rd event next year wrapped in with Dirty Pony next year

MEETING ADJOURNED at 7:32 pm

This is the end of the December ’25 Newsletter. Continue scrolling if you would like to view older content.

Meet the Candidates: Pagoda Pacers 2025 Club Election

This year’s club election will take place online from November 3 to November 13.

On November 3, an email will be sent to all current club members with instructions for how to vote. Members may then vote anytime until 5p.m. on November 13.

The results of the election will be announced at the November 13 Monthly Membership Meeting.

Below is a list of candidates running for Club President and Board of Directors.

Club president (select one)

Michelle Henry

Guess who’s back (back again)? Michelle’s back — tell a Pacer friend.

You might remember her from such classics as “PPAC President 2022” and “PPAC President 2023” — a two-season hit that fans called “surprisingly well-organized” and “way more fun than anyone expected.”

Michelle Henry’s been a member of the Pagoda Pacers Athletic Club since 2017 and is no stranger to club leadership roles. During this time she:

  • Has served as club president for two years
  • Co-directs the Kris Kringle 5-Mile Run alongside club VP Lisa Domeshek for the past few years
  • Launched and manages the Pacer Passport — a fun, goal-oriented initiative to promote and reward member participation
  • Has spent the last two years as member of the board, helping to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes
  • Jumped into several other club initiatives that keep the Pacers energized, engaged, and maybe even a little entertained

Now, instead of seeking a second board term, Michelle’s running for club president (again!). Why? Because she’s all in on what makes this club awesome: the people, the energy, the support, the shared goals and challenges, and a community that shows up for each other.

If you want a president who’s organized, enthusiastic, and just the right amount of spicy — vote Michelle. Let’s keep the Pacers doing what we do best – running, connecting, and having a damn good time doing it.


Blair Hogg

I’ve been a member for over 15 years. I try to get to most of the events, Wednesday runs, races, and meetings. I was elected to the board a few years back and have been an active member. 
I took the position of race director for Run for the Ages in 2021 and have been actively involved in that event since. 
As a runner, I competed in track and cross country for West Scranton High School, and stayed active in the sport on and off since then, and have been consistent since 2007. 
My wife Karen and I live in Mohnton, and have hosted Wednesday night runs for the last few years. I’m employed by Sechan Electronics in Lancaster doing Quality Assurance work on electronics for the military. I have Engineering and Business degrees from Lehigh University. 
I think the Pacers need to expand our social activities to keep our members engaged. I would like us to consider events such as a pickleball night, a golf outing, or perhaps an indoor golf outing to provide our members with more opportunities to socialize and enjoy each other’s company. As President, I would look to develop events like these for our club. 

Board of directors (3 candidates, 4 positions)

Julia Hager

Julia is an avid runner and has really fallen in love with trail running. A member of the Pagoda Pacers for 10(?) years, she has planned our club Christmas party the past 3 years and is currently working on this year’s, as well.  Julia is pleased with the direction the club is heading and would love to be an integral part of its future. 

As a board member, she would like to see 

  • the club expand its athletic options to support     our non-runner community, (biking, hiking, pickleball, etc.) 
  • continue to explore ideas to increase registration for our races. 
  • increase participation of “dormant” members
  • attract fresh faces with new energy 

Julia’s creativity and energy will bring a positive influence to the club, and she’s excited for what comes next.


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 over 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. As I think about the future of the Pacers, I have 2 main goals. First, to continue having a positive impact on the community and secondly, see the club expand by bringing in new members with new ideas and goals. I’m asking for your vote so that I can actively help guide the club as it continues to grow and change.


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 decision.  Helping others find their way into the running community is as important to me as my own running goals are.  If there’s a group I just may be there. 


Pacer Passport Reminder!

If you’re this close to finishing your Pacer Passport and just need one more meeting to check off the attendance requirement — this is it! The November club meeting (11/13) is your last chance to complete that part of your passport.

Still have a few other boxes to check? There’s time!

  • Register for a Pacer race: Oley Valley Country Classic (11/2), Shiver by the River (12/14), or the Kris Kringle 5 Mile Run (12/28)
  • Volunteer for 2 Pacer events/races: Help at any of the above races — or lend Jules a hand with the Christmas Party (12/5)!
  • Attend 4 Pacer social runs: Plenty of Wednesdays left this year, plus a Thanksgiving morning run at Nolde, and weekend long runs

And don’t forget — once your passport is complete, snap a pic with it and send it to Michelle (mhenry.pacers@gmail.com) to make it official!

Keep going — you’ve got this! 

Wrap up your year with a little holiday hustle

Lace up & join the Kris Kringle 5 Mile Run
Sunday, December 28, 2025 | 10 AM
Berks County Agricultural Center, Leesport, PA

The Kris Kringle 5 Mile Run is back for its 39th year, bringing all the festive feels — think crisp winter miles, cozy hoodies, and donuts waiting at the finish line. 

This race is a Berks County favorite for a reason: great vibes, great people, and a course that’ll make you earn those donuts. Bring your friends, family, or your whole running crew and make it a yearly tradition. Proceeds support the Berks County Cross Country Coaches Association, so you’re running for a great cause, too.

Registration Details

  • $25 through Nov 27
  • Option to add hoodie for $22 until Nov 27
  • $30 from Nov 28–Dec 15
  • Day-of: $30 (race only, no hoodies available)
  • Online registration closes Dec 15 at 11:59 PM ESTA blue sweatshirt with a santa claus face

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The Coziest Swag of the Season

  • This year’s hoodie color: Indigo Blue
  • Hoodies are $22 (add during registration through Nov 27)
  • Pick up before the race — no holds or post-race pickups
  • None available for sale on race day, so don’t wait!

Volunteers Needed

We can’t pull this off without you! We’re looking for help with:
Registration, Parking, Course Volunteers, Course Sweepers, Kitchen Help & Clean-up.

If you can lend a hand, please email Michelle at mhenry.pacers@gmail.com with your preferred role and availability. We’ll confirm all assignments ahead of time and send race-day details that Friday.

Thanks for keeping this classic Pacer event going strong year after year!

❤️ Lisa Domeshek & Michelle Henry
Kris Kringle 5 Mile Run Race Directors