A trail run for all ages!

The Pagoda Pacers Athletic Club is excited to present of one of very few trail races on the east coast with an age-graded start. Race directors Blair Hogg and Kristen Rothenberger are experienced trail and ultra runners and long-time members of the Pagoda Pacers.

Top age group performers have a legitimate shot at the overall title. Even if you aren’t out to win, you can enjoy challenging yet very runnable trails in beautiful Nolde Forest with virtually no bottlenecks. Challenge your families, friends, and coworkers to come out and compete on a “level” playing field. The top 10 overall finishers in recent years have been a good mix of men and women in many different age groups.

What’s an age-graded start? Those who have more than a few grey hairs or have yet to hit puberty will get a head start based on age and gender. Typically, the oldest female wave starts first. Then, each following wave will start, based on 5-year age groups, working back toward the younger (faster?) folks. Waves start bouncing back and forth between sexes, as the handicap derived from the World Masters Association dictates. The youngest runners also get a head start. The actual handicap for each age division is posted at http://www.PagodaPacers.com.

More information about the race:

The top ten overall finishers, regardless of sex or age, plus the fastest uncorrected time, earn awards specially crafted by Nolde Forest Pottery. If participation numbers merit, medals are awarded to two fastest M and F in the following age groups: 12 & under, 13-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+. Gift certificates from Fleet Feet (West Reading) for overall top three: $50/$30/$20. Team Award for any group of 3 or more (you define family).

REGISTRATION/ENTRY: Race-day registration will be available if the race limit of 250 entries is not reached. The race fee is $35 and includes race swag. Swag guaranteed if registered by June 1st. After June 1st, swag is not guaranteed. We race in rain or other inclement weather. The race director reserves the right to delay the start of the race due to mega foul weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Check http://www.pagodapacers.com for postponement info if the weather is hurricane-like on race day. Award ceremony held at 10 am.

YOU GET: Two water stops, finish place posted immediately & results on Pretzel City Sports, UltraSignUp, and http://www.pagodapacers.com in 1-2 days. Follow our Facebook page for updates about race swag!

COURSE: A well-marked 10K course over the beautiful trails in Nolde Forest. VERY pretty and scenic with fewer ankle-busting rocks than most other Berks parks. You’ll scramble over some rocks and go off trail to get dirty, too. The race will start in front of the Environmental Education Building and head directly into the forest after minimal time on pavement. Most trails are wide enough for easy passing. The finish will be right near the start by the Nolde Mansion. A map of the course is on the Pagoda Pacer website and will be available before the race.

LOCATION: Race held in Nolde Forest, Cumru Township, Berks County, PA, just south of Reading, PA. The race will start and end near the Nolde Mansion. Note: Enter via Main Entrance, NOT the Sawmill Parking Lot!!

DIRECTIONS: 6 miles south of Reading, on PA Rt. 625 (New Holland Rd). 2 miles south of PA 724 and 3 miles North of PA 568. Address: Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, 2910 New Holland Rd. Reading, PA 19607

PARKING: Parking near the mansion is extremely limited. Please, please, please carpool and get there early! We will have volunteers directing you where to park to use every available space. Please follow their directions.

IMPORTANT NOTES: The Pagoda Pacers strongly discourage the use of headphones during any race. Also, parents: If your child is under 18 and wishes to run, you MUST be present for the duration of the race. You may also run (we encourage it!). In the unlikely event your child gets hurt, medical personnel can ONLY treat him/her with your permission. As this is a PA state facility, alcohol is prohibited. Follow our Facebook page for additional information at https://www.facebook.com/RunForTheAges

Triple Trail Challenge

Runners who already completed the Charlie Horse Half Marathon (or Dirty Pony 5k) should register for this race, along with the Blues Cruise 50k (or relay) if they want to be eligible for the Triple Trail Challenge (or Triple Trail Starter Pack).