Applications are now being accepted for two different cross-country scholarships being offered by the Pagoda Pacers Athletic Club (PPAC). High school seniors are encouraged to apply for a scholarship as a cross-country runner or as the child of a PPAC member who is in good standing with the club. Two of each scholarship type will be awarded. Please refer to the PPAC Scholarship page for details which can be found at: https://www.pagodapacers.com/Scholarships/About.aspx
The SHIVER by the RIVER 5K & 10K is NOW. The first one is Dec 14th, at Jim Dietrich Park, in Muhlenberg Twp. Registration opens at 8:30; both races start at 10:00. If you can’t run all 4 races, run 3, run 2, or run 1. The dates for the remaining races are Jan 11th, Feb 8th, and Mar 8th.
The Shiver is unique in that at the end of a 5K loop, runners can decide if they want to go through the chute and finish the 5K or continue and do the loop a 2nd time, completing a 10K. Runners can run different distances each month or the same distance each month. So come out and join us–it’s great motivation to run through the winter. See old friends, meet new friends, and see how your time compares month to month! Snacks and hot soup will be provided after each race. There will be an awards banquet after the March race that is free to all runners who have completed at least 3 races.
Runners can register online at Pretzel City Sports or by mailing the registration form and a check. As always, we will have race day registration. Pre-registration deadline is 11/14. Swag for ’25-’26 is a running waist belt, large enough to carry water, your phone, and keys. Register early to guarantee the swag; we will have a very limited number of waist belts at the race!!
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!
Our next Weekend 10-Miler will be a road run to Reading’s iconic Pagoda! (Note: the route will be closer to 12 miles than 10.)
Join us at 9 a.m. on Black Friday (11/28/25) for a 12(ish) mile road run. This run will be led by our lame-duck club president, Steve Vida.
The run will start at the Wyomissing Quarry Soccer Fields, and the precise route will be published on the Facebook Event closer to the date of the run.
Anyone who would like a shorter distance can park at RACC and join the group at 9:30 a.m. Round trip from RACC to the Pagoda is about 5 miles.
There will likely be a group heading out to brunch afterwards, as well, if you have the time!
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!
November 5: Cumru Elementary School (601 Philadelphia Ave) — post-run to follow at Oakbrook Brewing
November 12: Muhlenberg High School — post-run to follow at Shirley’s Cafe & Tequila Bar
November 19: Weis in NE Reading (2020 N 13th Street)– post-run to follow at Tobias Frogg Barn
November 26: West Reading (Corner of 8th Ave and Reading Ave) — post-run at Sly Fox
** 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.
Results of the 2025 Club Election will be announced at this meeting.
Lots of good discussion but nothing yet definitive as to how the club could help with the Berks Nature project. Will revisit at January meeting once the 2025 balance target is known.
Triple Trail (Shaun Luther)
Motion “Make Pacer membership free for all Triple Trail finishers for the following year”.
Motion Adopted
MEETING ADJOURNED at 7:50 pm
This is the end of the November ’25 Newsletter.Continue scrolling if you would like to view older content.
As we head into the Fall, it’s time to nominate willing candidates who would like to run for an official leadership position in the club!
We are now accepting nominations for Club President (1 year term) and for FOUR positions on the Board of Directors (2 year term).
If you would like to serve on the Board or run for Club President, please consider nominating yourself!
Candidates must be official club members in good standing who joined the club one year (or more) ago.
Note: our current club president, Steve Vida, has announced that he will NOT be running for re-election, so we NEED candidates who are willing to step up and take on this important role.
The deadline to nominate yourself (or another willing and eligible club member) is October 24, 2025.
Please email Matt Brophy (Matthew.L.Brophy@gmail.com) to make a nomination or if you have any election-related questions.
The election will take place online from November 3 to November 13.
For more information on the official duties of the Club President and members of the Board of Directors, please check out the Pagoda Pacer Bylaws.
Pagoda Pacers News 