This year the Triple Trail Challenge Starter Pack has been added for runners who complete The Dirty Pony 5k, Run for the Ages 10k, and a relay leg at Blues Cruise.
Finally, we’re planning special swag for our 20th anniversary, so stay alert and keep training!
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!)
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Lauren’s Foundationwho supports local families through a variety of charitable funds that support high school seniors, families with seriously ill children, brain tumor research and organ donation awareness. A representative of Lauren’s Foundation will be at the race to collect any extra donations and to discuss their charity.
Hoka will be joining us this year with their newest models to demo on this run. All participants will receive a raffle ticket to win a free pair of Hoka’s of your choice but if you demo a pair at the Shuffle you will receive a 2nd ticket. Also, your first round of beer is on Hoka and Fleet Feet West Reading!
Although you don’t need to wear green, or dress like a leprechaun, we will be voting on the best dressed. One LUCKY winner will receive a $50 Fleet Feet gift card and a Fleet Feet hat!
Pacers who complete all the bubbles on their Passport by the end of the year will get a super-special, super-secret bit-o-swag.
Curious? Want answers? Reach out to PPPF (Pagoda Pacer Passport Facilitator) Michelle Henry with your questions, or just show up at a race or a group run or a meeting and ask about it. (Don’t forget to bring your passport.)
Minutes from the November meeting were accepted as posted.
REPORTS
Appointments (Steven Vida) – Steve read the list of Officers, Club Appointed Positions and Race Directors.
MOTION: Steve Vida moved that “the presented list of appointments be entered into the meeting minutes.” The motion was adopted without debate.
Treasurer Report (Shaun Luther) – Balance $97,983 (153% of Target). 2024 P/L shows a profit of $1,216.
Kris Kringle Race Report (Lisa Domeshek) – Another successful year of the race with 462 finishers and a profit of ~$10k. So, ~$5k will be donated to the Berks County Cross Country Coaches Association.
NEW BUSINESS
Pacer Passport (Michelle Henry) – The program had another successful year in 2024 with 25 Pacers completing their passport. Seven of the 25 Pacers were new to the passport program in 2024.
MOTION: Steve Vida moved that “Michelle Henry be authorized to administer the Pacer Passport program in 2025. The cost of the swag is not to exceed $40 per person and not to exceed $1200 total.” The motion was adopted (after/without) debate.
Membership Renewals (Steve Vida, Susan Jindra) – The 2025 renewal process went smoothly with only a few issues driven by the RunSignup system upgrade.
** 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 FB event, comment on the event, or contact president@pagodapacers.com.
Michelle Foley ran the PHUNT 25k in 3:28:25! Congratulations, Michelle!
(If you would like to see your race results in an upcoming newsletter post, please e-mail Matthew.L.Brophy@gmail.com and I will be sure to include them.)
We have an upcoming volunteer opportunity that will give you a chance to learn some trail-building and maintenance skills.
The Horse-Shoe Trail Conservancy is rerouting a small portion of the trail that happens to be on a part of the trail that the Pagoda Pacers have agreed to help maintain. They have requested that we provide some help with this effort. The planned date is March 1st, 2025, at 10 a.m. Parking is where the Horse-Shoe Trail crosses Gebhart School Road in Brecknock Twp.
The scope of work includes:
Move and place some big rocks to create an edge to what is sometimes a creek.
Build some bench-cut retainer wall on slope.
Bench-cut some of the slope into the retainer wall.
Place a few stepping stones to hop across in the wet times.
Should take no more than 2-3 hours.
We are looking for 3-5 people that don’t mind getting their hands dirty. The HST Conservancy will provide all the required tools. Gloves are recommended.
Pagoda Pacers News 