Draft Minutes from the General Meeting (February 2024)

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Pagoda Pacer A.C. Monthly Meeting

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Mohnton Fire Company 

Called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Steve Vida

35 people in attendance 

Agreed to agenda

Accepted minutes as corrected from the January 2024 meeting

Treasurer Report:

  • 140% on target
  • $2000 donation to Oley
  • $700 donation to Opportunity House for Grings Mill

Pacer Passports:

  • 2024 Passports are available
  • If physically unable to run a pacer race, there are alternatives available
    • Speak to Steve and Michelle
  • People responsible for signing at each event are listed on the passport
  • One week grace period to sign the passport after the event date 

Race Director(s) Report: 

Shiver by the River:

  • Could use more volunteers
  • Thank you to the volunteers
  • If you are debating whether you should volunteer or race, RACE!!!!

Race Donation Policy:

Georgine moved that the club adopt a default policy such that when a club race benefits a charity, the race profits will be split 51% to the club and 49% to the charity.  The motion was adopted after debate.

Announcements:

Race Mates:

  • Working with I AM Able Foundation
  • March 16, 2024 is the I AM Able Bash at the Plex at Alvernia
  • Track Event

Meeting adjourned by Steve Vida at 7:44 p.m.

Race Results (February ’24)

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Want to see your race results in the next newsletter?

Email your race results to Amy Bird at ruseenamy@gmail.com.

Training Grounds Trail 10k

53:18Chris Fisher1st M 40-49
55:38Dale Wiest1st M 60-69
1:03:08Laura Werner1st F 50-59
1:10:53Fred Foose
1:11:46Jenn Guigley2nd F 40-49
1:12:43Blair Hogg
1:16:36Steven Holgate2nd M 50-59
1:48:42Barbara Raifsnider

Frozen Snot 8.3

2:09:12Gabriel Batdorf1st Overall
3:24:14Sheri Golembiewski2nd F 40-49

Black Canyon 100k

16:41:27Jason Karpinski

Squirrelly Tail Twail Wun ½ Marathon

2:02:26Andy Styer
2:02:33Karin Tursack
2:02:35Mark Weaver

Shiver by the River 5k (Race #3 of 4)

22:20Brent Sparks
23:00Sheri Golembiewski
25:45Janine Beidler
26:29Tania Salaneck
30:05Joanne Beard
30:18Tony Agentowicz
30:58Larry Drogo
31:02Donna Hey
31:03Aaron Kreider
31:35Yuriko Beaman
31:40Dianne Showers
32:10Blair Beard
32:49Andrea Thrush
33:06Julia Hager
33:16Shawn Weller
33:43Darlene Benoit
33:45Ben Benoit
36:41Scott Scheidt
37:24Barbara Raifsnider
39:45Rick Showers
46:20Jerrold Atwell

Shiver by the River 10k (Race #3 of 4)

36:58Mihai Sanchez
39:17Charles Fries
42:41Matthew Brophy
45:03Justin Kratz
45:18Steven Vida
48:32Curt Minich
50:48Elaine Cook
54:12Andrea Adam
57:09Kevin Monaghan
58:03Michelle Foley
1:00:14Joanne Patti
1:00:46Jonathan Foley
1:02:37Kristen Rothenberger
1:04:25Ellie Alderfer
1:14:27Blair Hogg

LECOM 5k (Bradenton, FL)

38:38.5Gwen Chobot
55:32.2Tom Chobot

Frozen Knight 5k

18:59Mihai Sanchez1st M Overall
21:49Matt Brophy1st M 40-44
22:42Steve Vida2nd M 50-54
25:19Elaine Cook1st F 50-59
26:35Lisa Domeshek2nd F 40-44
26:42Tania Salaneck3rd F 40-44
28:40Jackie Galton2nd F 25-59
29:30Blair Hogg2nd M 60-64
29:53Joanne Patti1st F 65-69
32:17Jeanne Gochnauer2nd F 60-64
45:27Bruce Cronrath3rd M 75+

Ugly Mudder 6.55-mile Trail Run

51:34Charles Fries1st M 40-49
53:24Lou Donofrio3rd M 40-49
56:53Chris Fisher
57:03Kelly Ammon1st F Overall
1:01:07Dale Wiest1st M 60-69
1:06:44Beth Kohl2nd F 40-49
1:08:35Sheri Golembiewski4th F 40-49
1:26:23Joanne Patti2nd F 60-69
1:30:43Audra Glassmire
1:58:13Susan Borrelli
2:38:33Evette Vega

Final Shiver of ’23-’24 Series Set for Sunday, March 10!

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Thank you to the 163 5k runners, 76 10k runners, and the many volunteers who helped us have another successful Shiver by the River on February 11th!  

Congratulations to the top M/F 5k runners, Samuel Good (16:35) and Ty Diaz-Cruz (19:49); and the top 10k M/F runners, Jordan Slifka (36:38) and Jen Esposito (41:58).  Thank you to runners and volunteers who continue to support us!

Shiver #4 will be held March 10th.   Take note – this is the beginning of Daylight Saving Time!  

As always, we need more volunteers for this race. Specifically, we need 3 or 4 people willing to take results off of the board, so that the race directors can calculate results as soon as possible. We also need the usual help with parking, registration, on the road, at the finish line, cleaning up, at the water stop, and serving soup at the farmhouse. Anyone helping with registration should arrive at Jim Dietrich Park between 8:15 – 8:30; anyone helping during the race should arrive by 9:30; either way, look for Georgine, who can give you an assignment. Or reach out to any of the race directors prior to the race. 

However, for as much as we need volunteers, we would really like to see more PACERS run the race!  

The awards ceremony will be held immediately after the race at the Temple Fire Company, 4963 Kutztown Rd, which is about 3 miles from Jim Dietrich Park. This is the same location as the last couple of years. We are looking for more door prizes. If anyone can donate personally, or secure a door prize, please bring it to the 4th race.  Donations can be given directly to any of the race directors or dropped off at the front table where we are selling old swag, etc. It would be appreciated if you could let us know in advance if you will be able to donate. To be eligible to win a door prize, simply complete the survey at the awards banquet. A cold buffet, including a hot vegetarian item, will be served starting around 11:00, followed by door prizes and then the awards.  Due to the costs associated with the party, we will follow the guidelines we established a few years ago.   

The party is FREE to everyone who has either:

  1. Finished 3 or more races in this year’s series – please bring your race number from the 4th race to the party, it will be your ticket for free entry.  (There will be a sticker on your bib, indicating your eligibility.)  
  2. Assisted with any of the races.
  3. Paid for the series.  

We will be charging all others (including Pacers who do not fall into one of the above categories), a $13 fee to help cover some of our costs.

Remember, to help us maintain accurate results, DO NOT COMPLETE ANOTHER REGISTRATION FORM if you already ran this year. If you paid for the series, registration is in the front room of the house.  If you are paying race by race, we have a number for you at the ‘single race registration’ table in the 2nd room.  If you have not previously registered for the 2023-2024 series, registration is at a different table, also in the 2nd room.  

Thanks for all the support we have received! We hope to see many of you at the Shiver, either running or volunteering!!!!!

Sue, Georgine & Tiffany

Registration for 2024 Run for the Ages 10k Now Open!

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The Pagoda Pacers 2024 Run For The Ages 10k Trail Chase will be held on June 30, 2024 at Nolde Forest.

This is one of the few races on the east coast that feature an age-graded start. What’s an age graded start, you ask? It’s simple: Age groups are started based upon anticipated race times determined by World Masters Athletics, thus giving the opportunity for runners competitive in their age groups a chance to win it all! Older female runners start first, followed by men and younger age groups based on a time handicap determined by the WMA. 

The race features the natural beauty of Nolde Forest, and is a trail race – the course varies from gravel roads to technical trails complete with roots and rocks to keep you on your toes. And plenty of hills to challenge your stamina and fitness!

The top 10 finishers will receive custom award plates from Nolde Forest Pottery, while each age group will have individual awards. And, as you are starting with your age group, you will know throughout the race where you stand!

register now!

For further details and updates, visit the race page on the Pagoda Pacers website and follow the race page on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/RunForTheAges. We hope to see you on June 30th!

Blair and Donna

Register for 27th Annual Charlie Horse Trail Half Marathon!

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2024 Registration is now open

Join us Sunday, May 26th, for the 27th running of the Charlie Horse Trail Half-Marathon to benefit Berks Co. Special Olympics. The majority of this race will be run on the Horse-Shoe Trail in Brecknock Twp, PA. It is well supported with 3 strategically placed aid stations. Packet pickup will begin at 7:30 AM Sunday morning. Day of registration will also start at 7:30 AM Sunday Morning. The Half-Marathon start will be at 9:00 AM in front of Sleepy Hollow Athletic Club.

And don’t forget the Dirty Pony 5K. This race gives friends and family a chance to experience part of the Charlie Horse course while you are doing the Half Marathon. The Dirty Pony will start at 9:15 AM near registration.

REGister now!

NEW THIS YEAR

Triple Trail Challenge 50.3

The Pagoda Pacers Athletic Club have introduced a trail race series which starts with the Charlie Horse Trail Half Marathon. The second Pagoda Pacers trail race in the series is the Run for the Ages Trail Chase 10K in June. The final race in the series is the Blue Marsh Trail Ultramarathon 50K in October. Any runner completing all three races will receive a sweet bit of runner swag at the finish line at the Blue Marsh 50K. No special registration effort is required. Just sign up and complete all three races in the series. (Note: the Dirty Pony 5k is NOT part of this series.)

Click here for more Triple Trail Challenge Info

Thank You, Pacers! (February ’24)

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The Pagoda Pacers donated $2,000 of the Oley Valley Country Classic proceeds to the Oley Ambulance Association. This money will go toward offsetting the cost of a new ambulance. The Pacers are excited for this year’s event, which will take place during the first weekend of November. This will be the 30th running of the OVCC; watch for some exciting new changes that will be announced soon! Thanks for running this event and supporting our local community
oley-thank-youDownload
opportunity-house-thank-youDownload

Fleet Feet’s “Shamrock Shuffle” Set for Thursday, March 14, 2024

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When & Where

Thursday, March 14, 2024, 6 p.m.

Sly Fox Wyomissing
820 Knitting Mills Way #100
Reading, PA US 19610

Description

Get your green on and join us at Sly Fox for the 2024 Shamrock Shuffle (3.5 miles). This is a FUN run to celebrate the holiday and not a timed race. 

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Lauren’s Foundation, which 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 (Hoka Mach 6 and Hoka Arahi 7) to demo on this run. All participants will receive a raffle ticket to win a free pair of Hokas of your choice; 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!

Every participant will receive a free beer and custom Fleet Feet West Reading X Hoka X Sly Fox pint glass.

REGISTER NOW!

Wednesday Night Runs (March ’24 locations)

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Our mid-week group runs have at least two different distance options (3-4 miles and 5-6 miles) with an appointed leader for each route. 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!)

The run on March 6th should be the last one (for awhile) during which you’ll need a headlamp and reflective gear!

March 6: Exeter Township Senior High School — Post-run to follow at Norte Sur

March 13: Weis Market, 2020 N 13th St, Reading — Post-run to follow at Nino’s Pizza

March 20: Schuylkill River Trail Brentwood Trailhead — Post-run to follow at Mimmo’s

March 27: Blue Marsh Stilling Basin “upper lot” — Post-run to follow at Blue Marsh Italian Restaurant

All runs start at 6:15 p.m

This is the end of the March ’24 Newsletter.

Donation Policy to be Discussed at Meeting on 2/8/24

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Did you know that over the last 10 years, the Pagoda Pacers A.C. made $121,300 in charitable donations and awarded $29,000 in scholarships?  The Pacers have a long history of giving back to our Berks County community.  If you volunteered or ran a race, or especially if you were one of our amazing race directors, then you contributed to this legacy.  Thank you.

Generally, the club targets a percentage of race proceeds for donation.  Sometimes we also use prior years’ donations as guidance.  I would like to discuss this at the February meeting and vote on a default policy.  It may be easier to have this debate when it’s outside the context of a specific race.

Come to the meeting on February 8th if you want to participate in a decision.  You can always email me if you have input but can’t attend.

Steve
president@pagodapacers.com

The Pacer Passport Returns for 2024!

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Designed to enhance your club experience, the Pacer Passport is a great way to promote club involvement in a fun, goal-oriented, and rewarding way. 

Show some love and support for our own club races and all the hard work race directors put into them by registering for a Pacer race. If we want others to participate in our races, we should too!

Give back to the club by volunteering for 2 club related events.

Help develop the club by providing valuable input at 3 meetings.

Impact, support, motivate, inspire, challenge, and connect with our running community by attending 4 Pacer group runs. 

This initiative kicked off in 2022 with 17 members turning in a completed passport at the end of the year. In 2023, we saw 26 completed passports turned in. Let’s keep that momentum trending up in 2024!

Interested in completing the 2024 Pacer Passport?

Here’s how to participate:

  • Print out the passport or pick one up at a monthly membership meeting or WNR. Passports can also be requested by emailing mhenry.pacers@gmail.com.
  • Each time you complete one of the activities, get it initialed by the appropriate person noted on the passport.
  • Once all 10 boxes are initialed, turn in the passport.
  • Get rewarded with a limited-edition Pacer swag item exclusive to those who completed the passport.

New this year:

  • If you are physically unable to fulfill the Pacer Race requirement, please reach out to Michelle Henry or Steve Vida to discuss an alternate completion action. 
  • Passports must be signed within 1 week of completing an activity. It is preferred that they are signed at the time of completing an activity whenever possible.

Have no fear – all activities that were completed in January 2024 prior to the release of the new passport will be honored. 

Click below to download a printer-friendly version of the Pacer Passport:

Printer-Friendly Pacer PassportDownload

Congrats to those who completed the Passport in 2023!

Aaron Kreider, Andrea Adam, Blair Hogg, Brandon Beane, Brittni Harris, Brian Krantz, Chris Mammarella, Cody Harris, Cori Mammarella, Curtis Musser, Elaine Cooke, Ellie Alderfer, Jason Karpinski, Julia Hager, Karen Rule, Katie Beane, Kelly Ammon, Lisa Domeshek, Mark Harding, Matt Brophy, Michelle Henry, Mihai Sanchez, Nick DiMascio, Shaun Luther, Steve Vida, and Sue Jackson