Oley Valley Race Director: “Summer Is Over!”

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That’s right–you might as well accept it.

Summer is over! Put away your pool pass and speedo, and break out the hoodie and the fire pit. Fall races are fast approaching!!

Saturday, November 4th: Run the farm roads of Oley for 10 miles or 5 kilometers and take home an awesome long sleeve cotton T with original Oley Artwork

If you run fast enough, you will also take home a locally made artisan award to adorn your mantle and help you more effectively brag to your friends about your accomplishments! 

The race begins and ends at the Oley Fairgrounds. There are indoor facilities for pre- and post-race socializing.

And we will have Munchiez Food Truck on site making you a hot meal for purchase!

Standard post-race fare (pretzels, bagels, fruit) will also be available as part of the race.

We need volunteers to put  on this wonderful event so if you dont want to run volunteer…or do both!

Sign up today!

https://www.pagodapacers.com/Races-Results/Races/Oley-Valley-Country-Classic.aspx

https://www.pretzelcitysports.com/onlineform1.php?id=1244

See you in Oley…

LB

Registration Now Open for ’23-’24 Shiver by the River Race Series!

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Dates:  Each 2nd Sunday, December ’23 to March ’24:  Dec 10th, 2023; Jan 14th, 2024; Feb 11th, 2024; March 10th, 2024.

Time:  10:00 am

Location:  Jim Dietrich Park

Online registration for the series is open and can be found at https://www.pretzelcitysports.com/onlineform1.php?id=1631

This year we are not mailing apps!  However, we will still accept mail-in registrations.  Apps can be printed from https://www.pretzelcitysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/23-Reading-Shiver-by-the-river-5k-10k.pdf or can be picked up at any of the many races timed by Pretzel City Sports.  We plan to also have copies at our monthly meetings (if we remember to bring them).  

Pre-registration is only available for the series; however, we will have race-day registration for both the series and individual races.   

Instead of a shirt, we are offering a sports towel, measuring 11×42.

 

Each race includes a post-race buffet of soup, pretzels, and snacks. The end-of-series party includes a buffet, lots and lots of door prizes, overall awards, and 5-year age-group awards. As always, this buffet is free to any runner who registers for the series or runs at least 3 races. There is a nominal charge for all others.

Come out and join us for our 34th season!!!!!!

Race Directors Sue Jackson, Georgine McCool, Tiffany Pantoja

Minutes from the General Meeting, August 2023

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General Meeting Minutes

Date: August 10, 2023

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Mohnton Fire Company

Treasury Report – Shaun Luther—Account balance is at 135% of target. Grings Mill race expenses listed. Wine and cheese social expenses will be coming in.

Races:

  • Grings Mill 5K and 10K (concluded for 2023) – Jason Karpinski – Total revenue of the race was discussed.  Some expenses varied (increased) this year. There were 233 registrants this year versus 236 last year. 200 people actually ran the race each year. $302 was donated from participants to Opportunity House. A motion made to contribute an additional $398 of club funds to make an even $700. The motion was seconded and approved by the membership present. The remaining amount left for contribution will be used to fund the annual scholarships.
  • Blues Cruise 50K (Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the Dry Brooks day use pavillion) – Mike Whalen – meeting with Elaine Cook every 2 weeks for race planning. They will have a meeting with the captains of the aid stations. Current registration stands at 144 runners from 10 states. An online swag store is being planned. Volunteers are needed the entire month of September, and, of course, on race day. All volunteers must sign up on “UltraSignup – Blues Cruise 50K” in order to keep track of everyone, and assign people where additional help may be needed. (Note: Volunteer swag will be given only to those who have signed up and helped. No registration = no swag.) This event is an RRCA Regional 50K Championship, which comes with some benefits. The event is also a Trail Sisters approved race. Mike is talking to Holiday Inn to about reserving a block of rooms. Planning some more spectator-friendly events. Fire –police doing Old Church Rd crossings. There will be scheduled trail maintenance throughout September (Kincaid, Beane, Demsko, Whalen). Saturday, Sept 30 will be the trail marking. Mike is looking for a Strava map of the lake—please forward it to him if you have one. Training runs being planned. September 10th is a long run on the Blues Cruise course. 
  • Oley Valley Country Classic (Saturday, November 4, 2023) – Lenny Burton – a few registrations so far. Food truck committed 
  • Shiver by the River 5K and 10K (12/10/23, 1/14/24, 2/11/24, & 3/10/24) – Sue Jackson – online registration is open. No mailings this year. But you can print out the online application and mail it in. Swag this year is a runner’s towel. 
  • Jr. High Cross Country Fall Invitational – Saturday, October 21, Tom Chobot – needs about 10 volunteers on this day

Committee Reports

Social Committee:

  • Brittany Harris – Wine and Cheese Party, The Barn at Cacoosing (Saturday, September 16) – need some volunteers. Tickets would have to be purchased on line. No money accepted at the door—can purchase on-line that evening. (Will be the same format for the Christmas Party.)

Community Service

  • Weekly runs – Matt is coming back soon! Lisa D. is having the WNR after the boat launch. “Dip off” for cool prizes.
  • Trail Maintenance – Mike Whalen – Blue Marsh, the large tree down on the ski slope taken care of. 
  • Horseshoe trail – Shaun Luther – the Horseshoe trail organization may be willing to purchase a heavy duty weed whacker or some other piece of equipment; would come in very useful for trail maintenance. Shaun will look into this further
  • Long run, August 19, at Rocky Park near York; 5 or 10-mile loop
  • Race Mates – this Saturday have a race with 3 athletes. Have been busy this season planned.

Old business

  • MeetUp app – will hold off on posting on MeetUp until people’s homes are not being used for the social gathering after WNRs. Likely to start in the fall.

New business

  • Pacer-branded pop-up canopy tent for use for ‘whatever’ will be purchased – races, events, etc. Two logo selections – looking for vote of preference.
  • Step and repeat background wall (i.e., a large photo backdrop with the club’s logo) to have pictures done will be purchased. Jane Setley recommended getting a replaceable roller style, so that it can be changed out as needed.
  • Michelle also considering purchasing handheld waterproof signs with the Pacer logo – useful for holding and using in photos.

Race Results (August 2023)

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Want to see your race results in the next newsletter?

Email your race results to Amy Bird at raceresults@pagodapacers.com.

Triple Trouble 15k

1:08:09Mihai Sanchez1st M 0-29
1:11:57Jason Karpinski1st M 30-39
1:26:32Chris Fisher
1:34:54Emily Trudel
1:46:22Tania Salaneck
1:46:40Amy Bird
1:56:02Fred Foose
2:04:50Shawn Weller
2:05:26Robert Stichter
2:15:50Cyndi Borelli
2:27:29Scott Scheidt
2:42:22Helene Horn
2:42:24Joanne Patti

Triple Trouble 50k

4:16:18Jason Karpinski1st Male Overall
5:49:47Chris Fisher
6:22:29Amy Bird3rd F 40-49

James Biever Memorial 5k Run

32:35Dianne Showers3rd F 60-69
41:22Rick Showers

Bradley Mayer Memorial Running Man 5k

17:54Mihai Sanchez2nd M Overall
42:14Bruce Cronrath3rd M 80+
43:30Rose Hagy1st F 70-79

Miles for Maria 5k

35:44Diane Gilbert2nd F 60+
38:09Cyndi Borelli
38:38Joanne Patti3rd F 60+
44:59Bruce Cronrath2nd M 60+

Eastern States 100

31:33:23Karin Tursack
32:14:04David Dunkelberger

Ironton Rail-Trail 10k

88:16Bruce Cronrath1st M 70+

Kaercher Creek 5k

42:04Barbara Raifsnider

1st Promise 5k Run

27:17Duane Renninger1st M 50-59

Chobot Challenge 13.25k Trail Race

1:14:52Ray Ingaglio
1:33:49Fred Foose
1:35:27Amy Bird5th F 40-49
1:41:48Tom Chobot2nd M 68-74
3:12:48Evette Vega
3:19:36Michael Oetting

Ragged 75 Stage Race

19:56:45Kelly Ammon3rd F 30-39
20:57:04Brandon Beane3rd M 40-49
22:47:19Steve Vida

Buy Your Wine & Cheese Tix Now!

by pagodapacers

The Pagoda Pacer Wine and Cheese Party is back for 2023 with a new location at the Barn at Cacoosing! This fun event will be held on Saturday, September 16th from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm and is a great way to relax and mingle with fellow pacers. Your ticket includes wine, beer, soda, a large variety of cheeses, meats, fruits, desserts and more. The main event will be in the barn, but if it is nice weather please feel free to bring a chair to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for non members through 9/16. 

Tickets must be bought in advance online, we will not be accepting cash at the door. 

Click here to buy tickets

Advance ticket purchase makes this much easier on the club volunteers and helps get an accurate head count for food and alcohol. Also you must be 21 to attend and please leave the little ones at home to enjoy an evening out with your friends. We can’t wait to see you there!

  • Unsure if you are current on your Pagoda Pacer Membership? You can check your membership status here
  • Not a member of the Pagoda Pacers Athletic Club yet? No problem! Join today to take advantage of the member discount to this and future Pacer events.
  • Join the Pagoda Pacers Now

Also, our event organizers (Lisa Domeshek and Brittni Harris) could use a few volunteers to help out with parking and checking folks in. If you are able to help out, please contact them (lisa.domeshek@gmail.com, bstreichler@gmail.com).

Wednesday Night Runs (September ’23 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!)

September 6: Monocacy Hill Recreation Area — Post-run to follow at Island Pizza

September 13: Mohnton Playground — Post-run to follow at Schaylor Brewing

September 20: Jeff Hogue’s residence (403 Oak Grove Road) — Post-run to follow at the same location. Bring a suit & towel if you want to swim!

September 27: Mike Whalen’s residence (701 Pony Rd, Mohrsville) — Post-run to follow at the same location

All runs start at 6:15 p.m

37th Annual Kris Kringle 5-Mile Run

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The Pagoda Pacers Athletic Club is happy to invite you to the 37th annual Kris Kringle 5 Mile Run!

Looking to squeeze in one last fun event in over the Christmas break? This race is always a family favorite, with proceeds benefiting the Berks County Cross Country Coaches Association. So grab your friends & family and close out 2023 with us!

New for this year, registration is through RunSignUp, and there are no mail-in applications. Also, no extra hoodies will be ordered. Runners must register by 12/3/23 if they would like a hoodie. 

Click here to register!

Minutes from the General Meeting (July, 2023)

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General Meeting Minutes

Date: July 13, 2023

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Mohnton Fire Company

Treasury Report – Shaun Luther – The financial account is at 131% of target. Scholarship checks were issued to this year’s recipients.

Races:

  • Charlie Horse Half Marathon (concluded for 2023) – Shaun Luther – Although the entrant numbers were down this year, the race did make a slight profit and there were donations for Special Olympics. The usual amount for the club’s donation to Special Olympics is about $1600 to $2000. The minimum has been $1000. A motion was made to give $1000 this year. The motion was seconded and passed by the members present. Kelly is helping with marketing for next year’s race. 
  • Run for the Ages 10K Trail Run (concluded for 2023) – Blair Hogg – The race had 192 total entrants of which 174 ran the race and 44 day-of entrants. Profit was about $2700, plus donations for Nolde Forest through PCS online. We normally give $2000 total to Nolde, and this would give the Pacers roughly $800 for the club account. The usual $2000 was approved as the donation.
  • Grings Mill 5K and 10K (Sunday, August 6, 2023) – Jason Karpinski – registrations are picking up. The race timing will be done via the Run SignUp app timing. Registration is restricted to online and day-of registration only. According to Jason, this is a good test for administering the race without using a timing company, and Run SignUp continues to add a lot of useful features and analytics.
  • Blues Cruise 50K (Sunday, October 1, 2023) – Elaine Cook – over 100 runners signed up so far. A training run will be held on July 29th, 0900, Church Road lot for the ski loop. She is hoping that someone will step up to lead a fast group. The race is attempting to receive “Trail Sisters” accreditation (an organization that seeks to increase women’s participation and inclusivity in trail running) – from which Elaine read a list of requirements. Tentative swag is being discussed, and also preselling additional swag during the sign up process. Possibly creating a Pagoda Pacers race series shirt. 
  • Oley Valley Country Classic (Saturday, November 4, 2023) – Lenny Burton – planning phase has begun. The OVCC will continue to be an RRCA-designated race.

Committee Reports

  • Sept 16, Wine and Cheese – selling tickets on RunSignup. Adults only. Cacoosing Meadows in Spring Township. Link to buy tickets will be on Facebook.

Community Service

  • Weekly runs – Michelle has been looking into the ‘Meetup’ app to advertise WNR. There is a cost associated with different tiers, for first year it is $241. Anyone’s comments advertising events on this platform would be appreciated. Steve Vida is bravely handling the WNR duties in his solo summer capacity, but Matt is missed. 
  • Trail Maintenance – Brandon asked: any maintenance for Blues Cruise? Jason reports one bad area in our location, and a tree is noted to be down on the slope. Some of the grass mowing will wait until the birds have fledged. 
  • Nemesis Fitness – another local running club, is having a color run on Sunday, July 23, 4 p.m., at Canal Street. Melissa would like to have the club sponsor a ‘Chalk throwing’ color station. Nemesis draws a large amateur, new to running, and/or non-running crowd. No-cost event with over 600 registered so far. They are a fun-focused group, and some members have participated in Pacer events.

Scholarship Committee

Membership committee:

Old business

  • Changes to the by-laws are on-going. Tonight we will vote on the changes proposed last month.
    • Allow board to run their own meeting, rather than rely solely on the president to set the agenda.
    • Remove the volunteer positions described in the by-laws (they will still exist as active positions).
    • Describe the annual election process.

A motion made to approve the changes, seconded, and approved by the membership present.

New business

  • Michelle added a new section to the meeting – highlight another club’s runs. Fleet Feet – alternate Thursdays and the monthly coffee runs. Saturday morning runs. Check their local website for further details.
    • Nemesis fitness club – See their website.
    • Trail Sisters – chapters all over U.S., increase women’s participation in trail running. July 30th, Michelle bringing an introductory event to the local area
    • Girls on the Run, Saturday Nov 18, local run event
    • Reading Hospital Run (Beth Kohl, race director), Sunday, October 16. Proceeds will benefit the McGlinn Cancer Center patient assistance fund for personal expenses. 
    • IM ABLE – refer to their website.
    • Race Mates – may need chariot pushers. Pagoda Pacers Race Mate Pushers on Facebook. 

Next Membership Meeting: Thursday, August 10

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August’s Monthly Membership Meeting will be held on Thursday, August 10th, at Mohnton Fire Company Social Quarters, 100 E Summit St., Mohnton, PA 19540.  The meeting is upstairs. Enter the front door and go up the stairs to your left. There is no need to ring the buzzer for entry. 

Click HERE to see the location on Google Maps.

Food and drink at 6:30pm | Meeting starts at 7:00pm. All members are welcomed.

  • Members are responsible for purchasing their own beverages. Please bring cash.

** Please remember to RSVP by Monday (the week of the meeting) if you plan on coming so we can have an accurate headcount for food & seating.

RSVP can be sent by selecting your correct response on the Facebook event page or via email to mhenry.pacers@gmail.com.

Oley Valley Country Classic Set for November 4, 2023

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This summer has been hot, but the best way to be cool is to sign up early for your Fall Season races.

Oley Valley Country Classic 10 Miler and 5K is just around the corner on Saturday, November 4. The race will start at 9 a.m. — it begins and ends at the Oley Fairgrounds. The course features awesome, rolling hills with mininal car traffic during prime leaf-changing season. 

This year’s race will also be the RRCA Regional Championship race for the 10 mile distance.

Thank you to our sponsors this year: IMG Physical Therapy, Fleetwood Footcare, Dieffenbach’s Potato Chips. Race shirts will be provided by CBL, and race timing by Pretzel City Sports. 

All abilities are welcome!

Click the button below or print out and mail in the app to register for this classic fall race!

REGISTER
ovcc-app-2023-v.-2Download

Any questions, please reach out to race directors Len Burton (leonardeburton@gmail.com) or Barry Goodhart (barrygoodhart@gmail.com).