Tag: Group Runs

Blues Cruise Training Runs 2026

by pagodapacers

If you’re training for this year’s Blues Cruise 50k, or if you just want to get in some weekend trail runs out at Blue Marsh Lake, be sure to put these dates on your calendar. Details coming soon!

July 11–Justa Fatass, Justa road lot, 5 mile loops

August 15–Skinner’s Loop, option to add ski loop, Old Church Road lot, 6 or 13 miles

September 12–Lower Stilling Basin to Old Church Road lot, ~14 miles

And if you haven’t done so already, be sure to join the Blues Cruise Facebook group for race-related news and updates!

Weekend 10-Miler: Hamburg Reservoir on 6/27/26

by pagodapacers

A group long run, starting at the Hamburg Reservoir, will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

Join us at 8:30 a.m. for a long 10-mile run (actually 11 miles–we’re throwing in an extra one this time), featuring a challenging mix of rocky, mountain trails in northern Berks County. This run will be led by Steve Vida.

Specific route options (including something shorter than 11 miles) will be posted to the Facebook Event closer to the day of the run.

There will likely be a group heading out to lunch afterwards at Copperz Brewing, as well, if you have the time!

Hope you can join us!

Next Away Game: Shartlesville Gamelands on 6/14/26

by pagodapacers

This month’s Away Game will take us to northern Berks County: we’ll be meeting at the Shartlesville Gamelands Parking Lot (at the end of Northkill Rd) at 8 a.m. on Sunday, June 14.

The route will be a mix of gravel roads and single-track trail, totaling about 10 miles. Shorter options will be possible.

Post-run lunch spot and exact route will be announced on the Facebook event, where you can also post other questions, carpooling requests, etc.

Hope you can join us!

Wednesday Night Runs (June ’26 Locations)

by pagodapacers

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!)

  • June 3: This is GLOBAL RUNNING DAY, so instead of doing our own thing, we’re going to participate in Fleet Feet’s “Big Run 5k” at Brentwood Trailhead– check your email for a discount code!
  • June 10: Isaac’s Craft Kitchen & Brewery will serve as our meeting place for a road run and our post-run venue for food & drink. Run led by Peter Schlegel.
  • June 17: Danielle Smith’s residence (1011 Floret Ave, Muhlenberg)—post-run to follow at same location
  • June 24: Nolde Forest (Mansion lot)—post-run to follow at Flanagan’s Pub

All runs start at 6:15 p.m.

This is the end of the June ’26 Newsletter. Continue scrolling if you would like to view older content.

Weekend 10-Miler: French Creek SP on 5/30/26

by pagodapacers

A group long run, starting at the Shed Rd trailhead, will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Join us at 9:30 a.m. for a 10(ish) mile run, featuring a challenging mix of rocky, hilly trails at French Creek State Park. This run will be led by Shaun Luther.

Specific route options (including something shorter than 10 miles) will be posted to the Facebook Event closer to the day of the run.

There will likely be a group heading out to lunch afterwards (probably at Fork & Ale or Hidden River), as well, if you have the time!

Hope you can join us!

Next Away Game: Wissahickon on 5/16/26

by pagodapacers

This month’s Away Game will take us to the crown jewel of Philadelphia’s park system: Wissahickon Valley Park!

We’ll meet at the Wigard Avenue Trailhead, off Henry Ave in Roxborough (not too far from Dallesandro’s Steaks!) at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 16 for a casual, group run of about 10-12 miles (with shorter options for those who want to do less).

Post-run lunch spot and route will be announced on the Facebook event, where you can also post other questions, carpooling requests, etc.

Hope you can join us!

Wednesday Night Runs (May ’26 Locations)

by pagodapacers

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!)

All runs start at 6:15 p.m.

Next Away Game: Buzzard on 4/18/26

by pagodapacers

This month’s Away Game will feature the iconic “Baby Buzzard” course, north of Hershey. This is the most challenging group run that we do each year: 16 tough miles in the mountains with a ton of climbing and a “non-trivial” water crossing. Bring nutrition, hydration, first aid, and a sense of adventure.

We’ll meet at the Buzzard Trailhead at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 18.

Ambitious runners who want to tackle the Full Buzzard Marathon course (at their own risk) are welcomed to start with us as long as they are comfortable navigating the course on their own.

Post-run lunch spot will be at Snitz Creek Brewey in Annville. Follow the Facebook event for updates, carpooling requests, etc.

Hope you can join us!

Wednesday Night Runs (April ’26 Locations)

by pagodapacers

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!)

All runs start at 6:15 p.m.

This is the end of the April ’26 Newsletter. Continue scrolling if you would like to view older content.

Next Away Game: Horse-Shoe Trail on 3/29/26

by pagodapacers

Last month’s “Away Game” had to be converted into a road run due to lingering snow and ice on the trails, so this month we’re planning to do what we wanted to do last month on the Horse-Shoe Trail!

We’ll meet at the IronSpire Complex in Adamston for a group long run on Sunday, March 29, at 9:30 a.m.

The plan is to meet at IronSpire, then carpool to Charlie Crowell’s house in Plowville, and run back to IronSpire along the Horse-Shoe Trail. The total distance of the run will be about 14.5 miles, but runners can elect to be dropped off at a different starting point in order to shorten the distance. (10- and 7-mile options will be available.)

Updates will be posted on Facebook closer to the day of the run.

Post-run lunch spot will be at Columbia Kettle Works (which is right in the IronSpire Complex).

Hope you can join us!