Tag: Races

Kris Kringle

by pagodapacers

The 33rd running of the KRIS KRINGLE 5 MILE RACE is Sunday, December 29th at 11:00 AM at the Berks County Agricultural Center, 1238 County Welfare Road, Leesport, PA 19533. 

Last year we had 629 finishers, and we are on target to reach as many this year. Are you registered yet? Pre-registering helps us plan better, so we can guarantee you get a hoodie. Click HERE to register now.

If you are not running it, please volunteer; we need your help. Come to the Ag Center between 8:30 – 9:00am.

Proceeds benefit high school runners through the Berks County Cross Country Coaches Association and provide college scholarships, free running shoes to students in need, and sponsorship of the Junior High Cross Country Invitational Race.

Shiver by the River

by pagodapacers

The 30th annual SHIVER by the RIVER 5K & 10K is NOW.  The first one is Sunday, Dec 8th, at Jim Dietrich Park, in Muhlenberg Twp.  Registration opens at 8:30am; both races start at 10:00am.  If you can’t run all 4 of them, run 3, run 2, or run 1.  

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!

Hope to see you there!!!

Sue Jackson, Kelsey Jackson, Georgine McCool, Tiffany Pantoja

Register for Kris Kringle 5-Miler

by pagodapacers

Registration is open for the 33rd KRIS KRINGLE 5 MILE RUN on Sunday December 29 at 11:00am at the Berks County Agricultural Center.

We got Hoodies, we got Airline tickets to give away, we got a great course that is part road part trail and all fun. Run CLOCKWISE this year and kill the hill.

Register at PAGODAPACERS.com or PRETZELCITYSPORTS.com

Proceeds benefit high school runners through the Berks County Cross Country Coaches Association and also provide for college scholarships, free running shoes to students in need and the sponsorship for the Junior High Cross Country Invitational Race.

Shiver by the River

by pagodapacers

The 30th annual SHIVER by the RIVER 5K & 10K is upon us.  Join us on the 2nd Sunday of each month: Dec 8th, Jan 12th, Feb 9th and Mar 8th, at Jim Dietrich Park, in Muhlenberg Twp.  In case you missed us last year, please note the new time:  Registration opens at 8:30, both races start at 10:00. If you can’t run all 4 of them, run 3, run 2, or run 1.  

Each year at the Shiver banquet, we ask the runners to complete a survey, asking what each runner likes best, what they like least, and any comments or suggestions.  We really do read those, and we sometimes make changes based on the suggestions. For instance, many of you have asked that we start the race earlier, so effective Dec 2018, we started at 10:00.  Below are a few responses to some of the most frequent questions. We will have more FAQ in future newsletters.  

Question(s):  Why don’t we have awards for 5K vs 10K? Why don’t we start the 5K & 10K at different times? Why don’t we have a different course for the 5K and 10K, instead of running the 5K twice for the 10K?  The answer to these questions is the same: What makes the Shiver unique is that each runner can choose their distance as they are running, possibly running 10K some months and 5K other months. Hence, the awards are combined; the starts are at the same time; and the courses have to be combined.  

Question:  How is the scoring done?  Answer: Each runner gets points equivalent to the place they finish, regardless of 5K or 10K.  If someone is the 35th person to cross the line in the 5K, they get 35 points; if they are the 35th person to cross the line in the 10K, they get 35 points.  A runner must run at least 3 of the races to be eligible for an award and if they run 4, the highest points are dropped (example, if a runner finishes 10th in the Dec 5K, 20th in the Jan 10K, 25th in the Feb 10K, and 15th in the Mar 5K, their points would be 10 + 20 + 15).   Even if several of the front runners only run 1 race, points for all runners are equivalent to the finish place .  The points assigned are not affected by how many in your age group finish the race in front of you. After the March race, the total points for each person is accumulated; then we sort by age group, and then by points, to determine winners in each age category.  We don’t calculate points for runners only completing 1 or 2 races.  If the runner completes 3 races, we total their points. If the runner completes 4 races, we determine the worst finish and drop those points, accumulating the remaining 3 races.   

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!

Hope to see you there!!!

Sue Jackson, Kelsey Jackson, Georgine McCool, Tiffany Pantoja

Volunteers (and runners) needed for Oley!

by pagodapacers

The Oley Valley Country Classic 10 Mile and 5K event will be on Sunday, November 10. Come out and support the runners and the club by volunteering to help make the race a success!  There’s plenty to do: race set up, runner registration, course marshal, or clean up.  Please reach out to Barry Goodhart: barrygoodhart@gmail.com or Len Burton:  leonardeburton@gmail.com to let them know you can participate. You can race and volunteer on the same day, and we will assign you accordingly.  There will be same-day registration and extra shirts available while they last! Come out and have a great day with fellow Pacers running or volunteering!  See you on race day, and follow us on Facebook:  OleyValleyCountryClassic10Mileand5kRun

Oley Country Classic: Volunteer or Register!

by pagodapacers

The OLEY VALLEY COUNRY CLASSIC runs have been a great event for

the past 24 years due to the support of the many volunteers that

come out early on a Sunday morning in November, braving the weather

of the day.

This year we hope for nice seasonal weather to gather 400 to 500

eager runners to compete in the 5K and 10 Mile runs, but again this

event will need club support with volunteers to cover many of the

areas of the race.  Pacers that want to run one of the runs can help

out early at the registration area and then run a desired run.

  There will be a sign up sheet at the Pagoda pacers October meeting

for volunteers to pick an area to help.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please get in touch:

Lenny Burton……..410-340-0589…..leonardeburton@gmail.com

Barry Goodhart…..484-824-5588…..barrygoodhart@gmail.com

If you’re interested in racing, CLICK HERE to register, or see the app below.

Register for Kris Kringle 5-Miler

by pagodapacers

Registration is open for the 33rd KRIS KRINGLE 5 MILE RUN on Sunday December 29 at 11:00am at the Berks County Agricultural Center.

We got Hoodies, we got Airline tickets to give away, we got a great course that is part road part trail and all fun. Run CLOCKWISE this year and kill the hill.

Register at PAGODAPACERS.com or PRETZELCITYSPORTS.com

Proceeds benefit high school runners through the Berks County Cross Country Coaches Association and also provide for college scholarships, free running shoes to students in need and the sponsorship for the Junior High Cross Country Invitational Race.

Letter from the President (August 2019)

by pagodapacers

Did anyone else realize it’s been a month since the Gring’s Mill race? I looked back at the August Pacer Newsletter with Matt’s cool new format and we were requesting volunteers and runners to attend for what was expected to be another great race. Well the race directors, volunteers, runners, and Mother Nature didn’t let us down. Post-race, the Discussion Group on Facebook was filled with a host of action shots and award photos capturing the day. 

Gring’s Mill race directors: Laura, Jane, Caroline

A special mention goes out to Lynne Reddington, who, with the craft of a carnival pitchman, brought focus to the raffle tables and sponsor donations at a level that would make ShamWow jealous. Also, over the last few weeks, Laura Yoder has personally distributed many thank-you cards to our race sponsors. We appreciate that our club members and community support many of these local companies that give back through their sponsorship. 

I have to say we probably missed a marketing opportunity as our own Barb Raifsnider felt running the Gring’s Mill race alone was not enough. Did you see Barb’s picture was featured in the Reading Eagle, running up to the Pagoda at the Radsport Festival just a couple hours after running Gring’s Mill?

Barb crushing the Radsport Pagoda run after Gring’s Mill

Another impressive feat that should be mentioned is April Zimmerman’s completion of Eastern States 100 miler. Hopefully she’ll be kind enough to let us share her race report.

Look for April’s report in next month’s newsletter.

How the time is flying and it’s not even Labor Day yet. Kris Kringle and the Shiver Series are already in the news. The recent Shiver Facebook post is a reminder to take advantage of the lower rates and register early. The Kringle post was a thank you. The Club donated $4,500 to the Berks County Cross Country Coaches Association from the Kringle proceeds. When the cross-country season starts, it’s a good time to get the coaches together with a large check before the rivalries kick in. We wish both the coaches and the athletes a great season. Polly and the coaches would also appreciate if you’ll mark your calendar again for Sunday December 29th for this year’s Kris Kringle race.

Before noting all the great things Dan Govern and Mike Yoder have going on with the Blues Cruise 50k, I’d like to acknowledge that one of our own, Christine Le, is doing The Rut 28k Race out in Big Sky Montana. Traversing epic views and terrain, I think even the great climbers in the club would be humbled by the course. She will start at 7,500 feet and climb to 10,000 in the first 6 miles. Then, typical of the ski resort, she’ll plummet over the next mile to 8,500 feet. This has to be the point I’d look for the chair lift or an exit because no sane person looks up to 11,140 feet and thinks “Where is a good direction to run?” for the next 2 ½ miles. The race is 10 miles up and 7 miles down. 

Back to the race Dan and Mike are organizing: They’ve designed some great shirts, hats, and a finisher medal, so if you’re on the fence this is definitely a year to run. Putting the numbers in perspective, Dan estimates 400 plus runners; each runner covers 31 miles. Total up those miles and you have a distance that’s halfway around the earth. Thankfully it’s not a relay! To support this great event it takes the help of many. There are 7 themed aid stations, each with a captain supporting the runners. Volunteering on race day or contributing to some of the prep work will make great memories. Bring the family–it’s a full-day event; however, many of the volunteers simply peek in and out as needed. Don’t forget to mark this event– October 6th–on your calendar today.

New Blues Cruise swag

I’ve probably gone long on this entry, and Matt Brophy (Editor-in-Chief) has reminded me I’m late so……got to run….

Steve

11/10/2019: Oley Valley Country Classic

by pagodapacers

On Sunday, November 10, 2019, the Pagoda Pacers will be hosting the 25th running of the Oley Valley Country Classic 10 Mile and 5k race! It’s our silver anniversary, and we want to make this race better than ever. The changing leaves of the fall season will make a picture perfect course through the beautiful, rolling hills of the Oley Valley. We welcome runners of all abilities and look forward to providing a great running experience for everyone. 

There’s a chance we will be going with a tech shirt, but that’s unconfirmed. Otherwise, we’ll have a traditional long-sleeve cotton shirt with a fall-themed hex logo that looks great! The race will also feature split times at every mile, 4 water/Gatorade stops, hot and cold food galore, and a never-ending door prize table for all participants. This year’s OVCC can make a great fall race, a marathon-training long run, or a casual day running through farm country.

This year’s race will also host the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) 10-Mile Eastern Regional Championship. Thank you to the RRCA for their continued support!

We want to thank our generous sponsors. Their generosity helps continue to make this event a success. Thank you to Level Financial, Bob Fisher Chevrolet, Fleetwood Footcare Center, Gallen Insurance, and Reading Health Physicians Network and Sports Medicine.

This year’s shirts by Villa Grafix are beautifully designed. Its’ our best logo yet!  You will want to pre-register by Oct 29 for only $25 ($1 for every year we have been running the OVCC) to guarantee your size! There will be a raffle for a FREE pair of sneakers from Sneaker Villa. ONLY pre-registered runners will be entered in the raffle. We will have race-day registration and extra shirts while they last.

Awards are handmade by local glass artist Maggie Gallen of the Goggle Works. Each award is one-of-a-kind and something worth striving for.

While you are running your butt off for an award, if you break the course record in the 10-Mile OR the 5K, you can win $150 from Gallen Insurance! Thank you, Gallen Insurance, for your generous support of the Brea- the-Record prize money. (COURSE RECORDS: 10 Mile event M: 52:36 & F 59:42), (5K M: 15:34 & F: 19:11). Good luck to the speedsters!

We welcome all paces so bring the family! Follow us on Facebook: Oley Valley Country Classic 10Mile and 5k Run. Our FB page will have updates and maybe some surprises revealed along the way, such as a contest for a free entry if you can guess this year’s Hex sign! Hex signs all have names–can you name it? 

Pacers, we can use your help on race day. Contact Len Burton leonardeburton@gmail.com or Barry Goodhart barrygoodhart@gmail.com for volunteer assignment or any other questions you may have about the race.  See the Pagoda Pacer website for race application and directions, or register on-line with Pretzel City Sports. 

Race timing will be handled by Pretzel City Sports; they have timed all of our races over the years, and we thank them for handling all the complicated stuff!!

Thank you to all the runners who have participated in this race over the years; we look forward to seeing you again this year. Bring a friend with you!

This year’s event looks to be another great one; I ordered great weather for the day!  This race benefits the Oley Valley Youth League and the Pagoda Pacer Scholarship Fund, so come out and show your support!  See you November 10th!

Shiver by the River 5k & 10k

by pagodapacers

Dates:  2nd Sunday:  Dec 8th, 2019; Jan 12th, 2020; Feb 9th, 2020; March 8th, 2020.  

Time:  10:00am

Location:  Jim Dietrich Park.  

Sponsors: Fleet Feet; Shillington Family Chiropractic Center; Kohl Pharmaceutical Research, LLC  .   

Details:  Fees have not changed.  Each race includes a post-race buffet of soup, bagels, and snacks.  End-of-year party includes a cold buffet, plus lots and lots of door prizes, overall awards, and 5-year age-group awards.  Last year, we created a new course with less traffic. Apps will be mailed with a Pretzel City mailing and can be found online by CLICKING HERE.  Once again, we are offering online registration, for the series, at www.pretzelcitysports.com. 

Come out and join us for our 30th season!!!!!!

Race Directors,

Sue Jackson, Kelsey Jackson, Georgine McCool, Tiffany Pantoja