Tag: Races

Get Ready to Shiver: First Race on 12/10/23

by pagodapacers

Date:  Sunday Dec 10th

Place:  Jim Dietrich Park

Registration: 8:30 a.m.

Race start:  10:00 a.m.

Swag:  Sports Towel measuring 11”x42” with a great design

Pre-registration is only for the series.  Race day registration is available for the series or individual races. 

Series runners can pre-register online NOW at Pretzel City Sports until midnight on the Wednesday before the race; you can also mail the app and a check.  

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.  Volunteers can either contact one of the race directors prior to race day or just show up on race day.  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, Georgine McCool, Tiffany Pantoja

Shiver ’23-’24 Starts Next Month!

by pagodapacers

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

Runners can register online at Pretzel City Sports or by mailing a printed registration form and a check.

As always, we will have race day registration. Pre-registration deadline is 11/18.

The ’23-’24 swag is a 11”x42” sports towel. Register early to guarantee a towel while supplies last!!

Note – we did not mail applications this year; however, if needed, the app can be printed from the Pacer website or picked up at any race that is timed by Pretzel
City Sports.

New this year – we are running the course backwards from previous years!

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, Georgine McCool, Tiffany Pantoja

A heartfelt THANK YOU to the Pacers who, once again, deliver with two championship cross country races in October

by pagodapacers

by Tom Chobot

Gwyn and I wish to thank the PPAC for their enthusiastic support of two major youth cross country races held in Berks County during the month of October.

Over 30 members took time out of their day to help out at the BCIAA Conference Run (high school) and the Fall Run Off Invitational (junior high) which combined, comprised 500 young Berks County runners. Many of the volunteers had previously run these races and saw this as an opportunity to give back to their sport. All seemed to enjoy being part of the future of our running community. 

Each year, we receive an abundance of compliments and gestures of appreciation from officials, coaches, and parents, and we make it clear that we can only do this with the support we receive from the Pagoda Pacers Athletic Club. This year was no different. We cannot overemphasize the importance and impact that the club’s contribution has had with these two races. Well done, Pacers!

What’s New at the 2023 Kris Kringle 5-Miler

by pagodapacers

The race directors like to highlight a couple changes we will be implementing this year:

Registration

  • Registration is now open!! We are doing online and same-day registration ONLY this year. Sorry, no paper applications. Don’t worry, we’re not charging you online processing fees.
  • Your race registration fee is for the RUN ONLY. You will have the option to add swag during the checkout process.
  • Registration link: https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Leesport/KrisKringle5MileRun2023

We’re switching up the way we do SWAG. Don’t worry, we still have the hoodies. You guys seem to love those things! BUT, some people prefer a lower registration fee and no swag. That’s why this year we have swag and no swag options:

  • Hoodies are an add-on item at checkout during the race registration process. As mentioned, the registration fee is for the RUN ONLY. As you proceed to check out, you will have the option to add a hoodie for an additional cost, or bypass.
  • Deadline to order hoodies is 12/3/2023 (same day as the price increase). We will not be ordering extra, we are not extending the deadline, and we will not have any for sale at the race. We suggest registering ASAP to not miss out if this is something you really look forward to having each year.
  • All hoodies purchased must be picked up at the race prior to race start. No holds and no shipping.
REGISTER NOW!

29th Oley Valley 10-Miler & 5k Just a Month Away!

by pagodapacers

The Oley Valley Country Classic is fast approaching, and we are excited to see you all there enjoying the atmosphere and camaraderie of running a great 10 mile (or 5k) event!

November 4th will be the 29th running of the OVCC. The races start at 9 a.m. from the Oley Fairgrounds. Enjoy the rolling hills on this course which winds through Oley Farm Country.

This year we are also representing the RRCA as the Eastern Regional Championship, which means extra awards presented in addition to our locally made artisan awards! 

Post-race fare will be available for all runners, along with indoor facilities pre- and post-race. Finally, Munchiez Food Truck will be on site selling yummy items from their great menu.

Come out for this great Fall Classic–if you don’t want to run the 10 mile course, come out and do the 5k! It’s just as pretty of a course, with a few less steps.

Registration is $30 on or before October 18–after that day (including race day), the fee will be $35. Extra long-sleeve shirts will be available while they last. Pre-register to lock in your size!

Thank you to our sponsors this year: IMG Physical Therapy, Fleetwood Footcare, Dieffenbach Potato Chips.

Professional timing will be provided by Pretzel City Sports.

Register online at Pretzel City Sports or click on the link below to download and print a mail-in application:

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

Not racing? VOLUNTEER! We need you!! Reach out to the race directors to let them know you are available to help with the event! Email leonardeburton@gmail.com  or barrygoodhart@gmail.com.

See you Saturday November 4th!

Any questions–let us know!

Len Burton

Run for the Ages 2023 Recap

by pagodapacers

The Pagoda Pacers’ Run For The Ages Trail Chase was held on June 25. The race draws nearly 200 runners to Nolde Forest and features an age-graded start, where the older age groups start early and the younger, faster runners have to catch them through the hilly trails of the park.
The race supports maintenance and improvements at the park, and, through the Friends of Nolde group, provides a donation to this effort.
Race directors Donna Hey and Blair Hogg presented the check to the Friends of Nolde at their monthly meeting on September 7. Many Pacers enjoy running the trails at Nolde, and we are pleased that we can give back to the facility by holding this race. 

Front row: D. Hey, Jennifer Stinson – Friends of Nolde President, Brent Erb – Nolde Forest Chief Ranger, B. Hogg

Back row: Friends of Nolde volunteers, several of whom helped on race day

Mark your calendar for next year’s race!

The 2024 Run for the Ages Trail Chase will take place on Sunday, June 30th!

October means high school cross country championship season, and once again, the Pacers will play a vital role

by pagodapacers

There are two cross country races coming up this month, which involve the club, and of course, this means recruiting volunteers. One is an actual club-sponsored event, and one is assisted by our members with race course marshaling and finish line management.

The first is the BCIAA (Berks County Interscholastic Athletic Assoc.) High School Cross Country Conference Run and takes place on Tuesday, October 17, on the Kutztown University Campus. Traditionally, the club contributes volunteers from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. to manage the course, road crossings, and finish line. The second is the Junior High Championships, which takes place at the Reading Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 21. Parking volunteers are needed from 6:30 a.m. until 9 a.m., and volunteers for course marshaling and finish line from 8:30 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Both races comprise the “big dance” of their schedule, and are the most important races of their season.

These are the only events during the year where the club engages specifically with Berks County youth, and it is a golden opportunity to make a lasting impression on the future of the local running community. This is the club’s 15th year of involvement, and the club has earned a stellar reputation among this community as a result. Let’s keep it going.

Please send me a text or email if you can help.

Thank you!

Tom Chobot  

484-269-2889, chobot7957@msn.com

3 Notable Changes for Shiver

by pagodapacers

Dates:  2nd Sunday, December to March (Dec 10th, Jan 14th, Feb 11th, March 10th)  

Time:  10:00 am

Location:  Jim Dietrich Park  

Online registration for the series is open and can be found at Pretzel City Sports.     

Three notable changes:

(1) We are not mailing apps!  However, we will still accept mail-in registrations.  Apps can be printed from the Pagoda Pacers website or can be picked up at any of the many races timed by Pretzel City Sports. 

(2) To change things up, we are running the course in the opposite direction.     

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

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

Race Directors,

Sue Jackson, Georgine McCool, Tiffany Pantoja

Volunteers Needed for Blues Cruise and RaceMates

by pagodapacers

Two great volunteer opportunities are on the horizon!

The Pacers RaceMates program helps athletes from IMABLE to experience the completion of a 5k race. We use 2 or more volunteers to push each athlete in a “race chariot.” The final race of 2023 is September 10th at 630 Evans Ave in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. We race at around a 10-minute mile and are in need of 3-4 additional runners for this event. Please see our post on the Facebook Discussion Group and email Dale at Racematesrunning@gmail.com or contact Michael Whalen (bluescruiserd@gmail.com).

Blues Cruise is also in need of volunteers for the October 1st 50k trail race at Blue Marsh Lake. Volunteers can work as many hours as desired for this all-day event. Free t-shirts will be given to all who register to help. Go to  https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=100611 and click the volunteer tab. Choose an activity that interests you, and Elaine Cook (co-race director) will be in contact to discuss times and duties.

THANKS!

Michael Whalen:

Race Director, Blues Cruise 50K

Oley Valley Race Director: “Summer Is Over!”

by pagodapacers

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