Our latest email bulletins with news concerning our club and the local running community.
Read about recent races, upcoming events and general topics of interest.
Pike Creek Valley Running Club of Delaware
Wilmington & Newark DE Runners
Our latest email bulletins with news concerning our club and the local running community.
Read about recent races, upcoming events and general topics of interest.
Spring is here! The days are longer, temperatures are warmer and race season is in full swing so good luck eclipsing your running goals for 2024! PCVRC members are running the Boston marathon, competing for the race team in the USATF road and off-road series and joining folks in the running community at our weekly Tuesday track workouts with Coach Jim Fischer, Thursday and Sunday group runs and PCVRC social events. The Couch to 5K program is starting up in April so take advantage these programs and all your PCVRC membership has to offer. Check out the club website and Facebook page to see what’s happening. PCVRC is a social club and very supportive of all our member’s running goals. Most importantly, we have a great time running and welcome runners and walkers of all backgrounds regardless of race, nationality, religion, sexual or gender identity and of all levels of ability from beginner walkers to the highly competitive road racer to marathoners.
Please visit https://pcvrc.com/renew-membership/ to join/renew for 2024. $26 online (or $25 by mailed check) includes all family members at your address. Club membership includes free T-shirt for new members, race discounts, weekly group runs, discounted Delaware Park passes (sold out for 2024), track workouts with Coach Fischer, fun runs, Club social events including Holiday Party, Spring Social, Delaware Distance Classic (our signature event), 10% discount at Delaware Running Company, eligibility to participate as a member of our team in USATF events and more!
StretchPlex – 10% discount off any service StretchPlex using the code: PCVRC10.
Delaware Running Company – all PCVRC members get 10% off anything in store EXCEPT electronics.
Omega Project – $25 off 3D Gait Screen or $50 off full 3D Gait Analysis; $25 off 6 pack of laser sessions or $50 off a 10 pack of laser sessions
Liquid Alchemy Beverages – 10% off entire visit of All Natural Craft Meads and Ciders
Cheskin Chiropractic Center – Complimentary consultation for sports related or accident related treatment
Running coach – Alison McCann is part of Speed Sherpa Nation as a run coach and is taking on new clients https://www.speedsherpa.com/coaches or https://www.trainingpeaks.com/coach/alisonmccann
Omius headbands – 20% off with code PCVRC24 at Omius Inc.
Zealios – 25% off all Zealios products with code ZupPIKECREEK and can be used at https://teamzealios.com/collections and at any event where Zealios is vending.
LEVERMovement – https://levermovement.com/ Use code PikeCreekRC20 to get 20%.
See all current discounts at our Member Discount page, https://pcvrc.com/pcvrc-member-discounts/ where the password is “run82“.
The popular Couch to 5K program has returned this spring, with the first session planned for Thursday April 11. Caitlin Reilly will be coordinating the program will assistance from other club members. The Couch to 5K program is approximately 10 weeks and will meet at Delcastle Park in conjunction with our Thursday 6:00pm group runs. The program is free and culminates with participating in a goal 5K race at the end of the program in June (Kick off to Summer 5K). This is one of the Club’s most popular programs and a great community service of motivating and reinvigorating new and existing runners! Check the PCVRC website for updates and details on the next session HERE.
The 2024 Mid-Atlantic USATF Grand Prix and off-road series are off to a running start! Both series have had 2 races completed to date. At this time, PCVRC is leading the trail series and is in a solid 3rd place in the Grand Prix.
The Frostbite 5 Miler in Ambler, PA, at Wissahickon High School kicked off the road series on February 24. This year the race was postponed by a week due to the possibility of a significant winter storm. Due to the change in date, some scheduled runners were not able to participate. J.R. Creekmore picked up where he left off in the fall, leading the team with a third place overall finish. Allison Emmons led the ladies, winning the master’s division. Pete LoBianco, Elizabeth Swierzbinski, Brenda Hodge, Sarah Rusk, Laura Brenner, and Betty Olmstead also took home mugs for placing in their respective age groups.
The always fast and competitive Adrenaline 5k at Haddonfield High School was held under ideal racing conditions on March 16. Allison Emmons set a state age group record in placing as the 3rd master and Brenda Hodge also picked up a cash award for placing 3rd in 50+ division. J.R. Creekmore (30-34), Elizabeth Swierzbinski (35-39), Sarah Rusk (40-44), and Bill Farquahar (50-54) were all age group winners, Angelina Hannagan (25-29) placed 2nd, and Rob Mason (65-69) and Betty Olmstead (75-79) placed 3rd.
The Looney Leprechaun 10k Trail race at Tyler State Park was on March 2. All racers encountered extremely difficult trail conditions due to the significant rainfall in the days leading up to, and during the race. At times streams ran through the trails and mud was so thick it tried to suck shoes off. Laura Brenner led the way for the team as the overall female winner! Pete LoBianco finished second overall and John Costello and Dave Wiechecki placed top 3 in the 60-69 division.
The always popular Tyler Arboretum 10k was in sunny, but chilly conditions on April 6. The race organizers seem to be able find new hills within the arboretum every year for competitors to tackle. John Costello and Dave Wiechecki placed 2nd and 3rd in the 60-69 age group and Jean Western placed 3rd in the 60-69 age group.
Our racing team wants you! Any club member who joins USATF can participate and represent our club, both in our regional series and in National Championship events! The annual cost to join USATF is $55 at https://usatf.sport80.com/public/wizard/a/941/home, select Pike Creek Valley Running Club as your club affiliation. USATF members can enjoy discounts on series races, win end of year series awards, and are guaranteed entry in the Broad Street Run (May 5, 7:30am start). Members of the club who are members of USATF and compete in at least 4 races total among both series will receive a complimentary membership to PCVRC for the following year. Please contact Lynn Knothe () for more information. For the racing calendars for the road and off-road series, please go to https://mausatf.org/grad-prixevents/ and https://mausatf.org/off-road-events/.
Annual meeting – The PCVRC annual meeting on March 14 at Timothy’s in Newark was an excellent evening of food, drink, socialization and celebrating some extraordinary achievements from the past year. This included Runner of the Year, Anthony Swierzbinski, Member of the Year, Mike Piorkowski, Volunteer of the Year, Mark Hannagan, Rookie of the Year, Jean Western, and Most Improved Runner, Mike Janis. PCVRC also honored new inductee to the Hall of Fame, Mark Deshon Many thanks to the Club’s social events coordinator, Mike Janis, for organizing a great event. We also welcomed new members to the board to help our club become more beneficial and enjoyable to current and prospective members with group runs, socials and other activities.
Boston Sendoff – On April 7, PCVRC members enjoyed a run and excellent brunch at the Delaware Running Company on Kennett Pike in Greenville, DE to wish our Boston Marathon participants good luck. We had a great turnout and used the opportunity to belatedly honor new Hall of Fame inductee, Rich Szymanski.
Check out the PCVRC the website for more pictures from these events and for updates on other upcoming events: PCVRC Events Calendar
Group runs continue at their usual places and times and a great way to interact with your fellow runners while working out. Click here for details
Sundays 8:00 am – meet in the parking lot behind Brew HaHa! in the Main Street Galleria, 45 East Main St., Newark (free parking); run in White Creek Park and back anywhere from 1-14 miles or more round trip. Anyone is welcome to have coffee and breakfast afterwards at Brew HaHa!
Thursdays 6:00 pm – meet at start/finish of Delcastle Rec Area; Run 1 or more laps of the 1.75 mile loop.
Tuesday evening track workouts (UPDATE): Workouts start at 6:00pm at St. Mark’s High School. Participants can warm up off beforehand outside of the track. Please check the PCVRC website weekly for any updates.
Saturday Trail Runs at Brandywine Creek State Park 7:30am. Meet at the trailhead at the end of Garden of Eden Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. Anyone is welcome to join, runs are typically 8-9 miles, but can accommodate anywhere between 5-12 miles. For more info check out the FB page.
The warmer and longer days back and sometimes runners forget the cumulative damage the sun’s rays can have on our skin even during short workouts or when running under cloudy conditions. For guidance on how to protect yourself and some popular products to help minimize skin damage, see articles are HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.
The 41st annual DDC will be held on October 20, 2024. This is the seminal race supporting your Pike Creek Valley Running Club as well as a local charity sponsor so please support your club by running and/or volunteering to help with registration, handing out food and water and keeping runners on the course and safe. Course is flat and fast with many top runners in the region participating, including a number of other USATF clubs.
For details on the race and more pictures, go to the DDC website at ddc15k.org.
Please contact us with any questions HERE
President and Webmaster: Ray Christensen
Vice President: Adam Shilling
Secretary and Social Media: Alison McCann
Treasurer: Andrea Riley
Membership coordinator: Cindy Alms
Sponsor coordinator: Dwight Swaney
Events coordinator: Mike Janis
USATF Team coordinator: Lynn Knothe
C25K coordinator: Caitlin Reilly
Running Events Coordinator: Hali Mckinley Lester
DDC Race Director: Alison McCann
Happy New Year to all club members and families! We hope you had a pleasant and relaxing holiday season. With the calendar turning, many resolve to try something new, break a bad habit or improve something in their lives. Whatever it is or if it is nothing at all, the PCVRC community is here for support and comradery. The local race schedule is light as is typical for winter, but club continues to hold groups runs on Thursdays and Sundays as well as Tuesday track workouts with Coach Fischer. PCVRC is also planning social events in the coming months so check out our website and Facebook page to see what’s happening. PCVRC is a social club and very supportive of all our member’s running goals. Most importantly, we have a great time running and welcome runners and walkers of all backgrounds regardless of race, nationality, religion, sexual or gender identity and of all levels of ability from beginner walkers to the highly competitive road racer to marathoners.
Please visit https://pcvrc.com/renew-membership/ to renew for 2024. $26 online (or $25 by mailed check) includes all family members at your address. Club membership includes free T-shirt for new members, race discounts, weekly group runs, discounted Delaware Park passes (sold out for 2024), track workouts with Coach Fischer, fun runs, Club social events including Holiday Party, Spring Social, Delaware Distance Classic (our signature event), 10% discount at Delaware Running Company, eligibility to participate as a member of our team in USATF events and more!
The board has open positions for Vice President and Secretary. Board meetings are typically every other month. You’ll have plenty of support and get to help shape the club such as being involved in deciding the types of group runs, socials and other activities that are put on by the club. Please email if you would consider becoming a board member.
StretchPlex is offering a 10% discount off any service at StretchPlex using the code: PCVRC10.
Delaware Running Company – all PCVRC members get 10% off anything in store EXCEPT electronics.
Running coach – Alison McCann is part of Speed Sherpa Nation as a run coach and is taking on new clients https://www.speedsherpa.com/coaches or https://www.trainingpeaks.com/coach/alisonmccann
Omius headbands – 20% off with code PCVRC24 at Omius Inc.
Zealios – 25% off all Zealios products with code ZupPIKECREEK and can be used at https://teamzealios.com/collections and at any event where Zealios is vending.
LEVERMovement – https://levermovement.com/ Use code PikeCreekRC20 to get 20%.
The popular Couch to 5K program will return this spring, with the first session planned for Thursday April 11. Caitlin Reilly will be coordinating the program will assistance from other club members. The Couch to 5K program is approximately 10 weeks and will meet at Delcastle Park in conjunction with our Thursday 6:00pm group runs. The program is free and culminates with participating in a goal 5K race at the end of the program in June (Kick off to Summer 5K). This is a great community service of motivating and reinvigorating new and existing runners!
Check the PCVRC website for updates and details on the next session HERE.
The PCVRC racing team wrapped up a strong 2023 season in November. The team finished third in the road Grand Prix and second in the Off-road series. Schedules have been finalized for the 2024 season. The road events can be found at https://mausatf.org/grad-prix-events/. The Broad Street Ten Miler returns to its traditional first Sunday in May date with a new, earlier, start time. The Off-Road events can be found at https://mausatf.org/off-road-events/.
The Philadelphia Marathon weekend is the traditional finale to the Grand Prix. Most of the PCVRC crew opts to run the Rothman 8k. With an 11:00 start, it offers a rare chance to sleep in on race day! J.R. Creekmore continued his outstanding fall racing season, placing 4th in the 30-34 age group. Allison Emmons led the ladies, placing 2nd in 40-44. John Costello (2nd, 60-64), Carol Giampietro (2nd, 65-69), Greg Cauller (3rd, 60-64), Keith Cripsin (4th, 55-59), and Dave Wiechecki (4th 60-64) all also received awards for placing in the top five of their respective age groups. In the accompanying half marathon, Jeff Painter placed 3rd in the 60-64 age group. At the marathon on Sunday, John Brown placed 5th in the 65-69 age group.
The Off-Road series wrapped up the Saturday after Thanksgiving with the Delaware Open Cross Country Championship at nearby Brandywine Creek State Park. J. R. Creekmore and Allison Emmons both used their experience from coaching high school teams on the course to take the overall win and first female master. Other strong performances were turned in by Pete Lobianco (1st male master), Laura Brenner (3rd female), Mark Hannagan (5th), John Costello (2nd 60-69), and Dave Wiechecki (3rd 60-69).
In addition to the club winning cash prizes for overall placement in the team Grand Prix and Off-Road series, individuals can win awards for top 10 overall and age groups based on participation through the year. Congratulations are in order for Rob Mason (5th), Elizabeth Swierzbinski (6th), and Greg Cauller (9th) for earning top 10 in the overall Grand Prix. Elizabeth Swierzbinski (1st 30-34), Allison Emmons (1st 40-44), Betty Olmstead (1st 75-79), J.R. Creekmore (1st 30-34), Rob Mason (1st 65-69), Anthony Swierzbinski (2nd 35-39), Greg Cauller (2nd 60-64), Angelina Hannagan (3rd 25-29), Sarah Rusk (3rd 40-44), Mark Hannagan (3rd 30-34), Keith Crispin (3rd 55-59), and Jeff Painter (3rd 60-64) all placed top three in their respective age groups for the series. Pete LoBianco (1st 40-49), John Costello (1st 60-69), Laura Brenner (2nd 30-39), Andrea Rubinoff (2nd 60-69), Greg Cauller (3rd 60-69), and Lynn Knothe (3rd 40-49) all earned awards for placing top three in their respective age groups. Awards will be available in the gymnasium at Wissahickon High School prior to the start of the Fireside Frostbite 5 Miler on February 17, 2024.
PCVRC put together two teams to compete at the USATF Cross Country National Championships held at Pole Green Park in Richmond, VA on January 20, 2024. All harriers braved sub-freezing temperatures and strong winds along the course. The women’s team of Sarah Rusk, Brenda Hodge, Katrina Holloway, and Lynn Knothe placed as the 2nd place women’s 40+ team again! The men’s 60+ team of Dave Wiechecki, Greg Cauller, and Bill Rose placed 4th against a strong field.
Our racing team wants you! Any club member who joins USATF can participate and represent our club, both in our regional series and in National Championship events! The annual cost to join USATF is $55 at https://usatf.sport80.com/public/wizard/a/941/home, select Pike Creek Valley Running Club as your club affiliation. USATF members can enjoy discounts on series races, win end of year series awards, and are guaranteed entry in the Broad Street Run. Members of the club who are members of USATF and compete in at least 4 races total among both series will receive a complimentary membership to PCVRC for the following year. Please contact Lynn Knothe () for more information.
For the racing calendars for the road and off-road series, please go to https://mausatf.org/grad-prix-events/ and https://mausatf.org/off-road-events/.
Holiday Social – The annual PCVRC holiday party on Wednesday December 13 at Klondike Kate’s on Main Street in Newark, DE was highly attended. Members and their families enjoyed food and drink, while socializing and a few lucky folks won a raffle prize. Many members also used the opportunity to renew annual membership dues for 2024, which are just $25 for the year.
Annual meeting – The PCVRC annual meeting is scheduled for March 14 from 6:00-9:00pm at Timothy’s in Newark. RSVP on Facebook or . In addition to the usual food, drink and socialization, club members will elect officers for the upcoming year and recognize the past year’s outstanding achievements with various awards, including runner of the year. This is also your opportunity to shape the future of the club, help our club become more beneficial and enjoyable to current and prospective members with group runs, socials and other activities. Board meetings are typically every other month. You’ll have plenty of support and get to help with the future direction the club. Email to nominate a club member for an award or if you would consider becoming a board member.
Boston Sendoff – All members are welcome on Sunday April 7 to join the PCVRC for a run and brunch at the Delaware Running Company on Kennett Pike in Greenville, DE to wish our Boston Marathon participants good luck. You don’t need to be running the Boston Marathon to participate in this fun social event. Run starts around 8:30am, but you can adjust your start time depending on how many miles you want to run and at what and pace. Brunch starts at 10am. See details
Check PCVRC the website for updates on day and location on the PCVRC website on these and other upcoming events: PCVRC Events Calendar
Group runs continue at their usual places and times and a great way to interact with your fellow runners while working out. Click here for details
Sundays 8:00 am – meet in the parking lot behind Brew HaHa! in the Main Street Galleria, 45 East Main St., Newark (free parking); run in White Creek Park and back anywhere from 1-14 miles or more round trip. Anyone is welcome to have coffee and breakfast afterwards at Brew HaHa!
Thursdays 6:00 pm – meet at start/finish of Delcastle Rec Area; Run 1 or more laps of the 1.75 mile loop.
Tuesday evening track workouts: Workouts start at 6:00pm at St. Mark’s High School. Participants can warm up off beforehand outside of the track. Please check the PCVRC website weekly for any updates.
Saturday Trail Runs at Brandywine Creek State Park 7:30am. Meet at the trailhead at the end of Garden of Eden Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. Anyone is welcome to join, runs are typically 8-9 miles, but can accommodate anywhere between 5-12 miles. For more info check out the FB page HERE
It had been so long, we forget that it does snow and get cold in the Mid-Atlantic region. For those who want to continue training when the snow and ice persist for several days, there are precautions that can be taken to help you make the most of your runs in the snow. A few articles describing considerations and how to dress for the snow are HERE, HERE, HERE.
The 41st annual DDC will be held on October 20. This is the seminal race supporting your Pike Creek Valley Running Club as well as a local charity sponsor so please support the race by running and/or volunteering to help with registration, handing out food and water and keeping runners on the course and safe. Course is flat and fast with many top runners in the region participating, including a number of other USATF clubs.
For details on the race and more pictures, go to the DDC website at ddc15k.org.
Please contact us with any questions.
President and Webmaster: Ray Christensen
Vice President; OPEN
Secretary and Social Media: Alison McCann
Treasurer: Andrea Riley
Membership coordinator: Cindy Alms
Sponsor coordinator: Dwight Swaney
Events coordinator: Mike Janis
USATF Team coordinator: Lynn Knothe
C25K coordinator: Caitlin Reilly
DDC Race Director: Alison McCann
Download as PDF
As the darkness and cold starts to descend on folks running into the late fall, we can look back on the year’s accomplishments, successes and learnings. For some, there may be a race or two left on the 2023 schedule, while others are taking it easy and preparing the holiday push, including the PCVRC Holiday Party on December 13! Check out our website and Facebook page to see what’s happening. PCVRC is a social club and very supportive of all our member’s running goals. Most importantly, we have a great time running and welcome runners and walkers of all backgrounds regardless of race, nationality, religion, sexual or gender identity and of all levels of ability from beginner walkers to the highly competitive road racer to marathoners.
The 40th annual DDC held on October 8 was a big success with wonderful running weather for the 190 finishers in the 15K and 63 finishers in the 5K. The DDC benefitted our charity partner, Athletes Serving Athletes (Athletes Serving Athletes (asa.run), the Delaware Nature Society and the Pike Creek Valley Running Club. Paul Matuszak was the overall winner of the 15k with a speedy time of 47:52, while Veronica Eder was the top female finisher again this year at 55:06. Top masters winners were John Becker (51:26) and Allison Emmons (58:25). In the 5K, Sean Coleman and Sienna Sylves won overall male and female categories with times of 18:06 and 23:32, respectively.
We are especially grateful to our sponsors who help support the race and club with cash and item donations as well as the dozens of volunteers who took time out of their Saturday morning to help with parking, registration, handing out food and water and keeping runners on the course and safe. Alison McCann, DDC race director, with help from PCVRC board members, and the dozens of volunteers, put on an exceptional event. Course was flat, dry, fast and cool with many of the top runners in the region participating, including a number of other USATF clubs. Thanks to all who ran or volunteered (and those who did both)!
For details on the race and more pictures, go to the DDC website at ddc15k.org.
Please visit https://pcvrc.com/renew-membership/ to renew for 2024. $26 online (or $25 by mailed check) includes all family members at your address. Club membership includes free T-shirt for new members, race discounts, weekly group runs, track workouts with Coach Fischer, fun runs, Club social events including Holiday Party, Spring Social, Delaware Distance Classic (our signature event), 20% discount at New Balance Stores in Brandywine and Christiana, 10% discount at Delaware Running Company, eligibility to participate as a member of our team in USATF events and more!
Focus Multisports – https://www.focusmultisports.com/ 10% off all races with code PCVRC23
StretchPlex is offering a 10% discount off any service at StretchPlex using the code: PCVRC10. StretchPlex provides one on one wellness services that includes assisted stretching, massage therapy, personal training and compression therapy.
Running coach – Alison McCann is part of Speed Sherpa Nation as a run coach and is taking on new clients.- https://www.speedsherpa.com/coaches or https://www.trainingpeaks.com/coach/alisonmccann.
Delaware Running Company – all PCVRC members get 10% off anything in store EXCEPT electronics.
Zealios – 25% off all Zealios products with code ZupPIKECREEK and can be used at https://teamzealios.com/collections and at any event where Zealios is vending.
LEVERMovement – https://levermovement.com/ Use code PikeCreekRC20 to get 20%.
The popular Couch to 5K program will return in the spring. Caitlin Reilly has generously volunteered to coordinate the program will assistance from other club members. This is a great community service of motivating new runners! The Couch to 5K program is approximately 10 weeks and will meet at Delcastle Park in conjunction with our Thursday 6:00pm group runs. The program is free and culminates with participating in a goal 5K race at the end of the program.
Check the PCVRC website for updates and details on the next session HERE.
The fall season of the Mid-Atlantic USATF Grand Prix and Off-Road series has been in full swing. The club is currently in second place in both series, with the final races in the Grand Prix yet to be tabulated and the final race in the Off-Road scheduled for the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Many of our club members are in position to win awards for placing in the top 10 overall and/or their age group based on participation throughout the year.
Our own Delaware Distance Classic is included in the Mid-Atlantic Grand Prix.
Among the many members of the club who ran, outstanding performances were turned in by JR Creekmore and Liz Swierzbinski, both placing 2nd overall, and Allison Emmons and Sarah Rusk as 1st and 3rd female masters. Additionally, Anthony Swierzbinski, Mark Hannagan, Pete LoBianco, and Mike Janis placed in the top 3 in their respective 10-year age groups.
Our new course and great weather resulted in 4 new state age group records by JR Creekmore, Liz Swierzbinski, Allison Emmons, and Rob Mason!
The first Sunday in November means 2 things to our Grand Prix racers: an extra hour of sleep and the Cooper Norcross Ben Franklin Bridge 10k! This year the race had uncharacteristically perfect conditions with hardly any breeze crossing the Ben Franklin. The ladies led the way with Liz Swierzbinksi placing as 5th female overall and adding another state age group record to her resume and Allison Emmons placing as the second female master. JR Creekmore and Mark Hannagan placed 1st and 2nd in the 30-34 age group; Dave Wiechecki and Greg Cauller placed 2nd and 3rd in the 60-64 age group; and Betty Olmstead was 3rd in the 75-79 age group.
The first weekend in October was busy for some of our USATF racers. Many ran the day prior to DDC at the Camp Innabah Fall Classic 5 miler. The skies opened up to a torrential downpour for the first 5 minutes of the race, leading to slippery conditions on the course. Pete LoBianco led the as the overall winner! He was followed by Dave Wiechecki and Greg Cauller as 1st and 3rd in 60- 69 and Andrea Rubinoff in 2nd in 60-69. Once everyone dried off, a hearty breakfast of pancakes and bacon was enjoyed by all!
The final scored race so far in the Off-Road series is the Evansburg 8.3 mile. Pete LoBianco led the way as 2nd overall/first master. John Costello, Dave Wiechecki, and Greg Cauller placed 1st, 3rd, and 4th in 60-67, and Andrea Rubinoff was 1st in 68 and over. The shortened course led to PRs for all participants!
The USATF National Cross Country Championships return to Pole Green Park in Richmond, VA on January 20, 2024. PCVRC is hoping to put together a few teams again to compete in the championship. Our women’s 40+ team brought home national medals last year, and we are hoping to have more teams compete this year. In order to register, you must have a current (for 2024) USATF membership. More information can be found at https://www.collegiaterunning.org/usatf-xc-announcement and https://www.usatf.org/events/2024/2024-usatf-cross-country-championships.
Our racing team wants you! Any club member who joins USATF can participate and represent the club. The cost to join USATF is $55. USATF members can enjoy discounts on series races and win end of year awards. Members of the club who are members of USATF and compete in 4 races total among both series will receive a complimentary membership to PCVRC for the following year. Please contact Lynn Knothe () for more information.
For the racing calendars for the road and off-road series, please go to https://mausatf.org/grad-prix-events/ and https://mausatf.org/off-road-events/.
Holiday Social – The annual PCVRC holiday party is scheduled for Wednesday December 13 from 6:00-9:00pm at Klondike Kate’s on Main Street in Newark, DE. There will be food and cash bar with raffles and giveaways. Always a good time, this is an excellent opportunity to catch up with friends and reminisce from the past year. This is also the time the renew annual membership dues for 2024 for just $25.
Check PCVRC the website for updates on day and location on the PCVRC website on these and other upcoming events: PCVRC Events Calendar
Group runs continue at their usual places and times and a great way to interact with your fellow runners while working out. Click here for details.
Sundays 8:00 am – meet in the parking lot behind Brew HaHa! in the Main Street Galleria, 45 East Main St., Newark (free parking); run in White Creek Park and back anywhere from 1-14 miles or more round trip. Anyone is welcome to have coffee and breakfast afterwards at Brew HaHa!
Thursdays 6:00 pm – meet at start/finish of Delcastle Rec Area; Run 1 or more laps of the 1.75 mile loop.
Tuesday evening track workouts: Workouts start at 6:00pm at St. Mark’s High School. Participants can warm up off beforehand outside of the track. Please check the PCVRC website weekly for any updates.
Saturday Trail Runs at Brandywine Creek State Park 7:30am. Meet at the trailhead at the end of Garden of Eden Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. Anyone is welcome to join, runs are typically 8-9 miles, but can accommodate anywhere between 5-12 miles. For more info check out the FB page.
For most of us, running in the winter is a necessity, which mean miles in the cold and dark as routine training on the treadmill is a nonstarter. There are ways to make the winter months manageable and even enjoyable, a described HERE and HERE. For those with spring races on the schedule, a couple articles providing advice on training during the winter season are HERE and HERE.
Please contact us with any questions HERE
President and Webmaster: Ray Christensen
Vice President; Anthony Swierzbinski
Secretary and Social Media: Alison McCann
Treasurer: Andrea Riley
Membership coordinator: Cindy Alms
Sponsor coordinator: Dwight Swaney
Events coordinator: Mike Janis
USATF Team coordinator: Lynn Knothe
C25K coordinator: Caitlin Reilly
DDC Race Director: Alison McCann
Check out our wonderful sponsors – click on logos at left for more info.
Where has the summer gone? Folks in the northeast have been fortunate to avoid the worst of the perpetual “heat dome” although the humidity has still persisted. Certainly not enough to discourage Club members from participating in group runs, social events and races throughout the region. Check out our website and Facebook page to see what’s happening. PCVRC is a social club and very supportive of all our member’s running goals. Most importantly, we have a great time running and welcome runners and walkers of all backgrounds regardless of race, nationality, religion, sexual or gender identity and of all levels of ability from beginner walkers to the highly competitive road racer to marathoners.
The 40th annual DDC is on Sunday October 8 at 10am. The race starts at the Riverfront and goes along the scenic Markell Trail again this year, but with a more convenient start/finish location at Hare Pavilion behind Constitution Yards. Registration is open with discounts for early registration. This is the main event and primary fundraiser for PCVRC, which also benefits our charity partner, Athletes Serving Athletes (Athletes Serving Athletes (asa.run). Please support your club by registering, volunteering or both! Volunteers are needed for 2-3 hours on race day to help give out food and water to runners, direct runners on the course and assist at the start/finish line. To volunteer, please email Adam at: .
For details on the race, go to the DDC website at ddc15k.org.
Please visit https://pcvrc.com/join-our-running-club/ to join online or mail check for only $15 for the remainder of 2023 for the entire family. New members who sign up after October 8 pay $25 for the remainder of 2023 and all of 2024. Club membership includes free T-shirt for new members, race discounts, weekly group runs, track workouts with Coach Fischer, fun runs, Club social events including Holiday Party, Spring Social, Delaware Distance Classic (our signature event), 20% discount at New Balance Stores in Brandywine and Christiana, 10% discount at Delaware Running Company, eligibility to participate as a member of our team in USATF events and more!
Focus Multisports – https://www.focusmultisports.com/ 10% off all races with code PCVRC23
StretchPlex is offering a 10% discount off any service at StretchPlex (pptandfitness.com) using the code: PCVRC10. StretchPlex provides one on one wellness services that includes assisted stretching, massage therapy, personal training and compression therapy.
Running coach – Alison McCann is part of Speed Sherpa Nation as a run coach and is taking on new clients.- https://www.speedsherpa.com/coaches or https://www.trainingpeaks.com/coach/alisonmccann.
Zealios – 25% off all Zealios products with code ZupPIKECREEK and can be used at https://teamzealios.com/collections and at any event where Zealios is vending.
Running Warehouse – www.runningwarehouse.com 10% off with code PIKECV23RC.
The popular Couch to 5K program will return in the spring. Caitlin Reilly has generously volunteered to coordinate the program will assistance from other club members. This is a great community service of motivating new runners! The Couch to 5K program is approximately 10 weeks and will meet at Delcastle Park in conjunction with our Thursday 6:00pm group runs. The program is free and culminates with participating in a goal 5K race at the end of the program.
Check the PCVRC website for updates and details on the next session HERE.
The Mid-Atlantic USATF road series picked back up on Sunday, September 10, after taking a break for the summer, Pike Creek runners were at the front of the pack during the rainy, hilly 5k course at the Main Line 5k in Wayne, PA. JR Creekmore and Liz Swierzbinski paced the club by winning the overall male and female awards. Additionally, Rob Mason placed 1st 60-69, Anthony Swierzbinski placed 2nd 30-39, Mike DiGennaro placed 2nd 40-49, and Greg Cauller placed 2nd 60-69. As of the last standings, PCVRC sits in 4th place in the road standings, although this will change as only six of the thirteen races in the series have been scored, a club’s top eight scores from the series are used to calculate final standings.
Since trail races are in the woods, the Off-Road series has been in full swing all summer! The trail squad competed in 3 events in June, July, and August. At the Run for the Ages at Nolde Forest in Reading, there is a handicapped start based on age and sex, anyone can win! Pete LoBianco led the way, crossing the line 12th overall, placing second in 40-44. Jean Western finished 1st in 60- 64, and Bill Rose finished 2nd in 60-64. The Triple Trouble 15k/30k/50k race offers 3 possible races, although only the 15k is scored in the series. All participants in the race are scored in the 15k, but may go on to run (much) further. Once again, Pete LoBianco led the way, placing 1st in 40-44. Laura Brenner finished as the second overall female, on her way to a second overall female placing in the 30k. Bill Rose and Greg Cauller placed 3rd and 4th in 60-69, while Betty Olmstead placed second in 70 and over. Trail races can frequently have an unusual distance, which was the case in the final trail race of the summer: the Chobot Challenge 13.25k. With such a strange distance, everyone set a PR! John Costello led the way, winning the 60-67 age group, followed closely by Greg Cauller, 2nd in 60-67. Jean Western and Andrea Rubinoff both won their age groups, to give PCVRC an outstanding day. With six scored races in the trail series, PCVRC is currently in first place!
Our racing team wants you! Any club member who joins USATF can participate and represent the club. The cost to join USATF is $55. USATF members can enjoy discounts on series races and win end of year awards. Members of the club who are members of USATF and compete in 4 races total among both series will receive a complimentary membership to PCVRC for the following year!
For the racing calendars for the road and off-road series, please go to https://mausatf.org/grad-prix-events/ and https://mausatf.org/off-road-events/.
Please contact Lynn Knothe () for more information.
Summer picnic at Bellevue State Park – The Club hosted the annual summer picnic on August 6 for approximately 40 members and their families at Bellevue State Park on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The Club provided food and drink and Club members brought a variety of delicious sides and desserts. A big thank you to Mike Janis for organizing the picnic and mastering the grill. Some folks stayed for the Malarkey Brothers (Irish/Celtic Music) concert as part of the summer series at Bellevue Park.
DDC course preview run – On August 12, Club members ran the scenic Delaware Distance Classic 15K course on a swelting morning starting at Hare Pavilion at the Wilmington Riverfront behind Constitution Yards on the Markell Trail. Besides getting a good workout in, the preview helped identify course markers and anticipated locations where volunteers will be needed.
Group run at Newark Reservoir – On August 26, more than 15 Club members gathered for a social run at the Newark Reservoir, running on the trails and paths in the park. Thanks to Ray and Dwight for organizing and providing drinks and snacks afterwards.
Check PCVRC the website for updates on day and location on the PCVRC website on these and other upcoming events: PCVRC Events Calendar
Group Trail Run this Saturday Sept 16 – Run with us for 3.5 miles (or more) on shaded trails at Elwood L. Crossan Park in Landenberg, PA (approx 10 miles west of Delcastle Park). Gather at 9am: See Events page at https://pcvrc.com for map and directions.
Water and snacks will be provided!
Group runs continue at their usual places and times and a great way to interact with your fellow runners while working out. Click here for details
Sundays 8:00 am – meet in the parking lot behind Brew HaHa! in the Main Street Galleria, 45 East Main St., Newark (free parking); run in White Creek Park and back anywhere from 1-14 miles or more round trip. Anyone is welcome to have coffee and breakfast afterwards at Brew HaHa!
Thursdays 6:00 pm – meet at start/finish of Delcastle Rec Area; Run 1 or more laps of the 1.75 mile loop.
Tuesday evening track workouts (UPDATE): Workouts start at 6:00pm at St. Mark’s High School. Participants can warm up off beforehand outside of the track. Please check the PCVRC website weekly for any updates.
Saturday Trail Runs at Brandywine Creek State Park 7:30am. Meet at the trailhead at the end of Garden of Eden Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. Anyone is welcome to join, runs are typically 8-9 miles, but can accommodate anywhere between 5-12 miles. For more info check out the FB page.
Dealing with leg cramps during a race can be frustrating and uncomfortable, affecting your performance and running enjoyment. Two good articles on preventing and managing leg cramps that also contain other helpful links to help you during training and on race day can be found HERE and HERE.
Please contact us with any questions.
President and Webmaster: Ray Christensen
Vice President; Anthony Swierzbinski
Secretary and Social Media: Alison McCann
Treasurer: Andrea Riley
Membership coordinator: Cindy Alms
Sponsor coordinator: Dwight Swaney
Events coordinator: Mike Janis
USATF Team coordinator: Lynn Knothe
C25K coordinator: Caitlin Reilly
DDC Race Director: Alison McCann
With the dry stretch and relatively moderate temperatures, there were many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, whether running, walking or hiking. Club members have been participating in races near and far, including our recent Couch to 5K graduates! Thursday and Sunday runs continue as always as well as Tuesday track workouts with Coach Fischer. Check out our website and Facebook page to see what’s happening. PCVRC is a social club and very supportive of all our member’s running goals. Most importantly, we have a great time running and welcome runners and walkers of all backgrounds regardless of race, nationality, religion, sexual or gender identity and of all levels of ability from beginner walkers to the highly competitive road racer to marathoners.
Please visit https://pcvrc.com/join-our-running-club/ to join online or mail check for only $15 for the remainder of 2023 for the entire family. Club membership includes free T-shirt for new members, race discounts, weekly group runs, track workouts with Coach Fischer, fun runs, Club social events including Holiday Party, Spring Social, Delaware Distance Classic (our signature event), 20% discount at New Balance Stores in Brandywine and Christiana, 10% discount at Delaware Running Company, eligibility to participate as a member of our team in USATF events and more!
Focus Multisports – https://www.focusmultisports.com/ 10% off all races with code PCVRC23
StretchPlex is offering a 10% discount off any service at StretchPlex (pptandfitness.com) using the code: PCVRC10. StretchPlex provides one on one wellness services that includes assisted stretching, massage therapy, personal training and compression therapy.
Running coach – Alison McCann is part of Speed Sherpa Nation as a run coach and is taking on new clients.- https://www.speedsherpa.com/coaches or https://www.trainingpeaks.com/coach/alisonmccann.
Zealios – 25% off all Zealios products with code ZupPIKECREEK and can be used at https://teamzealios.com/collections and at any event where Zealios is vending.
Running Warehouse – www.runningwarehouse.com 10% off with code PIKECV23RC.
Delaware Distance Classic 15k/5k – Until June 30, the race on Sunday October 8 is offering 10% off registration by using the code DDC2023. Race information is at ddc15k.org
Lee and Michelle Dresser hosted the spring session of the Couch to 5K program, which met at Paper Mill Park on Wednesdays at 6:00pm at Paper Mill Park. The program was free and culminated with participants “graduating” at the Freedom from Seizures 5K at Glasgow Park on June 3 race. A big congratulations to the 5 participants who completed the race (Molly McNulty, Diana Biankowski, Laura James, Ian Pierce and Geoff Germono). Thanks also to club members Paula Jermyn and Caitlin Reilly for assisting at several practices.
We thank Lee & Michelle for coordinating this program, but unfortunately they will be moving in October to Winston-Salem, NC – so we are seeking a new coordinator(s). If you’d consider helping or have ANY questions, contact Ray at to see how easy it can be to do this great community service of motivating new runners! Check out the PCVRC website for training schedules and details on the next session HERE.
The spring season in the Mid-Atlantic USATF Grand Prix has wrapped up. Currently the club is in 4th place, although we have already “dropped” a race by not fielding a complete team at the Valley Forge Rev Run. Scores are tabulated for the top eight scored races of eleven in the road series.
Pike Creek had several top performers in the Broad Street Run, Yardley Memorial Main Street Mile, and Scott Coffee Moorestown 8K. Special congratulations are in order for Robert Mason finishing 2nd in the 65-69 age group and setting a DE age group record for 10 miles and Brenda Hodge for also placing in the top 5 in 50-54. The ladies took some age group awards at the Yardley Memorial Main Street Mile with Liz Swierzbinski placing first in 30-39 and Angelina Spadaccini placing second in 20-29. Finally, the club cleaned up on Goodr sunglasses at the Scott Coffee Moorestown 8k with Liz Swierzbinski taking 3rd overall, Anthony Swierzbinski 1st in 35-39, Sarah Rusk 1st in 40-44, Greg Cauller 2nd in 60-64, and Rob Mason 1st in 65-69.
On the trails, Pike Creek is also currently in 3rd place in the standings, with one of our scores actually an incomplete team. In the trail series, the top 6 scores out of 9 races are used to compute the total score. Congratulations to Bill Rose for placing 3rd in 60-69 and Margaret Jordan for placing 2nd in 60-69 at the Tyler Arboretum 10k. Extra special congratulations go to Pete LoBianco for being the overall winner of the Coventry Woods 10k and John Costello for placing 1st in 60-69.
Our racing team wants you! Any club member who joins USATF can participate and represent the club. The cost to join USATF is $55. USATF members can enjoy discounts on series races and win end of year awards. Members of the club who are members of USATF and compete in 4 races total among both series will receive a complimentary membership to PCVRC for the following year!
For the racing calendars for the road and off-road series, please go to https://mausatf.org/grad-prix-events/ and https://mausatf.org/off-road-events/.
Please contact Lynn Knothe () for more information.
Boston Sendoff – On Sunday April 2, PCVRC members gathered at Delaware Running Company on Kennett Pike in Greenville, DE for a run and brunch to wish our Boston Marathon participants good luck. We had a nice turnout with excellent food, drink and celebration. Two weeks later, several members completed the Boston Marathon.
Summer picnic on August 6 at Bellevue State Park – The Club will be hosting the annual summer picnic under a pavilion at Bellevue State Park on Sunday August 6, starting at 3:00pm. The Club will provide food and drink for this fun and social event. There will be an online sign-up for those who would like to bring a side or dessert. Stay for the concert as part of the summer series at Bellevue Park, featuring the Malarkey Brothers (Irish/Celtic Music) at 6:30 PM.
Check PCVRC the website for updates on day and location on the PCVRC website on these and other upcoming events: PCVRC Events Calendar
Group runs continue at their usual places and times and a great way to interact with your fellow runners while working out. Click here for details
Sundays 8:00 am – meet in the parking lot behind Brew HaHa! in the Main Street Galleria, 45 East Main St., Newark (free parking); run in White Creek Park and back anywhere from 1-14 miles or more round trip. Anyone is welcome to have coffee and breakfast afterwards at Brew HaHa!
Thursdays 6:00 pm – meet at start/finish of Delcastle Rec Area; Run 1 or more laps of the 1.75 mile loop.
Tuesday evening track workouts (UPDATE): Workouts start at 6:00pm at St. Mark’s High School. Participants can warm up off beforehand outside of the track. Please check the PCVRC website weekly for any updates.
Saturday Trail Runs at Brandywine Creek State Park 7:30am. Meet at the trailhead at the end of Garden of Eden Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. Anyone is welcome to join, runs are typically 8-9 miles, but can accommodate anywhere between 5-12 miles. For more info check out the FB page HERE
The 40th annual DDC is scheduled for Sunday October 8 at the Riverfront in Wilmington again this year! NEW IMPROVED Start/Finish at the Hare Overlook Pavilion! Note new start time of 10:00am. Registration is now open. Use code DDC2023 to get 10% off registration until June 30. Please check the website for more information and race updates at ddc15k.org
PCVRC is partnering with Athletes Serving Athletes, whose mission is to elevate the quality of life for individuals with limited mobility by empowering them to train for and participate in mainstream running events. ASA are a champion of inclusion, connecting ASA Athletes to runners from the community through our Wingman Program, inspiring all to celebrate the spirit of “Together We Finish!” Through tremendous community support and investment, ASA provides. The Wingman Program is free of charge to the ASA Athletes and families we serve. We’re very interested in meeting more Wingmen and Athletes this year to continue growing our ASA New Castle County Team!
Link to information on becoming a Wingman: Wingman Info
Link on information for athletes: Athlete Info
For more information on this great organization: Athletes Serving Athletes (asa.run).
Have you heard of age-grading? It is a way to measure and compare running performances by adjusting for age, sex, and race distance. A calculation is carried out that takes the age and the sex of the runner into account and produces a single percentage value. This value can then be used to compare performances between males and females and between runners of different ages competing in different events. For more details, application and calculators, check out links HERE, HERE and HERE.
Please contact us with any questions.
President and Webmaster: Ray Christensen
Vice President: Anthony Swierzbinski
Secretary and Social Media: Alison McCann
Treasurer: Andrea Riley
Membership coordinator: Cindy Alms
Sponsor coordinator: Dwight Swaney
Events coordinator: Mike Janis
USATF Team coordinator: Lynn Knothe
C25K coordinator: New coordinator needed
DDC Race Director: Alison McCann
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