Welcome club members! It’s fall once again and with cooler temperatures comes the peak of race season. There are casual to competitive races happening in the region nearly every day of every weekend from now until Thanksgiving from 5Ks to marathons and beyond. The recently completed Delaware Distance Classic, the seminal club fundraiser, was a major success thanks to the many people who ran and volunteered. PCVRC is planning more 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.

Renew your Membership

Please visit https://pcvrc.com/join-our-running-club/ to renew online or mail check and continue enjoying club benefits for 2023. New members can join now through year end and receive benefits for the remainder of this year and all of next year. Only $25 per year for the entire family includes free T-shirt for new members, race discounts, discounted Delaware State Park Pass, 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, 20% discount at Tifosi Optics, eligibility to participate as a member of our team in USATF events and more!

Discount$ for Club Members!

Noxgear – 35% off with code PCVRC: www.noxgear.com

Tifosi – 20% off $30 or more with code PIKECREEKVALLEY: tifosioptics.com)

Picky Bars – www.pickybars.com PCVRC-TRIDAWGS-2021 30% one purchase or first month of Picky Club

Road ID – https://roadid.com/?rfsn=6937180.06edf1 20% off through June with code JX0QT0JVKXRD

Focus Multisports – https://www.focusmultisports.com/ 10% off all races with code PCRC22

StretchPlex is offering a 10% discount off any service at StretchPlex (https://stretchplexnow.com/) using the code: PCVRC10. StretchPlex provides one on one wellness services that includes assisted stretching, massage therapy, personal training and compression therapy. The mission of StretchPlex is to help people feel more flexible, have less pain, and move easier in their lives so they can do all the things they love doing!

Running coach – Alison McCann has joined 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-22. Code valid now through December 31, 2022 and can be used on www.teamzealios.com and at any event where Zealios is vending.

Delaware Distance Classic Recap

The 39th annual Delaware Distance Classic (DDC) held on October 8 was a big success with wonderful running weather for the 133 finishers in the 15K and 57 finishers in the 5K. The DDC benefitted the Nemours Fund for Children’s Health, the Delaware Nature Society and the Pike Creek Valley Running Club. Joe Maguire was the overall winner of the 15k with a blistering time of 48:04, while Veronica Eder was the top female finisher at 55:12. Top masters winners were Mike Digennaro (52:39) and Abby Dean (58:36). In the 5K, Ryan McSpadden and Leslie McSpadden won overall male and female times of 19:07 and 20:16, 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 Dirk Sweigart and several PCVRC board members, organized a phenomenal 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 helped or ran (and those who did both)! A special thank you to JD Batt Photography, Walter Boyle, Marjorie Adams and Ray Christensen for taking photos of the race.

Please check the DDC website for many more pictures and results at https://ddc15k.org/

PCVRC Racing Team Update

As the temperatures drop, fall racing heats up! The club is currently in the final stretch of both the Mid-Atlantic USATF road and off-road series. PCVRC currently sits in 2nd place in the road series! The standings are a little trickier in the off-road series; PCVRC opted to “drop” the first 2 races out of an abundance of caution, so we have been playing “catch-up” the entire series. We are sitting in 4th currently, but when accounting for only counting the top 6 scores of the series can possibly move into 2nd after the final races are scored!

There have been 2 trail races since the last update. On August 21, a small squad competed at the Triple Trouble (formerly Double Trouble) at rocky French Creek State Park. As he usually does on the trails, Pete LoBianco was our top finisher, placing 2nd in 40-49. Pete then continued on to be the overall winner of the 30K! Congratulations, Pete! Also taking home hardware for placing top 3 in age groups were: Dave Wiechecki (1st 60-69), Greg Cauller (2nd 60-69), and Carol Giampietro (3rd 60-69).

On October 1, a small crew competed at the Camp Innabah Fall Classic in the remnants of Hurricane Ian. Luckily for all race participants, there was a reprieve in the drenching rain for just long enough to complete the race, although everyone needed dry shoes and socks after! Dave Wiechecki and Tom Steenkamer placed 1st and 2nd in 60-69, while Andrea Rubinoff was 3rd in 60-69.

PCVRC fielded men’s and women’s teams for the Mid-Atlantic Master’s Cross Country Championship on August 27 at Belmont Plateau in Philadelphia. Both teams placed 2nd overall. Dave Wiechecki, Greg Cauller, Carol Driscoll, and Carol Giampietro all place in the 60-69 age groups. Other team members competing were: Tom Ellis, Brian Driscoll, Kwok-Ming Chen, Andrea Rubinoff, and Lynn Knothe.

We have had 3 road races since the last update, including our own DDC on October 8. The Main Line Run in Wayne on September 11 treated runners to a wet and cooler morning. Luckily, the heaviest rain held off until after the race was over. Liz Swierzbinski and Mike DiGennaro led the way, each placing second overall. Dave Wiechecki, Robert Mason, Greg Cauller, and Tom Ellis placed 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th in the 60-99 age group.

The following weekend, a partial team competed in warmer and more humid conditions at the Philadelphia Distance Run half marathon. Rob Mason led the way, winning his age group. Finally, on October 8, a large team participated in our own DDC. Once again, Liz Swierzbinski and Mike DiGennaro led the way, placing 2nd overall female and first male masters. Other award winners were: Sarah Rusk (3rd master), Anthony Swierzbinski (1st 35-39), Andrea Sikora (1st 50-54), Dave Wiechecki (1st 60-64), Mike Janis(2nd 50-54), Greg Cauller (3rd 60-64), and Jerry Herman (3rd 75+).

It’s not too late to join USATF! New memberships after November 1 will carryover for all of 2023. Upcoming Mid-Atlantic USATF races are the Cooper Norcross Ben Franklin Bridge 10K on November 6, the Philadelphia Half Marathon and Rothman 8K on November 19, the Philadelphia Marathon on November 20, and the Delaware Open XC championship on November 26.

A complete listing of Grand Prix events can be found at https://www.mausatf.com/grandprix-events/, the Off-Road events are at https://www.mausatf.com/off-road-events/.

William Farquhar named next dean of College of Health Sciences at University of Delaware

William B. Farquhar, long-time PCVRC member and faculty member in the University of Delaware College of Health Sciences (CHS), has been appointed the college’s next dean, which hosts 13 undergraduate majors, 12 minors and 29 graduate programs. It also includes seven academic units: Behavioral Health and Nutrition, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Epidemiology, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Medical and Molecular Sciences, the School of Nursing and Physical Therapy. In his new role, Bill will be charged to strengthen the college’s impact as a hub of interdisciplinary translational research, interprofessional education and public engagement dedicated to advancing human health.

Bill currently serves as professor of kinesiology and applied physiology and as dean of research in the college. He also chairs the University’s Institutional Review Board, a group of UD scientists and non-scientists as well as outside community members that reviews and approves any research involving human subjects, biospecimens or identifiable private information. “I am truly honored to take on this leadership position in the College of Health Sciences,” said Bill. “The health science educational, research, and clinical programs here at UD are among the best in the nation, attracting outstanding students while creating connective opportunities for impact among many community partners. I look forward to working closely with President Assanis, Provost Carlson, and other colleagues to advance the mission of the University.”

Social Activities

Summer picnic at Bellevue State Park

On August 21, the Club hosted its annual summer picnic at Bellevue State Park. Club members and their families enjoyed food, drink and fun under the pavilion. Folks hung around afterwards for the live concert afterwards with The Launch Band (Tribute to Boston, Styx & Queen).

DDC preview run

On September 25, the Club hosted a well-attended preview run of the Delaware Distance Classic race course at the Wilmington Riverfront. Attendees ran the course on the Markell Trail and then enjoy post-race refreshments and interact with club sponsors, Delaware Running Company, StretchFlex, Cheskin Chiropractic and Liquid Alchemy Beverages.

Holiday Social

The annual PCVRC holiday party is being planned for December at a location to be determined. 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 2022 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 every Sunday & Thursday and track workouts every Tuesday

Group runs continue at their usual places and times and a great way to interact with your fellow runners while working out.
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. Please check the PCVRC website weekly for any updates.

For Your Information

Recovery and rest are critical components to training and improving fitness. Articles on the basics or recovery are HERE and HERE as well as the pros and cons of cold (ice bath) and heat recovery are HERE and HERE.

Your PCVRC Board

Please contact us with any questions
President and Webmaster: Ray Christensen
Vice President and Social Media: Alison McCann
Secretary: Anthony Swierzbinski
Treasurer: Andrea Riley
Membership coordinator: Dirk Sweigart
Events coordinator: Mike Janis
USATF Team coordinator: Lynn Knothe
Sponsorship coordinator: Dwight Swaney
C25K coordinator: Lee Dresser
DDC Race Director: Alison McCann

Check out our wonderful sponsors – click on logos for more info

Welcome club members! Heat indices over 100F and you were still out there putting in the miles, competing in races and enjoying the summer, way to go! For some, dreams of fall races with cooler temps lie ahead. Whatever stage you are at, the club is here to support you whether on the road, trail or indoors. PCVRC hosted multiple events in the spring with more scheduled for the summer. 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 joggers to the highly competitive road racer to marathoners.

Membership benefits

Please visit https://pcvrc.com/join-our-running-club/ to renew online or mail check. Only $25 per year for the entire family includes free T-shirt for new members, race discounts, discounted Delaware State Park Pass, 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, 20% discount at Tifosi Optics, eligibility to participate as a member of our team in USATF events and more!

Discount$ for Club Members!

Noxgear – 35% off with code PCVRC: www.noxgear.com    

Tifosi – 20% off $30 or more with code PIKECREEKVALLEY: tifosioptics.com)

Picky Bars – www.pickybars.com PCVRC-TRIDAWGS-2021 30% one purchase or first month of Picky Club

Road ID – roadID.com 20% off through June with code JX0QT0JVKXRD

Focus Multisports – https://www.focusmultisports.com/ 10% off all races with code PCRC22

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.  The mission of StretchPlex is to help people feel more flexible, have less pain, and move easier in their lives so they can do all the things they love doing!

Running Coach – Check out our own PCVRC board member, Alison McCann’s new coaching gig – https://www.speedsherpa.com/coaches or https://www.trainingpeaks.com/coach/alisonmccann.  Alison McCann has joined Speed Sherpa Nation as a run coach and is taking on new clients.

Delaware Distance Classic is less than 2 months away Register to race or volunteer!

The 39th annual DDC is on Saturday October 8 at the Riverfront again this year! Registration is open with discounts for early registration. This is the main event and primary fundraiser for PCVRC, which also benefits our partner Nemours, so come out and support your club by registering, volunteering or both! Volunteers are needed for a couple 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.
Please check the website for more information and race updates at https://ddc15k.org/

PCVRC Racing Team Update

After five events in the Mid-Atlantic USATF Grand Prix road series, PCVRC continues to be in second place in team scoring. There have also been five events in the off-road series, where PCVRC is in fourth place in the team standings. The road series has 12 total events where a team’s best 8 events will count towards the total score; off-road series has 9 events where a team’s best 6 events score. The summer is relatively quiet in the USATF circuit, but the racing will heat up as the fall temperatures cool off.

A hearty group of thirteen racers participated in the always popular Moorestown Rotary Scott Coffee 8k on June 4. The team put up the highest score of all the clubs participating with Chuck Crabb, Tom Ellis, Greg Cauller, Carol Driscoll, and Elizabeth Swierzbinski leading the way. Additional runners who scored a pair of Goodr sunglasses for placing first or second in their respective age groups were Anthony Swierzbinski, Dave Wiechecki, and Sarah Rusk. Jerry Herman also scored a pair of glasses for being the oldest participant in the race. Congratulations to all!

The lone trail race was the Run for The Ages at Nolde Forest, a new addition to the trail series. This is truly a race that any runner has a chance to win; the start is based on age and gender, with the oldest runners getting a head start on the younger runners. Pike Creek runners were at the front of the field with Dave Wiechecki and Greg Cauller finishing first and second overall! Andrea Rubinoff and Lisa Jalot both also placed in their age groups.

In addition to the local USATF Grand Prix and trail series, there are numerous USATF national championships throughout the year in all disciplines. Greg Cauller, Pete LoBianco, and Lynn Knothe all decided to challenge themselves at this year’s mountain running championship at Whiteface Mountain. The course featured nearly 4000 feet of climbing and descent, over the distance of approximately 6.5 miles (see the crazy profile below)! Greg Cauller came away as National Champion in the 60-64 age group, Pete LoBianco was 3rd in the 40-44 age group. Nearly every participant commented the course was the hardest race they have ever run. One week later, Greg and Pete took on the USATF Vertical Mountain race at Loon Mountain. One would assume that the vertical race would be more challenging, but that would be wrong in this case. Loon still runs up a mountain, but “only” gains 3000 feet, over the course of 6.5 miles. Greg was able to place 3rd in 60-64 while still recovering from the Whiteface race.

The next event in the trail series is the 15k at the Triple Trouble in Elverson on August 21. The road series resumes on September 11 at the Main Line Run in Wayne. It’s not too late to join USATF and participate in the series for the club! By participating in a total of 4 series races, you will receive a complimentary membership to the club for the following year. Singlets are available to represent the club at USATF races and any other races! Please contact Lynn Knothe if you have any questions. A complete listing of Grand Prix events can be found at https://www.mausatf.com/grandprix-events/, the Off-Road events are at https://www.mausatf.com/off-road-events/.

Social Activities

Group Run at Carousel Park – On July 23, club members mixed it up with a fun run on a very hot day along the trails of Carousel Park. The group then met afterwards for lunch at Chuck Lager’s.

Summer picnic on August 21 at Bellevue State Park – The Club is hosting its annual summer picnic at Bellevue State Park on Sunday August 21, starting at 3:00pm. The event is FREE to all club members and their families. Club will provide food and drink for this fun and social event and has reserved a pavilion to relax and chat with friends. There will be a live concert afterwards starting at 6:30, The Launch Band (Tribute to Boston, Styx & Queen). For more information and to sign-up to bring a side or dessert, click HERE.

Check PCVRC the website for updates on these and other upcoming events: PCVRC Events Calendar

Group Runs continue every Sunday & Thursday and track workouts every Tuesday

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 8:00am – 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. Please check the PCVRC website weekly for any updates.

For Your Information

Faster! Stronger! For those looking to run faster, the title of this old, but highly relevant article HERE says it all. For more specific plans, there are immeasurable number articles, but a great starting point for longer distance runners of almost any level can be found HERE. What about strength training? Articles on how to get the most of out a session to help your runner are HERE and HERE.

Your PCVRC Board

Please contact us with any questions.
President and Webmaster: Ray Christensen
Vice President and Social Media: Alison McCann
Secretary: Anthony Swierzbinski
Treasurer: Andrea Riley
Membership coordinator: Dirk Sweigart
Events coordinator: Mike Janis
USATF Team coordinator: Lynn Knothe
Sponsorship coordinator: Dwight Swaney
C25K coordinator: Lee Dresser
DDC Race Director: Alison McCann

Check out our wonderful sponsors

Long days are here for all our club members to enjoy!  Many of you have been busy on the road and trails training and racing.  Whatever stage you are at, the club is here to support you whether on the road, trail or indoors.  PCVRC hosted multiple events in the spring with more scheduled for the summer.  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 joggers to the highly competitive road racer to marathoners.

Membership benefits

Please visit https://pcvrc.com/join-our-running-club/ to renew online or mail check.  Only $25 per year for the entire family includes free T-shirt for new members, race discounts, discounted Delaware State Park Pass, 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, 20% discount at Tifosi Optics, eligibility to participate as a member of our team in USATF events and more!

Discount$ for Club Members!

Noxgear – 35% off with code PCVRC: www.noxgear.com    

Tifosi – 20% off $30 or more with code PIKECREEKVALLEY: tifosioptics.com)

Picky Bars – www.pickybars.com PCVRC-TRIDAWGS-2021 30% one purchase or first month of Picky Club

Road ID – roadID.com 20% off through June with code JX0QT0JVKXRD

Focus Multisports – https://www.focusmultisports.com/ 10% off all races with code PCRC22

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.  The mission of StretchPlex is to help people feel more flexible, have less pain, and move easier in their lives so they can do all the things they love doing!

Running coach

Check out our own PCVRC board member, Alison McCann’s new coaching gig – https://www.speedsherpa.com/coaches or https://www.trainingpeaks.com/coach/alisonmccann.  Alison McCann has joined Speed Sherpa Nation as a run coach and is taking on new clients.

Couch to 5Kers Graduation!

Lee and Michelle Dresser hosted a fun and successful 10-week program on Wednesday evenings at Paper Mill Park.  The program is free and culminated with a graduation at the Freedom From Seizures 5K race on June 4.  Another session will start again in the near future. For those who want to give it try on their own, visit the PCVRC website for training schedule and updates HERE.

PCVRC Racing Team Update

After four events in the Mid-Atlantic USATF Grand Prix road series, PCVRC continues to be in second place in team scoring.  There have also been four events in the off-road series, where PCVRC is in fourth place in the team standings.  The road series has 12 total events where a team’s best 8 events will count towards the total score; the off-road series has 9 events where a team’s best 6 events will score. 

A small, but determined squad took on the hilly course of the Valley Forge Revolutionary run on April 24.  Outstanding efforts were turned in by Andrea Rubinoff (2^nd 65-69), Chuck Crabb (1^st 65-69), Pete LoBianco (2^nd 40-44), and the speedy 60-64 men of Greg Cauller (1^st), Dave Wiechecki (2^nd), Tom Steenkamer (3^rd), and Bill Rose (5^th).  The middle of the pack runners were treated to watching a pack of deer run right through the middle of the race course, although there is no photographic evidence of the deer!

The following weekend a larger contingent was greeted by absolutely perfect racing conditions at the Blue Cross Broad Street Run.  For many participants, this was the first year they experienced the new finish line.  It may have added a few more turns to the course, but there was no effect on times, as times were fast all around!  Multiple personal records were set on the fast course with excellent racing conditions.  Kaitlyn Kramer, Greg Cauller, Dave Wiechecki, Rob Mason, and Mike DiGennaro all placed top 5 in their respective age groups!

The final road race scored at this time was the Memorial Main Street Mile in Yardley, PA.  Once again, a small contingent sped down Main Street and then went on to enjoy some running along the Delaware Canal path.  Special congratulations are in order to Angelina Spadaccini (1^st 20-29), Mark Hannagan (2^nd 30-39), Chuck Crabb (2^nd 60-69), and Greg Cauller (3^rd 60-69) for all placing in their respective age groups.

The lone trail race was the Coventry Woods 10k.  All runners were thankful that most of the hilly and rocky course was in the woods as the conditions for the race were hot and humid.  Pete LoBianco led the way, placing 3^rd overall/first in age group.  Greg Cauller and Andrea Rubinoff also placed top 3 in their age groups.

The road series takes a break over the summer.  It will resume in September with the Main Line 5k in Wayne.  The next race in the trail series is the Run for the Ages 10k at Nolde Forest on June 26.  All members who join USATF and participate in a total of 4 races over the course of the year receive a complimentary PCVRC membership for the following year.  Singlets are available to represent the club at USATF races and any other races!  Please contact Lynn Knothe if you have any questions.  A complete listing of Grand Prix events can be found at https://www.mausatf.com/grandprix-events/, the Off-Road events are at https://www.mausatf.com/off-road-events/.  Members who compete in a minimum of 4 series races are eligible to receive a club singlet and will receive a complimentary club membership for the following year.

Photo credits to RunEgades and Walter Boyle

Social Activities

Boston Sendoff – On April 10, club members got in their Sunday runs from the Delaware Running Company in Greenville, DE and then enjoyed a fantastic brunch supplied by the club and hosted by the Delaware Running Company to wish our Boston Marathon participants good luck.

Spring social – The Club held a friendly and relaxing social event at Liquid Alchemy Beverages on May 21.  Approximately 20 members attended for good drinks and conversation. A special thank you to owners Jeff Cheskin and Terri Sorantino for hosting the event.

Summer picnic on August 21 at Bellevue State Park – The Club has reserved a pavilion at Bellevue State Park for Sunday August 21, 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. 

Check the website for updates on these and other upcoming events: PCVRC Events Calendar

Group Runs continue every Sunday & Thursday and track workouts every Tuesday

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 8:00am – 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 back to original time: Workouts will once again start at 6:00pm at St. Mark’s High School. Participants can warm up off beforehand.  Please check the PCVRC website weekly for any updates.

Running history made in Delaware

On Saturday, April 9, history was made at Tatnall School when two runners broke the storied 4 minute barrier for the first time on Delaware soil.  Tatnall graduate Sam Parsons ran 3:58:17 with Casey Comber close behind in 3:58:44.  Now only 6 states have not had a sub-4 minute mile run on its soil.

For Your Information

With summer on the way, a good yearly reminder of the biggest threat to runners performance and health. Heat. A couple articles on being smart when the temperature and humidity rise and how to prepare HERE and HERE.  Another peril of summer is getting caught in a surprise thunderstorm because your run was a little longer than expected (maybe you got lost) or forgot to check the weather beforehand.  For guidance if (when) this happens to you, click HERE.

Delaware Distance Classic set for October 8, 2022!

The 39^th annual DDC is locked in for Saturday October 8 at the Riverfront again this year! Registration is now open, with discounts for early registration.  Please check the website for more information and race updates at https://ddc15k.org/

Your PCVRC Board

Please contact us with any questions HERE
President and Webmaster: Ray Christensen
Vice President and Social Media: Alison McCann
Secretary: Anthony Swierzbinski
Treasurer: Andrea Riley
Membership coordinator: Dirk Sweigart
Events coordinator: Mike Janis
USATF Team coordinator: Lynn Knothe
Sponsorship coordinator: Dwight Swaney
C25K coordinator: Lee Dresser
DDC Race Director: Alison McCann

View Newsletter as PDF

Happy spring to all our club members and their families! Days are getting longer, weather is moderating and racing schedule is heating up. Whatever stage you are at, the club is here to support you whether on the road, trail or indoors. PCVRC has been busy hosting social events, participating in races throughout the Delaware Valley and planning for exciting spring events. Now is the time to take advantage of the all the club benefits and activities. 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 joggers to the highly competitive road racer to marathoners.

Membership Benefits

Please visit https://pcvrc.com/join-our-running-club/ to renew online or mail check. Only new members need to submit a member form. Only $25 per year for the entire family includes free T-shirt for new members, race discounts, discounted Delaware State Park Pass, 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, 20% discount at Tifosi Optics on all orders over $30, eligible to participate as a member of our team in USATF events and more!

More Discount$ for Club Members!

Noxgear – 35% off with code PCVRC: www.noxgear.com
Tifosi – 20% off $30 or more with code PIKECREEKVALLEY: tifosioptics.com
Picky Bars – www.pickybars.com PCVRC-TRIDAWGS-2021 30% one purchase or first month of Picky Club
Road ID – roadID.com 20% off through June with code JX0QT0JVKXRD
Focus Multisports – https://www.focusmultisports.com/ 10% off all races with code PCRC22
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. The mission of StretchPlex is to help people feel more flexible, have less pain, and move easier in their lives so they can do all the things they love doing!

Running coach – Check out our own PCVRC board member, Alison McCann’s new coaching gig – https://www.speedsherpa.com/coaches or https://www.trainingpeaks.com/coach/alisonmccann. Alison McCann has joined Speed Sherpa Nation as a run coach and is taking on new clients.

Couch to 5K is on and it’s never too late to join!

The first of ten weekly couch to 5K sessions started last Wednesday March 30. Lee and Michelle Dresser are again hosting this excellent program at Paper Mill Park on Wednesday’s at 6:00pm at Paper Mill Park. The program is free and culminates with a goal 5K race in June. Check out the PCVRC website for training schedule and updates HERE.

PCVRC Racing Team Update

The 2022 Mid-Atlantic USATF Grand Prix and Off-Road series are off to a running start. Pike Creek Valley Running Club currently sits in second place in the Grand Prix after one event. There have been 3 events in the Off-Road series to date, however PCVRC opted not to field teams for the first 2 events out of an abundance of caution. Results for the third event are not available at this time.

On February 19, seventeen club members braved the cold and windy conditions at the Fireside Frostbite 5 Mile in Ambler, PA. Kaitlyn Kramer and Elizabeth Swierzbinski turned in outstanding performances by finishing as 1st and 3rd females overall! Congratulations to Sarah Rusk, Alison McCann, Betty Olmstead, Anthony Swierzbinski, Pete LoBianco, Dave Wiechecki, Tom Steenkamer, and Chuck Crabb for placing top 3 in age groups at this competitive event!

A small crew took on the trails on April 2 at the Tyler Arboretum 10k trail run. Team scores are not yet tabulated. Special congratulations to Jeff Painter for placing second in 60-69 and Betty Olmstead for winning the 70-79 age group. Tom Steenkamer, Bill Rose, Andrea Rubinoff, and Lynn Knothe all traversed the hilly, muddy terrain. See pictures below of some of the club’s competitors in action.

The next race in the Grand Prix is the Valley Forge Revolutionary Run 5 Miler on April 24. Please note there is no race day registration as this event takes place on National Parks property. The next event in the Off-Road series is the Coventry Woods 10k on May 22. A complete listing of Grand Prix events can be found at https://www.mausatf.com/grandprix-events/, the Off-Road events are at https://www.mausatf.com/off-road-events/. Members who compete in a minimum of 4 series races are eligible to receive a club singlet and will receive a complimentary club membership for the following year.
Photo credits to Dave Crosset, Walter Boyle and Helene Horn

Social Activities

Boston Sendoff – All members are welcome on Sunday April 10 to wish our Boston Marathon participants good luck. You don’t need to be running the Boston Marathon to join the PCVRC for a run and brunch at the Delaware Running Company on Kennett Pike in Greenville, DE. Run starts 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.

Annual meeting – The PCVRC annual meeting was March 10 at Timothy’s in Newark. We are grateful for our elected officers volunteering their time for the upcoming year: President (Ray Christensen), Vice President (Alison McCann), Secretary (Anthony Swierzbinski) and Treasurer (Andrea Riley). Awards were given for runners of the year (Abby Dean and Allison Emmons), member of the year (Alison McCann), volunteers of the year (Lynn Knothe and Adam Shilling) and outstanding achievement (Mike Leva).

2021 Club Photos – see 100+ photos of members, races and events held in 2021. These are the photos displayed as a slideshow at our Annua Meeting: Slideshow Link

Group Runs continue every Sunday & Thursday and track workouts every Tuesday

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 8:00am – 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: Until end of May, track workouts will start 7:00pm St. Mark’s High School. Coach Fischer requests participants warm up off the track before 7:00pm and stay off the track, until the previous group’s practice is over. Workout will be completed by 8:00pm. Please check the PCVRC website weekly for any updates.

Quest for sub-4:00 mile in Delaware

On Saturday, April 9 at Tatnall School on the brand new track starting at 5:00pm, middle school, high school, open, and masters races will compete, then around 8:00pm, elite runners try to break the 4 minute barrier for the first time on Delaware soil.

For Your Information

April showers can deter some from heading out for a run, but there are several things you can do to make it manageable HERE. New to running or unfamiliar with the running lingo? This article defines some common phrases so you sound like a pro.

Delaware Distance Classic set for October 8, 2022!

The 39th annual DDC is locked in for Saturday October 8 at the Riverfront again this year! Registration is now open, with discounts for early registration. Please check the website for more information and race updates at https://ddc15k.org/
   

Your PCVRC Board needs you!

Please consider joining the board to 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 shape the club. For more details, click HERE.
President and Webmaster: Ray Christensen
Vice President and Social Media: Alison McCann
Secretary: Anthony Swierzbinski
Treasurer: Andrea Riley
Membership coordinator: Dirk Sweigart
Events coordinator: Mike Janis
USATF Team coordinator: Lynn Knothe
Sponsorship coordinator: Dwight Swaney
C25K coordinator: Lee Dresser
DDC Race Director: Alison McCann

View Newsletter as PDF

Happy New Year to all our club members and their families! We hope you were able to enjoy the holidays and share the time with family and friends in safe manner. Whatever stage you are at, the club is here to support you whether on the road, trail or indoors. PCVRC has been busy hosting social events and completed a very successful Delaware Distance Classic (DDC) after a one year hiatus! Donations were made to our charity partner and volunteer groups, Nemours Children’s Hospital (pictured below), Delaware Nature Society and Daughters of the British Empire.

We welcome you to take advantage of the all the club benefits and activities and hope to see you soon. 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 joggers to the highly competitive road racer to marathoners.

Membership benefits

Please visit https://pcvrc.com/join-our-running-club/ to renew online or mail check. Only new members need to submit a member form. Only $25 per year for the entire family includes free T-shirt for new members, race discounts, discounted Delaware State Park Pass, 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, 20% discount at Tifosi Optics on all orders over $30, eligible to participate as a member of our team in USATF events and more!

Discounted DE State Park Passes for 2022 Members

PCVRC has again arranged for discounted Annual Parking Passes to the Delaware State Parks for club members only. Delaware State Parks have received the Gold Medal Award as the top parks in the nation for the second time in 6 years. For details and to place your order CLICK HERE

More Discount$ for Club Members!

Noxgear – 35% off with code PCVRC: www.noxgear.com
Tifosi – 20% off $30 or more with code PIKECREEKVALLEY: tifosioptics.com)
Picky Bars – www.pickybars.com PCVRC-TRIDAWGS-2021 30% one purchase or first month of Picky Club
Road ID – roadID.com 20% off through June with code JX0QT0JVKXRD
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. The mission of StretchPlex is to help people feel more flexible, have less pain, and move easier in their lives so they can do all the things they love doing!

Couch to 5K is Back this Spring

Lee and Michelle Dresser are again hosting the spring Couch to 5K program at Paper Mill Park starting in April. The approximately 10-week program is free and culminates with a goal 5K race in June or July. Please bring a mask to wear before and after running and walking and stay 6 feet away from anyone not in your immediate family at all times. As demonstrated in past sessions, following these recommendations, we can run safely.

Check out the PCVRC website for updates HERE.

PCVRC Racing Team Update

The busy fall for the Mid-Atlantic USATF Grand Prix and Off-Road series finished up at the end of November with the Philadelphia Marathon weekend and the Delaware Open Cross Country Championship. PCVRC fielded strong teams for all of the events, finishing 3rd in the Grand Prix and 2nd in the Off-Road series. The 2022 series sees many of the races contested in the fall of 2021 returning to their regular spring dates for 2022. We also forgot to mention Sarah Rusk in the last newsletter, who set a state age group record at the Boston Marathon!

Club members turned in several outstanding performances at the Philadelphia Marathon weekend. In the Dietz and Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon Rob Mason set another state record in the process of winning the 65-69 age groups. Betty Olmstead placed 3rd in 75-79 and Anthony Swierzbinski placed 5th in 35-39. The club’s largest contingent of racers was in the Rothman 8k. Allison Emmons continued her outstanding year of racing by winning the master’s division. Mike DiGennaro and Greg Cauller placed 2nd in age group, Matthew Cutrona 3rd in age group, and Liz Swierzbinksi and Gerald Herman placed 4th in age group. At Sunday’s AACR Philadelphia Marathon, Abby Dean set another state age group record in the process of winning her age group.

On the Saturday after Thanksgiving a group of brave runners battled the cold and wind at the hilly Brandywine Creek State Park in the Delaware Open Cross Country Championship. A strong performance by the team vaulted us from 4th to 2nd in the series standings. Mike DiGennaro and Allison Emmons led the way by winning the masters divisions. Matthew Cutrona, Dave Wiechecki, and Lynn Knothe all placed in their respective age groups.

PCVRC has numerous runners who placed in the overall Grand Prix and won age groups in the 2021 series. Congratulations to Abby Dean (1st), Allison Emmons (2nd), Greg Cauller (6th), Robert Mason (8th), and Matthew Cutrona (9th) for placing top ten in the individual Grand Prix for 2021! Additionally, Angelina Spadaccini (1st), Allison Emmons (1st), Abby Dean (1st), Betty Olmstead (1st), Mark Hannagan (1st), Anthony Swierzbinski (1st), Greg Cauller (1st), Matthew Cutrona (2nd), Robert Mason (2nd), and Gerald Herman (2nd) placed top 3 in age groups for the series. Andrea Rubinoff and Lynn Knothe each placed second in age group in the Off-Road Series. Details are being finalized for an informal awards luncheon following the Fireside Frostbite 5 Miler in Ambler.

Now is a great time to join USATF and participate in the Grand Prix or Off-Road series! You can join USATF by going to https://www.usatf.org/ and selecting Pike Creek Valley Running Club as your club affiliation. A list of the Grand Prix races is https://www.mausatf.com/grandprix-events/ and the Off-Road races is https://www.mausatf.com/off-road-events/.

Social Activities

Holiday Social – The annual PCVRC holiday party was held on Wednesday December 15 at Klondike Kates on Main Street in Newark, DE. There was a great turnout of more than 60 members, who enjoyed food and drink along with fun raffles and giveaways. Members used the opportunity to catch up with friends and reminisce from the past year and many took the advantage of the time to renew annual membership for 2022.

Cupid’s Charity – Last year, several members of the PCVRC had a great time at this wonderful event to support Cupid’s Charity, a fantastic cause to find a cure for neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), a genetic disorder of the peripheral nervous system that causes tumors to grow on the nerves anywhere in the body at any time. Club members dressed their Valentine’s Day best for a short run and scavenger hunt in Wilmington and then relaxed with a drink afterwards at Maker’s Alley. We’re doing it again on Saturday, February 26th! The venue will be House of Laffs on Union Street in Wilmington. Click here to register and join the PCVRC Team! For details, click HERE.

Check the website for updates on these and other upcoming events: PCVRC Events Calendar

Group Runs continue every Sunday & Thursday and track workouts every Tuesday

Socially distanced 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 8:00am (NEW LOCATION!) – 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 evenings at 6:00 pm – track workouts with a Delaware Hall of Fame running coach, Jim Fischer, are at St. Marks High School.

For Your Information

With a couple more months of cold weather, these articles provide some helpful tips to consider HERE. For the days where running outside is not desirable or feasible, the tread(dread)mill is a viable option to get a good workout. For some tips to get the most out of it, click HERE
Save the Date! Delaware Distance Classic in 2022!

Your PCVRC Board needs you!

Please consider joining the board to 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 shape the club. For more details, click HERE.
President: Wes Stafford
Vice President: Adam Shilling
Secretary: Alison McCann
Treasurer: Andrea Riley
Membership coordinator: Open
Events coordinator: Mike Janis
USATF Team coordinator: Lynn Knothe
Sponsorship coordinator: Ray Christensen
Webmaster: Ray Christensen
C25K coordinator: Lee Dresser
DDC Race Director: Alison McCann
Social Media: Alison McCann

View Newsletter as PDF