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.

40th Delaware Distance Classic is October 8. Please Consider Running or Volunteering!

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.

New PCVRC members welcome anytime of the year

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!

Discount$ for Club Members!

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.

Couch to 5K will Return in Spring 2024

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.

PCVRC Racing Team updates

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.

Social Activities

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 every Sunday & Thursday, track workouts every Tuesday and Trail runs on Saturdays

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.

For Your Information

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.

Your PCVRC Board

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

Check out our wonderful sponsors – click on logos in sidebar

Download as PDF

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.

New members welcome to PCVRC anytime of the year

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!

Discount$ for Club Members!

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

Couch to 5K Spring Session Graduates

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.

PCVRC Racing Team is off to a great start in 2023

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.

Social Activities

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 every Sunday & Thursday, track workouts every Tuesday and Trail runs on Saturdays

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

40th Annual DDC on October 8, 2023 – new details

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 charity partner – Athletes Serving Athletes

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).

For Your Information

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.

Your PCVRC Board

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

Check out our wonderful sponsors – click here to see sponsors

Download as PDF

We are excited for spring and the upcoming running and social activities! The relative warm and quiet winter allowed for more outdoor training than most winters when some have to endure indoor activities and/or cut back on miles. Thursdays and Sundays runs continue as always as well as Tuesday track workouts with Coach Fischer. PCVRC had a great annual meeting and winter social and have upcoming 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.

PCVRC welcomes new charity partner, Athletes Serving Athletes

PCVRC is excited to partner 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! We would love for PCVRC members to come join us on a Thursday Group Run to learn more.
Link to information on becoming a Wingman: Wingman Info
Link on information for athletes: Athlete Info

In addition, we’d like to offer any PCVRC Member to join us for the ASA RunFest on Sat 4/22, our very own annual 5K. We plan to have >40 Athlete Teams in addition to our full field of runners, and always host a fun after party for the whole family. Any PCVRC member can build a team, use the link and coupon code “PCVRC” to join us for $15. https://asa.run/runfest/
For more information on this great organization: Athletes Serving Athletes (asa.run).

Renew your Membership for 2023

If you have done so already, don’t forget to renew your club membership for 2023. Please visit https://pcvrc.com/join-our-running-club/ to renew online or mail check for only $25 per year 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!

Discount$ for Club Members!

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.

Couch to 5K Spring Session Starts April 5

Lee and Michelle Dresser are again hosting this fun and excellent program at Paper Mill Park on Wednesdays at 6:00pm at Paper Mill Park. The first meeting is April 5th rain or shine. The program is free and culminates with a goal 5K race, targeted as the Freedom from Seizures 5K on June 3. Check out the PCVRC website for training schedule and updates HERE.

PCVRC Racing Team Had A fantastic 2022 Season and is off to great start in 2023!

The busy fall racing season for the USATF Grand Prix and Off-Road Series concluded in November with PCVRC finishing second in both series. The 2023 series races have been finalized and may be found at https://mausatf.org/grad-prix-events/ and https://mausatf.org/off-road-events/. Please note the Broad Street Run is a week earlier than usual this year (April 30, 2023).

The 2023 Mid-Atlantic Grand Prix and off-Road series are both off and running! The Grand Prix kicked off on February 18 with the Fireside FrostBite 5 Miler in Amber, PA at Wissahickon High School. Racers were greeted with seasonable conditions after a chilly start. Mug winners included Rob Mason (1st 65-69), John Brown (2nd 65-69), Jeff Painter (1st 60-64), Dave Wiechecki (2nd 60-64), Greg Cauller (3rd 60-64), Brenda Hodge (3rd 50-54), and Liz Swierzbinski (1st 35-39). Extra congratulations are in order for Rob Mason for breaking Hall of Famer Bob Taggart’s state age group record, not an easy feat on the rolling hills of the course.

The good weather continued for the fastest 5k in the region on March 18 at the Haddonfield Adrenaline 5k. Times were extra fast as this race finally returned after a long Covid pause. Leading the way was Brenda Hodge (3rd in 50+), Kurt Sokol (1st 45-49), Angelina Spadaccini (2nd 25-29), Anthony Swierzbinski (3rd 35-39), Rob Mason (2nd 65-69), and Bill Farquahar (2nd 55-59).

The weather was dreadful for the lone trail race so far, the Looney Leprechaun at Tyler State Park on March 11. The team arrived to snow falling, which soon turned to a cold rain that lasted for approximately half of the race. In addition to a new, more challenging course, there was plenty of mud! Outstanding performances were turned in by Griffen Ridler (1st 0-19/2nd overall), Pete LoBiano (1st 40-49/1st master), Greg Cauller (2nd 60-69), Bill Rose (3rd 60-69), and Andrea Rubinoff 3rd (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!
Please contact Lynn Knothe () for more information.

Social Activities

Annual meeting and winter social – The PCVRC annual meeting and winter social was March 8 at Timothy’s in Newark. There was an excellent turnout for food, drink and awards. 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). Conor Joyce, from our new charity partner, Athletes Serving Athletes, also introduced members to this excellent organization. Awards were given for runner of the year (Liz Swierzbinski), member of the year (Dwight Swaney), USATF Runner of the Year (Andrea Rubinoff) volunteers of the year (Lee and Michelle Dresser) and rookie of the year (Bill Rose). In addition, Betty Olmstead was inducted into the PCVRC Hall of Fame. Check out their amazing accomplishments at the following link: 2022 Club Award Winners (pcvrc.com)

Boston Sendoff – All members are welcome on Sunday April 2 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.

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

DDC is celebrating its 40th year on October 8, 2023 – discount for early registration

The 40th annual DDC is now locked in for Sunday October 8 at the Riverfront again this year! Registration is now open. Please check the website for more information and race updates at ddc15k.org

Group Runs continue every Sunday & Thursday, track workouts every Tuesday and Trail runs on Saturdays

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): Note that workouts start at 6:30pm 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.

NEW! 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

For Your Information

With the racing schedule picking up with the warmer temperatures, having the right shoes for training and racing are critical for performance and comfort. A few details articles to help select the right shoes based on your running style, gait and personal preferences are HERE, HERE and HERE.

Your PCVRC Board

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: Lee Dresser
DDC Race Director: Alison McCann

Check out our wonderful sponsors!

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.

Renew your Membership for 2023

If you have done so already, don’t forget to renew your club membership for 2023.  Please visit https://pcvrc.com/join-our-running-club/ to renew online or mail check for only $25 per year 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!

Discount$ for Club Members!

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.

PCVRC Racing Team Had A fantastic 2022 Season and is off to great start in 2023!

The busy fall racing season for the USATF Grand Prix and Off-Road Series concluded in November with PCVRC finishing second in both series. The 2023 series races have been finalized and may be found at https://mausatf.org/grad-prix-events/ and https://mausatf.org/off-road-events/ and our Events Calendar. Please note the Broad Street Run is a week earlier than usual this year (April 30, 2023).

On October 23, PCVRC put up the highest team score at the Evansburg 10 mile. This effort solidified the club’s position in second place in the series. Pete LoBianco led the way, placing second overall. Additionally, Dave Wiechecki, Greg Cauller, Bill Rose, Lisa Jalot, and Andrea Rubinoff all received age group awards. November 6 was an unusually warm and muggy day for racing, but it didn’t slow PCVRC down running over the Ben Franklin Bridge and around Camden, NJ at the Cooper Norcross Run the Bridge. Liz Swierzbinski finished 3rd overall and narrowly missed setting a state age group record. Mike DiGennaro and Sarah Rusk each won the 40-44 age groups; Dave Wiechecki, Greg Cauller, and Jeff Painter swept the men’s 60-64 age group, and Rob Mason won the 65-69 age group. Post-race, the team enjoyed hanging out in the dugout of the Rutgers Camden ball park.

The weekend of November 19 and 20 brought more typical fall racing weather for the Rothman 8K, Dietz and Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon, and AACR Philadelphia Marathon. Outstanding performances were turned in by Liz Swierzbinski (1st 35-39, 8K), Dave Wiechecki (1st 60-64, 8K), Greg Cauller (2nd 60-64, 8K), Tom Steenkamer (4th 60-64, 8K), Rob Mason (1st 65-69, 8K), Keith Crispin (5th 55-59, 8K), Carol Giampietro (4th 60-64, 8K), Jeff Painter (2nd 60-64, half), and Diane Kukich (3rd 70-74, marathon). Mark Hannagan, Anthony Swierzbinksi, and Sean Gilligan also turned in strong performances in the marathon.

The final event in the Off-Road series is always the Saturday after Thanksgiving at nearby Brandywine Creek State Park. PCVRC used home course advantage to seal up second place in the series with strong performances by Mike Brown, Greg Cauller, John Costello, Keith Crispin, Tom Ellis, Carol Giampietro, Lynn Knothe, Rob Mason, Bill Rose, and Tom Steenkamer.

In addition to the club placing second overall in the team competitions, numerous members will be honored for their participation in the series this year. Liz Swierzbinski (4th), Rob Mason (5th), Greg Cauller (6th), and Dave Wiechecki (8th) will all receive top ten awards for 2022. Members who will receive awards for top 3 in age groups are: Liz Swierzbinski (1st, 30-34), Sarah Rusk (2nd, 40-44), Betty Olmstead (1st 75-79), Anthony Swierzbinski (2nd 35-39), Mike DiGennaro (2nd 40-44), Greg Cauller (1st 60-64), Dave Wiechecki (2nd 60-64), Rob Mason (1st 65-69), Chuck Crabb (2nd 65-69), and Jerry Herman (2nd 75-79). In the Off-Road series, Pete LoBianco, Greg Cauller, and Dave Wiechecki all placed top 3 in the series. An informal awards ceremony will be held after the Frostbite 5 Mile in Ambler, PA on February 18, 2023.

Eleven members of PCVRC travelled to Richmond, VA to compete in the USATF National Cross Country Championship at Pole Green Park. The course consisted of a flat 2k grassy loop that women completed 3 times and men completed 4 times. Strong performances were turned in by Brenda Hodge, Sarah Rusk, Dave Wiechecki, Pete LoBianco, Greg Cauller, Bill Rose, Mike Brown, Dave Long, Keith Crispin, John Costello, and Lynn Knothe. The women’s team of Sarah Rusk, Brenda Hodge, and Lynn Knothe placed 2nd in the women’s 40-49 field. This is the third team award PCVRC has received at a national championship, the men’s 50-59 team placed 3rd at the Master’s 5k cross country championship at Flemington in 2013 and the women’s 60-69 team placed 3rd at Club Nationals at Lehigh in 2019.

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, win end of year awards, and are guaranteed entry to the Broad Street Run! 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.

Social Activities

Holiday Social – The annual PCVRC holiday party was held on December 14 at Klondike Kates in Newark, DE with over 50 club attendees.  There was a great selection of food and many excellent raffle prizes thanks to our supportive sponsors and local establishments (click on links for more info: Omega Project, Hockessin Athletic Club, Great Big Jerk, Delaware Running Company, Rooted, StretchPlex, Andrea Ladany Riley, Little Goat Coffee, The Peach Blossom Eatery).  Club members took the opportunity to catch up with friends and recap all the achievements from the past year.  Many members also renewed their annual membership dues for 2023. For more holiday photos, click HERE

Cupid’s Fun Run – Join the team on Saturday, February 25^th for CUPID’S UNDIE RUN at DECO on Market Street in Wilmington. We’re is committed to finding a cure for NF!  Every February, thousands of undie runners in cities all across the U.S. come together, whether it be in-person or virtually, to support those affected by NF, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body and affects 1 in every 3,000 births. Cupid’s Undie Run kicks off with drinking and dancing, then we jog it out with a mile(ish) run and end it all with an epic dance party!

Info about the charity: https://cupids.org/cupids-undie-run/
Team registration page:  https://my.cupids.org/team/474471

Annual meeting – The PCVRC annual meeting is scheduled for March 8 at Timothy’s in Newark.  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, member of the year and volunteer of the year.  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.  Email  to nominate a club member for an award or if you would consider becoming a board member.

Boston Sendoff – Look for information on this annual social activity in the week before the Boston Marathon to wish our club member participants good luck. You don’t need to be running the Boston Marathon to join the PCVRC.  Last year, the sendoff consisted of a brunch at the Delaware Running Company on Kennett Pike in Greenville, DE with some members running various distances along Kennett Pike beforehand.

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

DDC is celebrating its 40^th year on October 7, 2023 – discount for early registration

The 40^th annual DDC is locked in for Saturday October 7 at the Riverfront again this year! Registration is now open, with a 20% discount off your registration using code “PCVRC” if you sign up before January 31 for early registration.  Please check the website for more information and race updates at ddc15k.org

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 8:00 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

Nutrition is an important component of training and recovery and there are almost infinite number of plans, theories and studies.  A few articles on the basics are HERE, HERE and HERE.

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

Check out our wonderful sponsors – click logos for info!

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