Hi Pike Creek Runner!  This is a special issue focused on the USATF competitions and our running team.  All runners are encouraged to join USATF and run under the PCRVC banner!

The following is from Tom Steenkamer, our racing Chair: 

Happy New Year everyone,
We are 1 week away from the start of the 2019 USATF race season with the first trail race of the off road series. 

There are a few changes to the series this year with the start of the season coming in January with the Chilly Cheeks 11k on January 20th and the absence of the Radnor Red Steeplechase in August (race discontinued).  The race schedule is located here – http://mausatf.com/off-road-events/ 

The road series returns in February with the Frostbite 5 miler in Amber, PA on February 23^rd .  This year’s race schedule is unchanged from 2018. The race schedule is located here – http://mausatf.com/grandprix-events/ 

2019 marks the return of the USATF Club National XC Championship races to the Lehigh University campus on the first weekend in December. Clubs from all over the country compete as teams running cross country courses with distances of 6k for women, and 10k for men. In 2014 the club chartered a coach bus to take over 60 club members to this event.  We are  hoping that we can bring another large group of runners to this famous XC venue and have a great day of running and socializing! 

2018 was a great year for the club with a 3rd place finish in the road series, and 2nd place in the off road series! 

I need to emphasize that the 2018 results were built on the legs and feet of a small number of individuals. Specifically we had 6 individuals compete in 10 or more races between the 2 series.  These runners were doing this to support the club and not because they wanted to run every race (2018 season had 7 Off road events and 9 Road events). 

In order to get to Lehigh in December we need increased participation in both the off-road and road series races for 2019.    

To those of you who have been frequent participants of the race team – a huge thank you and reminder that it is time to renew your USATF memberships for 2019.  

For new members – those who expressed interest in joining the USATF at the club holiday party we need you to complete the USATF membership process by joining USATF and declaring your affiliation with PCVRC, club number 08-0025.

USATF membership application is located here – https://www.usatf.org/membership/application/index.asp 

I have been providing race team coordination for club for the past 6 years. We have had great successes during this time but I can no longer dedicate myself to this role. 2019 will be my last season as USATF coordinator.  Can you take on this role?  The club needs someone to step into this role and I am happy to help with the transition process.  

Happy running and I hope to hear from all of you interested in joining our team.
Tom Steenkamer

Pike Creek Valley runner,
Got the following from Mike Monagle, Delaware Running Company. Looks like a very interesting event!

This Thursday evening we are hosting an open meeting about HR Training.

-Doug Adams of the Omega Project who has done extensive research and publication about running dynamic analytics.
-Gary Rosenberg of Garmin

Discussion topics will be optimal HR Training. The use of running dynamics to improve training and Race-Day performance. Use of Power Monitors for running. The talk is free.

-Questions can be submitted prior to meeting if there is a specific topic your members may be curious about.
Thank you
Mike Monagle

Mark your calendars for December 10th!

Our annual (and popular) Holiday Party is scheduled for Monday, December 10^th beginning at 6:30 PM at Timothy’s in Newark.  All PCVRC members are invited – guests are requested to bring $10.  Our usual buffet fare will be served.  We are also inviting our sponsors and all the wonderful volunteers from our Delaware Distance Classic which was a big success!

Due to the great popularity of the raffles last year, we are doing this again.  Everyone should bring a craft brew to contribute to the Basket of Holiday Beer Raffle!  Sheri will be putting together a few other unique baskets to raffle.

Family members are welcome. Please RSVP on Facebook or email or reply to this e-mail.

This is a great time to bring a check and renew your membership for 2019.  Membership is only $25 and is good for your entire family. As a 501c(3), PCVRC membership is also tax deductible.  

Current and all past News Bulletins are online: https://pcvrc.com/pcvrc-news-bulletins-2/

2018 PCVRC Board  

Officers: 
            Dirk Sweigart, President
Wes Stafford, VP
            Adam Shilling, Secretary
            Andrea Riley, Treasurer

Other Voting Members:   
            Tom Steenkamer – USATF
            Dan Suher – DDC Race Co-Director
            Christina Xia – Membership 
            Ray Christensen – Emeritus   
            Grace Carr – Communications/Marketing
            Sheri Sweigart – Social  
            Jerry Herman – At Large

Links for Club Members

PCVRC Events Calendar: www.pcvrc.com/pcvrc-events-calendar/
PCVRC News Bulletins: www.pcvrc.com/pcvrc-news-bulletins-2/
PCVRC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/289855916248/

Sponsors Page – if you visit them, mention you are a member of PCVRC: 

Wilmington Trust offers wealth advisory services for families, individuals, business owners, corporations and institutions.
www.wilmingtontrust.com/wtcom

Foot Care Group provides comprehensive care and treatment of the foot and ankle.
www.FootCareGroup.org

Harvest Market provides organic and natural foods, nutritional supplements, and natural health care products.
www.HarvestMarketNaturalFoods.com

Cheskin Chiropractic: Dr. Jeff Cheskin is a club member & long-time sponsor w/20+ years experience.
www.cheskinchiropractic.com

M&T Bank offers personal & business banking, credit cards, mortgages, investments.
www.mtb.com

New Balance Brandywine & Christiana stores offer a 20% discount to PCVRC club members.
www.NBretail.com

Delaware Meadery – Liquid Alchemy Beverages is located on located on Brookside Drive across from Banning Park. 
www.liquidalchemybeverages.com

Hi Pike Creek Valley Running Club Member!

Our Delaware Distance Classic 15K and 5K is one month from today. This is the time where we need every club member to volunteer and/or register to run.

Here’s what we need:

• Do you have a table? We need a number of 6’ folding tables for the start/finish and for every water stop (2 at some). If you have a table or can bring it, please email me. dirk.sweigart@gmail.com.
• Volunteer for race day and bring a friend! We need course marshals at almost every intersection and volunteers at every water stop. Plus people to help set up. Adam Shilling is coordinating volunteers. Please either call/e-mail him or me (Adam, , 610-906-9009; Dirk, , 302-545-7047) and volunteer to help!
• Were you aware that we have a party later after the race is over for volunteers?
• Register and run the race – you can do some volunteer jobs and still run. Get your friends to come and run, 5K or 15K.
• Follow us on Instagram and use the #DDC15K on Instagram whenever you post anything about running. We already have a number of posts and a number of followers, the more the better!

News about the race:
Due to concerns about safety of the racers at the start, we are back to the original 15K course, starting on the straightway and not on the curve. The 5K course goes back to the out and back course.

Crabby Dick’s will not be able to host us this year, they are under renovations during that time. Because of that, we are making arrangements for at least one food truck with food for the runners. Plus we will have the usual bananas, bagels, etc.

We have two new sponsors this year, Essential Balance Medical and Therapeutic Massage and Orangetheory Fitness (Limestone Road). Look for more information to come on these and all our sponsors. Plus M&T Bank/Wilmington Trust is returning as our DDC Title Sponsor!

Zeroto5K
Our DDC 5K class is training Tuesday nights at 6:30 at the Newark reservoir with plans to make the DDC their “destination” race . Please come out support this effort – show up and run there on Tuesday nights! Introduce yourself to trainer David Berger. Check for it on Facebook or get in touch with David Berger directly.
https://runsignup.com/Race/DE/Newark/PCVRCTrainingProgram

Meetups
Our weekly running meet-ups continue: Tuesdays at the Newark Reservoir at 6PM; Thursdays at 6PM at Delcastle Recreation; and Sundays 8AM at Panera on Main Street Newark. Now that

Membership
The club currently stands at 119 family memberships with 194 club members.

Membership is only $25 and is good for your entire family. As a 501c(3), PCVRC membership is also tax deductible. Also, any member who races for PCVRC in 4 or more USATF races within a calendar year, and remains a member of USATF, will receive a complimentary PCVRC membership for the following calendar year. We will notify members in January if they are eligible for a free PCVRC membership.

New members who join on or after June 1 but before October 1 pay a reduced rate of $15 to cover their membership for the remainder of the current calendar year. All members who join or renew before October 1 are subject to our standard renewal policy. Anyone who joins on or after October 1st pays $25 that includes the remainder of the current calendar year plus the following calendar year. Membership Renewals will be accepted beginning at the December holiday party and are due by March 31.

To renew your dues online.
Or you may send a $25 check or money order (payable to PCVRC) to: PCVRC, PO Box 3259, Wilmington, DE 19804

Current and all past News Bulletins are online: https://pcvrc.com/pcvrc-news-bulletins-2/
2018 PCVRC Board

Officers:
Dirk Sweigart, President
Wes Stafford, VP
Adam Shilling, Secretary
Andrea Riley, Treasurer
Other Voting Members:
Tom Steenkamer – USATF
Dan Suher – DDC Race Co-Director
Christina Xia – Membership
Ray Christensen – Emeritus
Grace Carr– Communications/Marketing
Sheri Sweigart – Social
Jerry Herman – At Large

Links for Club Members
PCVRC Events Calendar: www.pcvrc.com/pcvrc-events-calendar/
PCVRC News Bulletins: www.pcvrc.com/pcvrc-news-bulletins-2/
PCVRC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/289855916248/

Hi Pike Creek Valley Running Club Member!
Our signature event, the Delaware Distance Classic 15K and 5K, is moving forward and there is a lot to do! We’ve gotten permits from Delaware City, DelDOT and Delaware Fish and Wildlife (for the Mike Castle Trail). We’re arranging for EMTs, portable toilets, water and all those other important details. We’re ordering shirts, amenities and bibs. We have sponsors, some new and a charity partner. Registrations are running ahead of last year.

Now we need you! Here’s what we need you to do.

• Volunteer for race day and bring a friend! It takes an army of volunteers to put this on, everything from set-up, registrations, awards, course marshaling and more. Adam Shilling is coordinating volunteers. Please either call/e-mail him or me (Adam, Adamjill@verizon.net, 610-906-9009; Dirk, dirk.sweigart@gmail.com, 302-545-7047) and volunteer to help!

• Register and run the race – you can do some volunteer jobs and still run. Get your friends to come and run, 5K or 15K.

• Follow us on Instagram and use the #DDC15K on Instagram whenever you post anything about running. We already have a number of posts and a number of followers, the more the better!

News about the race:
We are running the 15K course in reverse this year! Main reason is to finish on the straightway and not on the curve. The 5K course goes back to the out and back course.
Crabby Dick’s will not be able to host us this year, they are under renovations during that time. No worries, we will figure out how to make sure that both food and beer are available.
We have two new sponsors this year, Essential Balance Medical and Therapeutic Massage and Orangetheory Fitness (Limestone Road). Look for more information to come on these and all our sponsors. Plus M&T Bank/Wilmington Trust is returning as our DDC Title Sponsor!

---

Zeroto5K
Our first “class” of the year is starting up again Tuesday nights at the reservoir with plans to make the DDC their “destination” race . Check for it on Facebook or get in touch with David Berger.
https://runsignup.com/Race/DE/Newark/PCVRCTrainingProgram

Meetups
Our weekly running meet-ups continue: Tuesdays at the Newark Reservoir at 6PM; Thursdays at 6PM at Delcastle Recreation; and Sundays 8AM at Panera on Main Street Newark.

Membership
The club currently stands at 119 family memberships with 194 club members. Thanks to Christina Xia for handling our membership so well!
We have two new members: Alex and Anna Wise! Welcome to the club!
Membership is only $25 and is good for your entire family. As a 501c(3), PCVRC membership is also tax deductible. Also, any member who races for PCVRC in 4 or more USATF races within a calendar year, and remains a member of USATF, will receive a complimentary PCVRC membership for the following calendar year. We will notify members in January if they are eligible for a free PCVRC membership.

New members who join on or after June 1 but before October 1 pay a reduced rate of $15 to cover their membership for the remainder of the current calendar year. All members who join or renew before October 1 are subject to our standard renewal policy. Anyone who joins on or after October 1st pays $25 that includes the remainder of the current calendar year plus the following calendar year. Membership Renewals will be accepted beginning at the December holiday party and are due by March 31.

To renew your dues online, go to: www.pcvrc.com/join.php.
Or you may send a $25 check or money order (payable to PCVRC) to: PCVRC, PO Box 3259, Wilmington, DE 19804
Current and all past News Bulletins are online: https://pcvrc.com/pcvrc-news-bulletins-2/

2018 PCVRC Board
Officers:
Dirk Sweigart, President
Wes Stafford, VP
Adam Shilling, Secretary
Andrea Riley, Treasurer
Other Voting Members:
Tom Steenkamer – USATF
Dan Suher – DDC Race Co-Director
Christina Xia – Membership
Ray Christensen – Emeritus
Grace Carr– Communications/Marketing
Sheri Sweigart – Social
Jerry Herman – At Large

Links for Club Members
PCVRC News Bulletins: www.pcvrc.com/pcvrc-news-bulletins-2/
PCVRC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/289855916248/

Sponsors Page – if you visit them, mention you are a member of PCVRC:
Wilmington Trust offers wealth advisory services for families, individuals, business owners, corporations and institutions.
www.wilmingtontrust.com/wtcom

Foot Care Group provides comprehensive care and treatment of the foot and ankle.
www.FootCareGroup.org

Harvest Market provides organic and natural foods, nutritional supplements, and natural health care products.
www.HarvestMarketNaturalFoods.com

Cheskin Chiropractic: Dr. Jeff Cheskin is a club member & long-time sponsor w/20+ years experience.
www.cheskinchiropractic.com

M&T Bank offers personal & business banking, credit cards, mortgages, investments.
www.mtb.com

New Balance Brandywine & Christiana stores offer a 20% discount to PCVRC club members.
www.NBretail.com

Delaware Meadery – Liquid Alchemy Beverages is located on located on Brookside Drive across from Banning Park.
www.liquidalchemybeverages.com

PCVRC runner

You are members of the largest running club in DE! Here are two offers for race discounts JUST for PCVRC and a group offer at the VIA marathon. Let me know if you use these!

PAL Race this Friday!

Fusion is passing on a 20% discount coupon for the PAL race this Friday night in Old New Caslte.

Here is the link. Code is pcvrc
https://runsignup.com/Race/DE/NewCastle/RunningForAClaus5kRunWalk

Also Midnight Oil Brewery is coming with beer for runners.

Delaware Kids Fund 5K August 4th in Newport

Races2run is passing along an offer from a popular race on August 4th.

The organizers of this 5k would like to offer PCVRC members $10 off entry fee for their 5k. Use code PCVRC. $200 to overall m/f and $50 to masters.

Hope to see you at the races. Wayne

https://raceroster.com/events/2018/17418/9th-delaware-kids-fund-5k-kids-in-distressed-situations

VIA Marathon, Half and Relay
Hello Pike Creek Valley Running Club,
My name is Lauren Faurl and I am the Special Events Assistant for the Via Marathon.

The Lehigh Valley Health Network Via Marathon is the second fastest marathon in the United States. This year on September 9th, this net descent course will start marathon runners and relay teams at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA. At mile 7, you enter the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. Mile 12 places you in Bethlehem, PA with a run through the 18th Century Industrial Quarter. Canal locks, a boat launch and several parks make up the run to Easton, PA. At mile 25, the confluence of the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers is right before you. Just 1 more mile places you at the finish line in Easton. Scenic, shady and a net descent drop of 240’ make it an attractive qualifying run for the Boston Marathon. The average runner’s time for the past few years has been 4:02 hours.

The half marathon starts at the marathon’s midpoint and is run from Bethlehem to Easton. The 5K Run and Kids Race are held at SteelStacks in historic south Bethlehem on September 8th.

We are offering a special discount to running clubs interested in joining us on Race day! Groups under and up to 15 runners will receive 15% off the published rate, and groups over 15 runners will receive 20% off the published rate.

Feel free to email or call me if you are interested and/or have any questions.

Below are two links with further information on Via as well as the Marathon.

For more information about Via, please visit:
https://www.vianet.org/

For more information on the LVHN Via Marathon, please visit:
http://viamarathon.org/

Best,
Lauren Faurl

Hi Pike Creek Runner!
This is a final reminder regarding our social this Monday night. We are getting a lot of RSVP’s so thanks! But…special news, PCVRC Sponsor Hockessin Athletic Club (HAC) will be joining us to raffle of a free month’s membership to HAC. Come, spill the Jenga, toss a cornhole bag and win a month to HAC!

PCVRC Summer Social at Dew Point Brewing Co. in Yorklyn, Monday, July 16th, 6:30 PM
Join us for a PCVRC social at the Dew Point Brewing Co. in Yorklyn on July16th starting at 6:30 PM. Pike Creek is renting the entire place. Drinks are on you, the Club will be providing pizzas. You’re also welcome to bring your special dish or contribution. E-mail Dirk at dirk.sweigart@gmail.com with your RSVP!

Liquid Alchemy
Stay tuned as we are trying to put together a combination club run and tasting at sponsor Liquid Alchemy Beverage on Brookside Drive in Wilmington.

Membership
The club currently stands at 118 family memberships with 193 club members. We are the largest running club in Delaware by far!
Membership is only $25 and is good for your entire family. As a 501c(3), PCVRC membership is also tax deductible. Also, any member who races for PCVRC in 4 or more USATF races within a calendar year, and remains a member of USATF, will receive a complimentary PCVRC membership for the following calendar year. We will notify members in January if they are eligible for a free PCVRC membership.

New members who join on or after June 1 but before October 1 pay a reduced rate of $15 to cover their membership for the remainder of the current calendar year. All members who join or renew before October 1 are subject to our standard renewal policy. Anyone who joins on or after October 1st pays $25 that includes the remainder of the current calendar year plus the following calendar year. Membership Renewals will be accepted beginning at the December holiday party and are due by March 31.

To renew your dues online, go to: www.pcvrc.com/join.php.
Or you may send a $25 check or money order (payable to PCVRC) to: PCVRC, PO Box 3259, Wilmington, DE 19804
Please let us know what you’ve been up to!! For inclusion in the next newsletter, send your race results, PRs, and running related stories by replying to this message or by sending a separate email to: run@pcvrc.com.

Hi Pike Creek Runner!
What Are You Doing Tonight?
Your PCVRC is sponsoring a run tonight (Thursday 7/12), the Smiles for Meredith 5K at the Deerpark Tavern. Race goes off at 6:30 so be early to register if you have not already. If you can still register on-line, use PCVRC for 20% off…and why not make a donation to the scholarship fund while you’re at it?

Race Results & Recognition
A small group of PCVRC members participated in the 2018 USATF National Mountain Race championships this past weekend. The event was held at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, New Hampshire. Greg Cauller, Zach Chupa, Matt Cutrona formed a PCVRC men’s 40yr team that placed 4th overall in the 40-49 age group. Greg and Zach each placed 3rd in their individual age groups. Lynn Knothe also ran this crazy “uphill” event. Looking good in the new singlets!

Howard Laws Summer XC Series
This is a great event put on at Bellevue all summer long. Races begin Tuesday June 5 at 6:30 PM at Bellevue State Park. Cost is $30.00 for the series or $5.00 for each individual race. Races are held every other Tuesday. (There is a park fee, car pool or park in the Corporate Business lot and walk).
July 17 is the team competition! PCVRC has won the team event in the past! Anyone want to help put together a team? Reply to dirk.sweigart@gmail.com if interested.

Delaware Distance Classic
The 36th edition of the Delaware Distance Classic 15K & 5K, our club’s signature event, is scheduled for Sunday October 7, 2018 in Delaware City. Registrations are running well-ahead of last year. Look for a special DDC issue of this newsletter!

USATF
At the conclusion of the spring road race season in June the club is in 3rd place in the 2018 club challenge competition. We have had strong support and very good attendance at all of the spring road races. The only exception to that being the Valley Forge run which is an annual challenge due to its proximity to the Boston marathon.

We need more runners for the trail series. The trail races are frequently attended by the minimum number of USATF club members – 5. This is a great opportunity for YOU to score for the club as one of the five! There are 2 events remaining for 2018 as the August event has been cancelled. Despite all of the the challenges, the club is currently in 3rd place in the 2018 club challenge.

Meetups
Our weekly running meet-ups continue: Tuesdays at the Newark Reservoir at 6PM; Thursdays at 6PM at Delcastle Recreation; and Sundays 8AM at Panera on Main Street Newark. Now that the weather has begin to warm, please come on out and join us for a group run!