President’s Message
As the holiday season approaches, I wish to remind everyone to put Tuesday, December 13 on their calendar and plan to attend the club’s annual Holiday Party.  This free event (cash bar) is a fun time and a highlight of the PCVRC calendar year.  The holiday party typically attracts a large crowd and it’s always fun to catch up with your fellow runners in a non-competitive social setting. Read on for more details on the party and the Evite under Social Activities in this newsletter.  Please note that we will accept 2017 club membership renewals at the holiday party and we have begun the conversation about 2017 club officers and board members.  If you want be more involved in 2017, we would love your participation on the Board.    

I also would like you to begin thinking about your 2016 running accomplishments and the accomplishments of your fellow runners.  About this time every year, we begin collecting the source information which will help us identify potential award recipients.  Please feel free to send any board member an email or a note with your recommendations and please tell us about your athletic goals for 2017!  If we get some positive responses for 2017 goals, we’ll include them in the December newsletter!    

I look forward to seeing everyone at the holiday party.  Stay healthy and stay happy! 
Joel

Membership
We currently stand at 149 memberships with 220 members! Please welcome our newest club members: Sean Lan and Bill Klein.

Membership is only $25 and is good for your entire family. Any member who races for PCVRC in 4 or more USATF races a calendar year, and is a member of USATF, will receive complimentary PCVRC membership for the following calendar year. New members who join on or after June 1st but before October 1st will pay a reduced rate of $15 to cover membership for the remainder of the current calendar year, then are subject to same renewal policy as current members stated above. Anyone who joins on or after October 1st would pay $25 that would cover them for remainder of current calendar year plus the entire following calendar year.   PCVRC Join/Renew: www.pcvrc.com/join.php. or send a check or money order (payable to PCVRC) to: PCVRC, PO Box 3259, Wilmington, DE 19804

DDC Recap
The final Delaware Distance Classic recap meeting was held this week. All expenses have been paid and the club was able to retain $1500 of net income.  Decisions were also made to send $250 acknowledgement checks to the Daughters of the British Empire and the Bear Glasgow YMCA and a $750 check to the Delaware City Fire Company for their support of the event.  We also wish to thank the City of Delaware City and Hockessin PAL for their continued support of our annual event.   

Couch 2 5K
The Couch to 5K and Couch to 10K programs are currently on winter hiatus; although the Spring 2017 Couch 2 5K program is being planned.  Some folks continue to meet weekly for fun runs and walks and would welcome your participation.  To learn more, please ask to join our C210Kers Facebook group or email Amy Temple at

USATF Update
The final races for the 2016 on-road series are the series of races (8K/Half/Marathon) held in conjunction with the Philadelphia Marathon this weekend.  The final off-road race will be Saturday, November 26th at Brandywine Creek State Park (The DE Open Cross Country 5k).  Both events are great races which offer scenic courses and lots of post-race giveaways..  Leading up to the final weekends, the club stands in third place in the USATF on-road series and in second place in the USATF off-road series.  

Social Activities
On November 5, 2016, the club held a fun run, meadery tour, and tastings at Liquid Alchemy Beverages in Wilmington. 7 members ran from Banning Park to the beverage center where they joined several other club members and experience an alcoholic beverage created by fermenting honey with water; sometimes with various fruit, spices, grains, or hops.  The alcoholic content of mead ranges from about 8% ABV to more than 20% and the defining characteristic of mead is that the majority of the beverage’s fermentable sugar is derived from honey.   Intrigued? A repeat performance is planned for the Spring.    

Evites for the PCVRC annual holiday party, December 13th, from 6-10pm, at Timothy’s in Newark have been posted to the club’s Facebook page.  As an added incentive, all remaining PCVRC clothing will be given out (for free) at the party as we plan to restock our club apparel and USATF racing uniform supply in 2017.

Looking ahead into 2017, our first club event will be a pub crawl and fun run.  Look for more details in next month’s newsletter.

Race Results
Norcross Run the Bridge 10K
John Schultz: 1:40:09

Monster Mash Half Marathon
John Schultz: 3:48:53

Would you like your race results (or those of a fellow club member who you are proud of) included in the next eBulletin?  

If so, please send them to Blythe (). We can only print what you send us, so please share your achievements!

President’s Message
On behalf of the Pike Creek Valley Running Club, I would like to personally thank all the volunteers, all the participants, and all our sponsors of the 34th Annual Delaware Distance Classic 15K & 5K.  Despite simply horrid weather conditions (Hurricane Matthew), we managed to pull off our annual club event event!  Thank you to our co-coordinators Jim Steele and Ray Christensen and to all the club members who helped.  Our 15K winners were Darryl Brown of Exton PA in 50:24 and Liz Swierzbinski of Wilmington in 56:12; our 5K winners were Jamie Cantlon of Washington, DC in 21:08 and Leann Marcinek of Wilmington in 25:52.   Financially, we did fine and should make about $4,000, despite fewer participants: 170 finishers in the 15K and 38 finishers in the 5K.  Operationally, the weather caused some chip non-read and operational issues but we learned a lot from the experience and everyone seemed to have a great time; especially at the Crabby Dick’s post-race party!!  We will continue to make as results updates as needed; distribute the unclaimed awards and left over event shirts; and address the remaining operational issues.  

We proudly welcome new sponsors Wang’s Oriental Food Store on Main Street in Newark and Delaware Back Pain & Sports Rehabilitation Center: with seven convenient locations to serve you in Delaware: Wilmington (2 offices), Newark (2 offices), Middletown, Smyrna, and Dover.  Also, we are happy to announce that longtime club sponsor Cheskin Chiropractic has started a new business Delaware Meadery- Liquid Alchemy Beverages – located on Brookside Drive across from Banning Park.  

Enjoy the nice Fall running weather.   Stay healthy and stay happy!  
Joel

Membership

We currently stand at 147 memberships: 218 members. Please welcome our newest club members: Katie Driscoll and Joanie Zeglin.

Membership is only $25 and is good for your entire family. Any member who races for PCVRC in 4 or more USATF races a calendar year, and is a member of USATF, will receive complimentary PCVRC membership for the following calendar year. New members who join on or after June 1st but before October 1st will pay a reduced rate of $15 to cover membership for the remainder of the current calendar year, then are subject to same renewal policy as current members stated above. Anyone who joins on or after October 1st would pay $25 that would cover them for remainder of current calendar year plus the entire following calendar year.   PCVRC Join/Renew: www.pcvrc.com/join.php. or send a check or money order (payable to PCVRC) to: PCVRC, PO Box 3259, Wilmington, DE 19804

Sad News

It is with sadness that I report that Pike Creek Hall of Fame member (1995) Becky Yencharis has passed away. Becky, 99, left this life in her sleep on Tuesday. Look for the obituary, which I understand she wrote, to appear soon in the News-Journal. A mass will be held at Holy Rosary in Claymont. Becky, at one time, held state records in three different age-groups and she still holds the State records for all distances over 15K or more in the women’s 70-79 age group. For those of you not familiar with Becky, she was very visible with her exuberant personality and her trademark bright red pigtails.  Becky started running late in life and was a mainstay on the local running scene as well as at the local YMCAs. She was truly an inspiration to many longtime local runners.

Last month, we reported the passing of longtime club treasurer John Drodz.  His obit appears in today’s paper and there will be a visitation this Saturday (Nov 5):
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/delawareonline/obituary.aspx?n=john-f-drozd&pid=182246940

Couch 2 5K

The Fall 2016 Couch to 5K and Couch to 10K programs successfully concluded October 3; however some folks will likely continue to meet every Monday at 6pm at the Newark reservoir or for half priced nachos afterwards at Timothy’s of Newark.  To learn more about our couch to 5K programs, please ask to join our C210Kers Facebook group or email Amy Temple at

USATF Update

The Mid Atlantic USATF road race season resumed with the 34^th annual Delaware Distance Classic 15k.  Race day conditions were less than favorable as the PCVRC race team members were challenged by a steady rain and strong wind gusts.  Despite challenging conditions, our PCVRC team led the day in the club challenge competition by outscoring the ladies from the Philadelphia based Athena team by 3 points. Led by strong performances from Mike DiGennaro and Mike O’Brian, 2^nd and 3^rd as well as several age group award winners, the club continues to lead the 2016 club challenge competition.  

Thanks to everyone who ran and supported this event in the most difficult conditions that I have seen during the past 8 years. With 3 race weekends remaining this year, the club will need to field strong teams in the Ben Franklin and Rothman events in order to repeat as Mid Atlantic champions.

Please note that anyone wishing to compete in the Ben Franklin 10k Bridge run must register prior to October 20^th.   There is no race day registration for this event.

USATF Off-Road

The PCVRC team competed at the Evansburg Challenge 10 mile race on 10/16.  Held annually at Evansburg State Park in nearby Collegeville, PA, The race features a flat and fast race course with 2 crossings of  the Skippack Creek. The race competition between the top 3 clubs was very close with only 4 points separating Greater Philadelphia Track Club, Rosemont Running Club and PCVRC.  Our group performed well with 3 finishers in the top 20 and taking home multiple age group awards. The club reinforced its hold on 2^nd place overall in the season long competition. 

The final off-road race will be held on Saturday, November 26^th at Brandywine Creek State Park. The DE Open Cross Country 5k race is a great event and offers lots of post-race giveaways. Looking forward to a great turnout at this event to close out the 2016 trail race season.

Social

Come out to a very yummy fun run and alcohol tasting!  PCVRC members are invited to a fun run, meadery tour, and tastings of some of the best Meade in Delaware.  Liquid Alchemy Beverages is hosting a PCVRC fun run and tasting/tour on November 5th at 2pm.  The run is from the tasting room to Banning Park, around the park trail and back to the tasting room. Then the tastings begin!!  There will also be a food truck there for your purchasing pleasure and fun games out on their back patio.  Address: 28 Brookside Dr., Wilmington, DE.  Let’s meet at 1:45.  Check the Facebook page for more info and Kim will send an Evite to the event.  Note: free PCVRC clothing to all who participate. 

Also, the holidays are fast approaching, so please mark your calendars now for December 13th, 6-10pm at Timonthy’s in Newark for our annual PCVRC Holiday Party.  Always a good time!   We’ll be accepting 2017 membership renewals at the holiday party and we will distribute any remaining PCVRC clothing at the party.   New club clothing coming in 2017!   

Race Results

Switchback Scamper Trail Race 10K:
John Schultz: 1:33:32 (1st 80+)

New York Police Chase 10K:
John Schultz: 1:32:42 (1st 80+)

Newburgh-Beacon Bridge Run (5 miles):
John Schultz: 1:09:17 (1st 80+)

Would you like your race results (or those of a fellow club member who you are proud of) included in the next eBulletin?  

If so, please send them to Blythe (). We can only print what you send us, so please share your achievements!

2016 PCVRC Board
The 2016 Club Officers are:
            Joel Schiller, President
            Dirk Sweigart, VP
            Jerry Herman, Secretary
            Lenora Wagner, Treasurer

 The following club members are voting members of the Board in 2016:  
            Tom Steenkamer – USA TF
            Jim Steele – DDC Race Director
            Christina Xia – Membership 
            Ray Christensen – Emeritus/At Large  
            Kim Riccio – Social Chair

President’s Message
It’s never too early to begin looking at 2017 and whether you might have the ability to help the club as an officer, a board member, or a committee member. Hasn’t running added a lot to your life?  Wouldn’t you like to give just a little bit back to others within our running community?  I know you have all answered “No”, but truly, this is the reason why I decided to get involved in helping the club!  To this end, the next club board meeting is Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at 6:30 pm, at Lenora Wagner’s house.  As always, the meeting is open to any club member; just let any board member know that you plan to attend and if you need directions.

The organizers of the Halloween Hustle 10k at Fordham & Dominion Brewery in Dover have reached out and are inviting a couple of club members for a VIP Tour and Tasting at their Brewery. If you are interested, the invite is https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vip-tour-and-tasting-with-the-fordham-dominion-halloween-hustle-10k-tickets-27062331161

The New Balance Healthy Kids Racing Series continues on Sundays September 18th, 25th and October 2nd, 9th.  Time: 2:00-3:00pm.  Race Location: North Star Elementary School; 1340 Little Baltimore Rd; Hockessin, DE 19707.  *Please arrive 45 minutes early if you have not pre-registered. We will do our best to start on-time and walk-up registrations need to be wrapped up by 2:00pm for that to happen. On-site registrations are welcome each week, checks are preferred. Please wear your sneakers! Thank you! (Please note: Registration is non-refundable)

On a sad note, I have been told that PCVRC Hall of Famer 1995, John Drozd, has died at the age of 72.  Formerly of Wilmington, he was most recently a resident of Colorado Springs.  More details will be announced as they are released.

Best of luck as you enter the Fall running season.  Stay healthy and Stay happy.
Joel

Membership
We currently stand at 149 memberships; 216 members.   Please welcome our newest club members: Jimena and Alec Dancy and Kera and William Smith.

Membership is only $25 and is good for your entire family. Any member who races for PCVRC in 4 or more USATF races a calendar year, and is a member of USATF, will receive complimentary PCVRC membership for the following calendar year. New members who join on or after June 1st but before October 1st will pay a reduced rate of $15 to cover membership for the remainder of the current calendar year, then are subject to same renewal policy as current members stated above. Anyone who joins on or after October 1st would pay $25 that would cover them for remainder of current calendar year plus the entire following calendar year.   PCVRC Join/Renew: www.pcvrc.com/join.php. or send a check or money order (payable to PCVRC) to: PCVRC, PO Box 3259, Wilmington, DE 19804

Delaware Distance Classic
Our club’s signature event, the 34th Annual Delaware Distance Classic 15K/5K races will be held on October 9th at 9:00 am in Delaware City.  This race is the largest fundraiser for our club and we want you to ask your family, friends, and co-workers to participate.  Only $40 for the 15K (thru Oct 5) and only $25 for the 5K.   Please contact Jim Steele (302) 530-7274 or  or Joel Schiller (302-884-6566) or for more information.   Registration forms and the online registration link can be found at http://ddc15k.org/.  The final DDC Planning meeting will be September 20 at Lenora Wagner’s house and participation is open to anyone who wants to help!

Couch 2 5K
The Fall 2016 Couch to 5K and Couch to 10K programs began August 1 and continue every Monday at 6pm at the Newark reservoir.  It’s not too late to get started and all levels of ability, including run/walkers and walkers, are welcome.  We’ve had loads of new participants, courtesy of Barclay’s Bank and Siemens.  The ten-week program concludes with our capstone event: the Delaware Distance Classic 5K on Oct 9.  To learn more, please ask to join our C210Kers Facebook group or email Amy Temple at

Social
The August Fun Run and Pool Party was great fun!   We were able to meet a few new members – so welcome to the club!   If you would like to organize or host a Fun Run for the club, please email Kim Riccio (Social Chair) at .  I will help you get started and provide the resources you might need.  We are looking to have a fun run for the club at least once a quarter, so why not plan one on one of your favorite routes!

The holidays are fast approaching, so please mark your calendars for Dec 13th, 6-10pm at Timonthy’s in Newark for our PCVRC Holiday Party.  Always a good time!

Race Results
Labor Pain 12-Hour Endurance Trail Run:
John Schultz: 26.2 miles, 10:40:52

Annapolis 10-Mile Run:
John Schultz: 2:49:49

12th Annual Radnor Red Run Steeplechase 5K:
John Schultz: 58:48, 1st 80+

Would you like your race results (or those of a fellow club member who you are proud of) included in the next eBulletin?

If so, please send them to Blythe (). We can only print what you send us, so please share your achievements!

2016 PCVRC Board
The 2016 Club Officers are:
Joel Schiller, President
Dirk Sweigart, VP
Jerry Herman, Secretary
Lenora Wagner, Treasurer

The following club members are voting members of the Board in 2016:
Tom Steenkamer – USA TF
Jim Steele – DDC Race Director
Christina Xia – Membership
Ray Christensen – Emeritus/At Large
Kim Riccio – Social Chair

President’s Message
With the Olympics here and the weather turning exceedingly hot, I encourage everyone to hydrate!  A great way to do this is by attending our upcoming Club Pool Party and Fun Run on Thursday, August 25 at Delaware Vets Post 1 – off Naamans Road in Wilmington.  The Fun Run will start at 6:30 pm and Jerry Herman has designed a fun course for us to run.  The Pool Party will follow and will continue until 9pm.  Del Vets has a large outdoor pool, a grassy picnic area, a bar, a clubhouse, and food service.  Outside food may be brought in; however, we must purchase the alcohol though the club.  Your admittance, as well as food and drink will be provided by the club.  Please RSVP to Kim Riccio at so that we know how many members and guests plan to attend.
Enjoy that summer of running!
Joel

Membership
We currently stand at 168 memberships; 212 members.   Please welcome our newest club members: Jennifer MacDonald, Marisa Leva and Jingkun Li.

Membership is only $25 and is good for your entire family. Any member who races for PCVRC in 4 or more USATF races a calendar year, and is a member of USATF, will receive complimentary PCVRC membership for the following calendar year. New members who join on or after June 1st but before October 1st will pay a reduced rate of $15 to cover membership for the remainder of the current calendar year, then are subject to same renewal policy as current members stated above. Anyone who joins on or after October 1st would pay $25 that would cover them for remainder of current calendar year plus the entire following calendar year.   PCVRC Join/Renew: www.pcvrc.com/join.php. or send a check or money order (payable to PCVRC) to: PCVRC, PO Box 3259, Wilmington, DE 19804

Delaware Distance Classic
Our club’s signature event, the 34th Annual Delaware Distance Classic 15K/5K races will be held on October 9th at 9:00 am in Delaware City.  This race is the largest fundraiser for our club and we want you to ask your family, friends, and coworkers to participate.  Only $35 through Sept 1 for the 15K and only $25 for the 5K.   Please contact Jim Steele (302) 530-7274 or  or Joel Schiller (302-884-6566) or for more information.   Registration forms and the online registration link can be found at http://ddc15k.org/.  The next DDC Planning meeting will be August 23 at Joel Schiller’s house and participation is open to anyone who wants to help!  Click Here for details on the sponsorship opportunities.

Couch 2 5K
The Fall 2016 Couch to 5K and Couch to 10K programs began August 1 and continue every Monday at 6pm at the Newark reservoir.  It’s not too late to get started and all levels of ability, including run/walkers and walkers, are welcome.  We’ve been off to a great start with loads of new participants, courtesy of Barclay’s Bank and Siemens.  The ten week program concludes with our capstone event: the Delaware Distance Classic 5K or 15K on Oct 9.  To learn more, please ask to join our C210Kers Facebook group or email Amy Temple at

USATF
Next USATF trail race is next Sunday, August 21. Radnor Red Run 5k steeple chase. NOT YOUR ORDINARY 5K RACE!  Horse Jumps, Water Pits, Cross Country Trails & Fun! YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS IT!! Great after party, too.  If you’ve ever thought about participating on the PCVRC team, this is a great opportunity.  Contact Tom Steenkamer for more info at

Race Results

14th Annual Green-Fields Swim Club Duathlon (Thorofare, NJ)
John Schultz: 2:49:39 (Most Experienced Athlete)

(Race details: run 2.2 miles, bike 13.4 miles, run 5K)

Chobot Challenge Trail Race (Birdsboro, PA)
John Schultz: 2:41:27

(Race details: 8.4 miles with 6 stream crossings)

Wilmington Games, Baynard Stadium (4 separate dates)
John Schultz:
100m    22.1, 22.7, 22.1
200m    48.1, 53.9
400m    2:12.0, 2:13.5
800m    5:06.2 (2nd 17+), 5:28.9

Would you like your race results (or those of a fellow club member who you are proud of) included in the next eBulletin? If so, please send them to Blythe (). We can only print what you send us, so please share your achievements!

2016 PCVRC Board
The 2016 Club Officers are:
Joel Schiller, President
Dirk Sweigart, VP
Jerry Herman, Secretary
Lenora Wagner, Treasurer

The following club members are voting members of the Board in 2016:
Tom Steenkamer – USA TF
Jim Steele – DDC Race Director
Christina Xia – Membership
Ray Christensen – Emeritus/At Large
Kim Riccio – Social Chair

President’s Message
Our club’s signature event: the 34th Delaware Distance Classic 15K and 5K is fast approaching and this email is part of a kickoff marketing blitz we are executing this weekend.  So please, please, please, forward that Facebook post; that FB event invite, or this year’s DDC marketing email to your friends and family and encourage them to register now for the DDC on 10/9.  Only $35 for the 15K is a great price!   Also, with New Balance stepping back to a supporting role this year, we have the next 30 days to find additional sponsorship for the DCC.  Sponsorship begins at only $250, and with it comes the added benefit of being a club sponsor for the entire year.  Click Here for the details on the sponsorship opportunities.

I also encourage everyone to attend our upcoming Club Pool Party and Fun Run on Thursday, August 25 at Delaware Vets Post 1 – off Naamans Road in Wilmington.  More on this below– read on for details.

Enjoy that summer running!
Joel

Membership
We currently stand at 165 memberships; 209 members.   Please welcome our newest club members: James Atlas; David Cross and Trish, Juliana and Emma Johnson.

Membership is only $25 and is good for your entire family. Any member who races for PCVRC in 4 or more USATF races a calendar year, and is a member of USATF, will receive complimentary PCVRC membership for the following calendar year. New members who join on or after June 1st but before October 1st will pay a reduced rate of $15 to cover membership for the remainder of the current calendar year, then are subject to same renewal policy as current members stated above. Anyone who joins on or after October 1st would pay $25 that would cover them for remainder of current calendar year plus the entire following calendar year.   PCVRC Join/Renew: www.pcvrc.com/join.php. or send a check or money order (payable to PCVRC) to: PCVRC, PO Box 3259, Wilmington, DE 19804

Delaware Distance Classic
The 34th Annual Delaware Distance Classic 15K/5K races will be held on October 9th at 9:00 am in Delaware City.  This race is the largest fundraiser for our club and we need your support as a volunteer, participant, or a funder.  Please contact Jim Steele (302) 530-7274 or  or Joel Schiller (302-884-6566) for more information.   Registration forms and the online registration link can be found at http://ddc15k.org/.  The next DDC Planning meeting will be July 26 at Jim Steele’s house and participation is open to anyone who wants to help!

Couch 2 5K
The Fall 2016 Couch to 5K and Couch to 10K programs begin August 1 and will continue every Monday at 6pm at the Newark reservoir.  All levels of ability, including run/walkers and walkers, are welcome.  To learn more, please ask to join our C210Kers Facebook group.   Also, please come out on Aug 1 to welcome the newest participants in our Couch 2 5K program.  Please share and post our C25K Summer/Fall flyer.

Social Committee
Mark your calendars for Thursday, Aug 25 when we will hold the Club Pool Party & Fun Run! The venue will be Delaware Vets Post 1, located at 2535 Veterans Drive, Wilmington DE 19810, phone: 302-475-9891.  The Fun Run will start at 6:30 pm and Jerry Herman has designed a fun course for us to run.  The Pool Party will follow and will continue until 9pm.  Del Vets has a large outdoor pool, a grassy picnic area, a bar, a clubhouse, and food service.  Outside food may be brought in; however, we must purchase the alcohol though the club.  Your admittance, as well as food and drink will be provided by the club.  RSVP to Kim Riccio at

Medical Survey
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, Department of Urology have asked us to help with some important research in men and women\’s sexual wellness and urologic conditions. The impact of different forms of exercise on sexual wellness is not well understood and deserves more study (they hope that you agree!) They would like you to complete a brief survey aimed at assessing exercise type and frequency with different urologic conditions.  The survey is short– it should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. It is also completely anonymous and all data is kept securely. Here is the link:
https://urology.ucsf.edu/node/2826.  For more info, email:
Race Results
Here’s some summer racing fun at its best! Congratulations to Greg Cauller, Lynn Knothe and Matt Cutrona who competed in the Inaugural Tubeapalooza Relay Team Duathlon in Bend, OR and came in 3rd overall!  The race consisted of a 3/4 mile run then a 600 meter tube down the Deschutes River followed by a 1/4 mile run.

Would you like your race results (or those of a fellow club member who you are proud of) included in the next eBulletin? If so, please send them to Blythe (). We can only print what you send us, so please share your achievements!

2016 PCVRC Board
Joel Schiller, President
Dirk Sweigart, VP
Jerry Herman, Secretary
Lenora Wagner, Treasurer

The following club members are voting members of the Board in 2016:
Tom Steenkamer – USA TF
Jim Steele – DDC Race Director
Christina Xia – Membership
Ray Christensen – Emeritus/At Large
Kim Riccio – Social Chair