Delaware City, site of the Delaware Distance Classic
This year the 15k and 5k will be in Delaware City. I know they would like to make the race the Delaware City Distance Classic. They’ve gone all out to make this a great race and a wonderful after party! You can make a day of it. No need to eat and run, I mean, run, eat and run.
Delaware City has long been known for Fort Delaware (Wikipedia) and Fort DuPont (Wikipedia), defenses used from the Civil War in to World War II. Fort Mott in New Jersey provided the third part of the defense triangle. There is a Confederate graveyard near Fort Mott, where prisoners that had been kept at Fort Delaware were buried. Yet there is so much more to this city.
Delaware City’s Historic District is in its 31st year of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places with over 200 structures! You can see many architectural styles throughout the city, from the Federal style of the 1820’s and the uniquely-Delaware Italianate “Peach House” buildings of the 1850’s. (Taken from the Delaware City Main Street web page.)
Delaware City is also home to the Diamond State Base Ball Club, a club dedicated to playing baseball the way it used to be played in the 1860’s and 1870’s (when Wilmington had a team with the same name — yes, there was baseball in Wilmington before the Blue Rocks). The club made it to the championships last year but were narrowly defeated, 4-3. (No word on if those scores are adjusted for inflation. How much was a run worth back in 1860?)
Adding to that are new additions like Crabby Dick’s restaurant (site of the after party) and the recently-opened, delightfully-named Lewinsky’s on Clinton. (Come back on Thursdays for Blue Dress Night!) The latter opened in July but was recently featured in the News Journal. (Apologies in advance if the News Journal’s pay wall makes the article inaccessible to you.) (On the Main Street site there is a listing for Buster Nutt’s Pub and Provisions. That name was changed to Lewinsky’s on Clinton. The address is the same, 92 Clinton Street.)
At Battery Park you can see Fort Delaware, Pea Patch Island and the Jersey Shore. (Pea Patch Island is, of course, the origin of the phrase “Get your pea-pickin’ hands off me!” I might have made that up. Come to the race and find out!) It’s a beautiful view of the Delaware River and shows how important the city was to protecting the state in times of war. (I like Delaware’s park better. In New York City all you can see from Battery Park is some lady holding a tablet and a torch.)
Merchants Row has many unique restaurants and shops just waiting to delight you and tickle your taste buds until they cry “Uncle!”.
There are also many events and festivals in the town. Delaware City Day has been celebrated every year since 1980. It’s held at Battery Park and is another reason Delaware’s park is superior. (I mean, really. What can you do in New York City’s park but look at the lady? Maybe try some of that salsa they mention in the TV commercials but that’s it.) Delaware City teams up with New Castle to host the River Towns Ride and Festival, a time-trial bike race and festivals in each town.
Last but not least is the Delaware City-Salem Ferry, a ferry between Delaware City and Salem, New Jersey. That site also has a lot of info on the history, shops and entertainment available in Delaware City. And you thought it was a one-horse town, with the forts being the main attraction? Shame on you! Come to the Delaware Distance Classic and see why we chose to hold the race in Delaware City.
This week and for the next few weeks we’re highlighting the Delaware Distance Classic on October 12th, the 32nd annual running of the 15k. A 5k was added several years ago but the 15k is the real test. This year we have a new location in Delaware City. We will get to explore this city on the rise and the new Mike Castle Trail!
Lori Culnane is special enough to get her own item. She ran FIFTY MILES on Saturday! No wonder she is lovingly called Loco!
Included is a reminder about the PCVRC fundraising event at Iron Hill Brewery on Main Street in Newark on September 29th. Attached is the coupon to print out ahead of time and bring to the event. Please, DO NOT hand out coupons on the premises as Iron Hill will cancel the event.
Paula Jermyn’s Speaker Series event is included. Please RSVP ASAP (PDQ, etc.) as the actual event can only he done with 20 people. More are welcome to come but they will only be able to spectate and not get an evaluation from Duncan. Reserve your spot now!
PCVRC’s Delaware Distance Classic 15k/5k
From Joel Schiller:
Registration is now open for the 32nd Annual Delaware Distance Classic 15K & 5K presented by New Balance Brandywine & Christiana and M&T Bank. We invite you to run with us!
When: 9:00am start, Sunday, October 12, 2014 (race day registration opens at 7:30am)
Where: Clinton St and Battery Park, DE City, Delaware. Plenty of free parking.
15K Cost: $35 (before Oct 5); $45 (starting Oct 6, including race day); 5K Cost: $25 early; $30 late
Event Registration: www.ddc15k.org
The Course: This new 15K (9.3 miles) course is USATF-certified, flat and fast. The loop begins and ends on Clinton Street in downtown Delaware City and runs out into the historic Fort DuPont and onto Cox Neck Road. This race serves as the 2014 Mid-Atlantic USATF 15K Championship and is part of the Mid-Atlantic USATF Grand Prix running series. It is one of the oldest races in Delaware, started by the Pike Creek Valley Running Club as the Pike Creek Classic 15K in 1983.
2014 Highlights: The 15K race will feature $750 in prize money; 5-year age categories, plus random and middle-of-pack awards. Each participant will receive a quality long-sleeve technical shirt (from New Balance), other giveaways, and post-race refreshments at Crabby Dicks. We will have an Awards Ceremony, Sponsor Exhibits, and Music with a live DJ. We invite you to stay and tailgate with us! Plenty of free parking in and around the start and finish.
Charity Proceeds will go to the Mike Clark Legacy Foundation and local Delaware City charities.
See you in October!
PCVRC / Delaware Distance Classic Sponsors Needed
Do you know of a local business who’d consider our awesome sponsorship opportunity?
Help our club continue programs for our members and the community in general, including educational member meetings, “Couch to 5K” program, group runs, social events & more for both runners and walkers. Benefits include logo/link on every page of pcvrc.com, 500+ race shirts, and a lot more. Info and sponsor levels can be found at www.pcvrc.com/sponsor.php.
PCVRC is a 501(c)3 non-profit through our membership with Road Runners Club of America so sponsorship/donations are tax-deductible.
Our club continues to grow and our website generates over 3,000 page views per month (1,800+ unique visitors). Contact Ray at (302) 633-1482 or
Nun Run Summary
Ray Christensen put on another successful Nun Run with 550+ registered and 508 finishers! If you didn’t run you can still donate to the Jeanne Jugan House (put “Nun Run” in the comments area) to help them purchase a medical transport van.
Special thanks go to Rich Szymanski for being the lead bike, Audrey Diotale, Lenora Wagner, Jerry Herman, Paula Jermyn and everyone else who helped out!
Claire was busy this weekend supporting Lori on her run (including running the last 15 miles with Lori, taking lots of pictures and keeping us posted on Facebook!) but I will get an update on how the table went for the next newsletter.
Great job Ray! Races2Run should hire you!
Lori Culnane, Runner Extra-Extraordinaire!
Lori Culnane ran fifty miles this past Saturday as part of the North Face Endurance Challenge in Kettle Moraine, WI. (Finisher badge) Lori’s husband John, Claire Neilan and Paula Jermyn all went out to support Lori. On Facebook Lori said some of the best parts of the race were seeing her awesome crew at various points along the course. Claire even ran the last 15 miles with Lori! Lori finished in a blazing 10:28:40, a 12:35 per-mile pace. Awesome job Lori! Just add a 5k and you’ll have done just over a double-marathon!
Note Dean Karnazes’ autograph on Lori’s shirt. I want to see Dean’s shirt. It better have Lori’s autograph on it!
(Photo Credit: Lori Culnane)
(Photo Credit: Lori Culnane)
PCVRC Iron Hill (Newark Location) Fall Fundraising Event
What: Fundraising Event
Where: Iron Hill (Main Street in Newark)
Date: Monday, September 29th
Time: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
RSVP:
(Coupon attached to this e-mail)
From Rachel:
Attached are coupons for the upcoming Fundraising Event at Iron Hill Brewery in Newark on Monday, September 29th. You must distribute these to family and friends prior to attending the fundraising event. PLEASE DO NOT distribute on site at Iron Hill. They have a strict policy and will cancel our event if anyone from our club is found passing them out during the event.
Feel free to make copies and hand out as many as you’d like. The more coupons that can be used the more money the club will receive.
If you have any questions please contact me at
I look forward to seeing everyone in a couple of weeks!
Rachel
PCVRC Speaker Series w/Duncan Outslay
From Paula Jermyn:
Hey Pike Creek Valley Running Club Members!
Our Fall Speaker Series has been scheduled and we are so excited to have Duncan Outslay as our presenter on Sunday, October 19th starting at 6:00 p.m. Great timing- the weekend after PCVRC Delaware Distance Classic on the 12th!
Since this seminar is at Christiana Care Rehabilitation Services, formerly PT Plus, space is limited to 20 people. The seminar is free for active PCVRC members.
Please RSVP to Paula Jermyn at as soon as possible to save your spot!!
Topic for presentation:
Prevention and Management of Common Running Injuries + a treadmill video analysis
Biography-
Duncan Outslay MSPT, ATC, USA Triathlon Coach – Level 1
Duncan Outslay is a physical therapist for Christiana Care Rehabilitation Services in Wilmington, Delaware. He has been employed by Christiana Care for nearly 10 years. Duncan holds a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the Institute of Physical Therapy Education at Widener University in 2001. He also holds a Certification in Athletic Training from the the University of Delaware in 1991. He has a specialty in Lower Extremity Injuries and Biomechanics with a special interest in the endurance athlete.
Duncan is also USA Triathlon Certified Coach – Level 1. He has coached numerous endurance athletes to completing their goals from sprint triathlons to full Ironman distance races as well as running races from 5Ks to full marathons. He coaches athletes of all abilities from beginners to National Championship qualifiers. As an athlete he has enjoyed running since early childhood. Duncan’s philosophy of coaching is “happy training”. In order to find joy in running you need to focus on the journey, not the destination.
The seminar will be held at:
Christiana Care Rehabilitation Services
5311 Limestone Road Ste 101
Wilmington, DE 19808
We look forward to seeing you there!
Race Results, Reviews and Accomplishments:
Pike Creek continues to field competitive athletes. Let’s see how we did!
Jim Durkin ran the Fifth Avenue Mile in NYC this past Saturday, finishing in 7:45. Some guys will do anything to pass the time while their wives shop at Saks.
Jim Durkin also competed on Sunday in the Delaware Senior Olympics held at Delaware State University in Dover. He competed in five events and took no less than silver for his age group in each event and won gold in the 800m run!
John Schultz did the Double Trouble Trail Run (sponsored by Double Bubble gum?), running 15k in 2:45:33. That was 19 minutes faster than last year! Watch out DDC field, John’s gunning for you!
Lee Dresser competed in the Diamondman Half-Ironman race on September 6th, finishing in 6:07. It was his first ever half-Ironman (swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles and run 13.1 miles) and only his 2nd triathlon AND he won his age group! Wonderful work Lee!
Carole Feole, the day before the April Fools Half Marathon last April, competed in the Shore Medical Center 7k, finishing 3rd overall in 31:27, a 7:18 per-mile pace! (There was a 7k and an 11k race. I have a potential sponsor in mind for next year.)
In more recent news Carole Feole competed in the Coombs/Douglas Memorial Bay [not Day] Run this past August, completing five miles in 37:01, winning her age group. Her 7:24 per-mile pace was only 6 seconds slower per mile than April. Great consistency Carole! She also would have gotten an age group state record if the race had renewed their certification!
Dan Suher was the overall winner at the Nun Run. John Costello was Male Master’s Champ and Kristen Stump was 2nd Overall Female. Way to represent PCVRC! (Results taken from Ray’s Facebook post. If you are not included below please e-mail me and you will be included next week.)
Shore Medical Center 7k
(April 5th – Atlantic City, NJ)
Carole Feole 31:27 (3rd Overall Female)
Coombs/Douglas Memorial Bay
(August 2nd – North Cape May, NJ)
Carole Feole 37:01 (1st AG)
Diamondman Challenge Half Iron Triathlon
(September 6th – Bear, DE – Lums Pond State Park)
Lee Dresser 6:07:01 (1st AG)
Fifth Avenue Mile
(September 13th – New York City, NY)
Jim Durkin 7:45
8th Annual Nun Run
(September 13th – Newark, DE)
Dan Suher 16:26.3 (Overall Male Winner)
John Costello 18:03.5 (Male Masters Winner)
Kristen Stump 21:20.0 (2nd Female)
Double Trouble Trail Run 15k
(September 14th – French Creek State Park – Morgantown, PA)
John Schultz 2:45:32
Delaware Senior Olympics
(September 14th – Dover, DE)
Jim Durkin 100m dash 00:18.1 (Silver medal)
Jim Durkin 200m dash 00:38.8 (Silver medal)
Jim Durkin 400m dash 01:30 (Silver medal)
Jim Durkin 800m run 03:39 (GOLD medal)
Jim Durkin 1500m run 07:35 (Silver medal)
