Hall of Fame induction: 1991
The Pike Creek Valley Running Club Hall of Fame is the highest award the executive board can bestow upon a fellow club member. Because of the high standards associated with this award, only eight members to-date have been inducted into this prestigious category since the inception of the club in January of 1982. This award represents a long term commitment and high level of enthusiasm by a club member to the community, PCVRC, and one’s self in promoting the overall objectives of the club. And the Executive Board is honored this year to add a ninth name to that distinguished list of PCVRC Hall of Famers: Frank Valentine
In terms of community involvement, there are few people in the club who have volunteered more of their time than Frank has to help out at races throughout the year so YOU could enjoy the experience and camaraderie at each of these events. He does this so you can run in well organized races and that these races will continue to flourish in Delaware for years to come. Someone has to work them and it is usually Frank! While most of us look forward to running the “fun”, “premier” races each year like the Delaware Distance Classic, St. Anthony’s and others, Frank is always there at the end helping Wayne and Doug to insure that the finish line is well managed.
In Terms of club involvement, Frank has always been one of our more active members in the club. He was clothing Chairperson for three years and is currently serving his second year as a Director on the PCVRC Executive Board. But his commitment doesn’t stop there. Every year since joining the club he has spent endless hours helping the club with the Distance Classic and the annual picnic as well as planning other club activities. I don’t know what we would do without Frank’s help. He always wears the club colors, participates at club functions, and continues to provide support and words of encouragement to his family and friends around running and jogging as a healthy form of exercise and camaraderie.
Frank’s running accomplishments should be an inspiration to all of us. He has been running for over ten years with moderate improvement each year (which translates to very few injuries) and continues, even today, to set personal records for himself; Frank set a PR in the 5K this last December with a 19:42. He’s raced every distance from the mile to the marathon and is recently starting excel and come close to placing in his age class in Biathalons. Because of his moderate approach in training philosophy, I think Frank will be running for many years to come.
Hopefully this award will acknowledge that Frank’s efforts and time have not gone unnoticed by the running community. His selflessness, high energy level, and his most upbeat enthusiastic personality have truly exemplified the meaning of the Hall of Fame Award. We wish Frank the best luck in the future and congratulate him on his induction into the PCVRC Hall of Fame.
