PCVRC Newsletter – January 2025

Happy 2025! We hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday season and New Year. It is typically a time to reflect on the ups and downs from the previous year and set goals for the next year. The PCVRC is your club to provide and receive support and encouragement to help meet or exceed those goals and have fun doing it. While there may be fewer races on the schedule during the colder months, the 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. For current and all past PCVRC Newsletters at https://pcvrc.com/pcvrc-news-bulletins-2/

41th Delaware Distance Classic Highlights

The 41th annual DDC was held on a beautiful Sunday morning on October 20. The race again started on the Wilmington Riverfront and ran along the scenic Markell Trail. This is the main event and primary fundraiser for PCVRC, benefitting our new charity partner, Delaware Greenways. Alex Horgan from Montchanin DE, was the overall winner in 48:10 and Lindsey Oremus from Norristown PA, was the overall female winner in 53:59. Top male masters winner was Tim Harte (55:42), while Allison Emmons was a repeat female masters winner in 1:00:11. In the 5K, Sean Coleman repeated as overall champion in 18:11 and Melanie Williams was the overall female champion with a time of 23:05. We are especially grateful to our sponsors who helped support the race and club with cash and item donations as well as the enthusiastic volunteers who helped with many aspects of the race. A big thank you to Alison McCann, DDC race director, PCVRC board members, and the dozens of volunteers, who contributed to this successful event. Note that registration for the 2025 race on Sunday October 19 is open. For complete race results and more pictures, please go to the DDC website at ddc15k.org

PCVRC memberships for 2025

Please visit https://pcvrc.com/renew-membership/ if you have not yet renewed or did not participate in at least 4 USATF events as part of our team. If you’re not sure if renewed, ask us at . Or notify us if not renewing. Only $25 per household. Club membership includes race discounts, weekly group runs, discounted Delaware Park passes, track workouts with Coach Fischer, fun runs, Club social events including Holiday Party, Spring Social, Delaware Distance Classic (our signature event), 10% discount at Delaware Running Company, eligibility to participate as a member of our team in USATF events and more!

Discount$ for Club Members!

See all current discounts at our Member Discount page, https://pcvrc.com/pcvrc-member-discounts/
where the password is “run82”.

Club Sponsors

If you visit any of our sponsors, thank them for their support. If you know of a local business that might like to affiliate with us, have them get in touch. We currently have approximately 175 household memberships, along with 250+ participants each year in Delaware Distance Classic 15K + 5K.

Couch to 5K Spring Session to Start in April

The popular Couch to 5K program is planning to return this April. Caitlin Reilly will once again lead the program with assistance from other club members. The Couch to 5K program is approximately 10 weeks and will likely again 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 in June. This is a great community service of motivating and reinvigorating new and existing runners. Check the PCVRC website for details on location and time of the sessions HERE.

Social Activities

Holiday party – The annual PCVRC holiday party was on Thursday December 12 at Klondike Kate’s on Main Street in Newark, DE. Club members and their families enjoyed excellent buffet of food and drink, while catching up with old and new friends. Many members also used the opportunity to renew annual membership dues for 2025, which are just $25 for the year.

Group run and social at Carousel Park – The PCVRC is hosting a no drop 3-4 (or longer) mile trail run at Carousel Park. Please park at Chuck Lagers on Saturday January 11 at 10:30am at 4500 New Linden Hill Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808 (off Limestone Rd). From there, just a short walk/jog to the park on sidewalk to the trail that loops around park for approximately 5K. Feel free to run the distance of your choice. All are welcome to join us afterwards for food and drink afterwards.

Annual meeting – The PCVRC annual meeting is being planned. We’ll let you know soon when we have a date and location. In addition to 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. Please contact any board member by end of January for either or both of these:

1. Annual Awards: submit name and accomplishments of a fellow club member (or yourself) to nominate for an award for the year 2024.
2. Board Membership: let us know if you’d consider helping us improve the club! Several current board members have held positions for a while and we welcome any member who can take on a role and attend a few meetings per year (most are online). No experience necessary!

Email to nominate a club member for an award or if you would consider becoming a board member.

Boston Sendoff – Check the events calendar for details on the Boston sendoff in early April with a run and brunch afterwards 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: PCVRC Events Calendar

PCVRC Racing Team updates

The PCVRC racing team wrapped up a strong 2024 campaign in November, finishing 2nd in both the Grand Prix and the Off-Road series. The schedules for 2025 have not yet been finalized at this time.

Our own Delaware Distance Classic 15k, held on October 20, is part of the Grand Prix. Liz Swierzbinski and Allison Emmons led the way, placing 3rd overall female and 1st female master. Other club USATF runners winning awards included Anthony Swierzbinski (1st 30-39), Pete LoBianco (1st 40-49), Sarah Rusk (2nd 40-49), Laura Carlson (2nd 50-59) and Bill Farquahar (3rd 50-59).

Exceptional performances were turned in on the first Sunday in November at the Cooper Norcross Ben Franklin Bridge run. The Pike Creek ladies led the team with Liz Swierzbinski finishing 3rd overall, Allison Emmons finishing 4th overall/1st master, and Sarah Rusk finishing as the 3rd master. Dave Wiechecki (1st 60-64), Tom Steenkamer (2nd 65-69), Anthony Swierzbinski (3rd 35-39, Betty Olmstead (3rd 75-79), and Greg Cauller (3rd 65-69) were all award winners. The club even got to hang out with Ben Franklin himself during the awards ceremony!

The Philadelphia Marathon weekend is the traditional end to the Grand Prix. All 3 of the races offered both Elite and Open prize purses this year. A huge congratulations goes out to Angelina Hannagan for placing among the top three women in the Open division of the Rothman 8k! Frank McKelvey (1st 60-64), Dave Wiechecki (2nd 60-64), and Greg Cauller (1st 65-69) also braved the cold and windy conditions. Debbie Isser (1st 70-74) and Betty Olmstead (2nd 75-79) took on the accompanying half marathon earlier in the morning.

All racers at the Camp Innabah Fall Classic 5 Miler are treated to a hearty pancake and bacon breakfast. Jean Western led the way, placing first in the 60-99 age group. John Costello and Dave Wiechecki placed 2nd and 3rd in the 60-99 age group. Kwok-Ming Cheng placed 2nd in the 50-59 age group, one week after completing the Berlin Marathon!

The Evansburg Challenge 14k has been a mainstay in the Off-Road series for years. The trails on the course are less technical than many of the other races, making it a good race for road racers. Pete LoBianco led the way, placing as the 1st Master. Other winning age group awards included: Dave Wiechecki (1st 60-69), Laura Brenner (1st 30-39), John Costello (3rd 60-69), Bill Rose (4th 60-69), Bill Farquahar (4th 50-59), Bre Kaiser (2nd 29 & under), and Jean Western (1st 60-69).

The Delaware Open Cross Country Championship is the tradition finale to the Off-Road series. Pike Creek always has a large contingent who brave the hilly course and the cold and windy conditions.
Allison Emmons and Laura Brenner led the way, finishing first and second females! JR Creekmore used his experience coaching on the course to finish 3rd overall. Pete LoBianco (2nd 40-49), Bre Kaiser (3rd open female), and Jean Western (3rd 60-69) all picked up cash awards, while many club members won raffle prizes.

The USATF Grand Prix and Off-Road series has individual awards in addition to the club awards. Clubs compete against each other for cash awards. Awards are given to runners who accumulate the highest age graded scores over the course of the year. Congratulations to Liz Swierzbinski (6th), Rob Mason (3rd), Dave Wiechecki (7th), and Greg Cauller (8th) for placing in the individual top 10. Runners receiving age group awards in the Grand Prix are: Angelina Hannagan (3rd, 25-29), Allison Emmons (2nd 40-44), Sarah Rusk (3rd 40-44), Betty Olmstead (1st 75-79), Mark Hannagan (1st 30-34), Dave Wiechecki (1st 60-64), Rob Mason (2nd 65-69), and Tom Steenkamer (3rd 65-69). In the Off-Road series runners receiving awards are: Laura Brenner (1st 39 & under), Bre Kaiser (3rd 39 & under), Jean Western (3rd 60-69), Pete LoBianco (1st 40-49), John Costello (1st 60-69), and Dave Wiechecki (2nd 60-69).

Our racing team wants you! Any club member who joins USATF can participate and represent the club. 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. The annual cost to join USATF is $60 at https://usatf.sport80.com/public/wizard/a/941/home, select Pike Creek Valley Running Club as your club affiliation. Please contact Lynn Knothe () for more information. For the racing calendars for the road and off-road series, please go to https://mausatf.org/grad-prixevents/ and https://mausatf.org/off-road-events/.

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: 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.

For Your Information

With winter getting started, this is a good time to remind folks who want to continue training when the temperatures are cold and snow and ice present an obstacle to training. These articles outline some key precautions that can be taken to help you make the most of your runs in the cold and snow HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE.

42st Delaware Distance Classic Registration is open

The 42st annual DDC will be held on Sunday October 19, 2024. This is the seminal race supporting your Pike Creek Valley Running Club as we welcome a new local charity sponsor, Delaware Greenways! Please support your club by running and/or volunteering to help with registration, handing out food and water and keeping runners on the course and safe. Course is flat and fast with many top runners in the region participating, including a number of other USATF clubs.

For details on the race and more pictures, go to the DDC website at ddc15k.org.

Your PCVRC Board

Please contact us with any questions.
President and Webmaster: Ray Christensen
Vice President: Adam Shilling
Secretary: Open
Treasurer: Andrea Riley
Membership coordinator: Tracey Mack
Sponsor coordinator: Dwight Swaney
Events coordinator: Mike Janis
USATF Team coordinator: Lynn Knothe
C25K coordinator: Caitlin Reilly
Running Events Coordinator: Hali Mckinley Lester
DDC Race Director: Alison McCann

Hope you all had a wonderful summer! The hot and humid days may be winding down, but club activities and race season are heating up. Good luck to all eclipsing your running goals for 2024! PCVRC members are competing for the race team in the USATF road and off-road series and joining folks in the running community at our weekly Tuesday track workouts with Coach Jim Fischer, Thursday and Sunday group runs and PCVRC social events. The Club has increased the number of group runs and pop up events so check out the club 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.
See current and all past PCVRC Newsletters

41th Delaware Distance Classic is October 20. Please Volunteer or Run to Support Your Club!

The 41th annual DDC is on Sunday October 20 at 9:00am. The race starts at the Riverfront at Hare Pavilion behind Constitution Yards and goes along the scenic Markell Trail again this year. This is the main event and primary fundraiser for PCVRC, which also benefits our new charity partner, Delaware Greenways (https://delawaregreenways.org/). 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 https://ddc15k.org

Discount$ for Club Members!

StretchPlex – 10% discount off any service StretchPlex (pptandfitness.com) using the code: PCVRC10.
Delaware Running Company – all PCVRC members get 10% off anything in store EXCEPT electronics.
Omega Project – $25 off 3D Gait Screen or $50 off full 3D Gait Analysis; $25 off 6 pack of laser sessions or $50 off a 10 pack of laser sessions
Liquid Alchemy Beverages – 10% off entire visit of All Natural Craft Meads and Ciders
Cheskin Chiropractic Center – Complimentary consultation for sports related or accident related treatment
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
Omius headbands – 20% off with code PCVRC24 at Omius Inc.
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.
LEVERMovement – https://levermovement.com/ Use code PikeCreekRC20 to get 20%.

See all current discounts & links at our Member Discount page, https://pcvrc.com/pcvrc-member-discounts/ (Email if you need the password).

Couch to 5K graduation!

The spring Couch to 5K program was a major success! The Club is grateful for Caitlin Reilly and the club members who assisted in providing an excellent 10-week program. The Couch to 5K program was conducted at Delcastle Park in conjunction with our Thursday 6:00pm group runs. Congratulations to all the participants with special recognition to those who completed the goal 5K race on June 22 (Kick off to Summer 5K). Check the PCVRC website for details on the next session of this popular program HERE.

Social Activities

Summer picnic at Bellevue State Park – The rescheduled annual “summer” picnic was held Saturday, September 28 at the pavilion at Bellevue State Park. Club members enjoyed food and drink and good company.

Group Run at White Clay Creek – On Wednesday, June 26 at 5:30pm, the club hosted a group run at White Clay Creek State Park at the Carpenter Recreation Area in Newark, DE. Folks then stayed for the free concert afterwards by Magical Mystery Tour (Beatles tribute).

Group Trail Run and Social – On Thursday July 25 at 6:00pm, the Club hosted a trail run in Fair Hill NRMA. Folks ran various distances and then met up afterwards at Old Stone Cidery in Lewisville, PA.

DDC course preview run – On August 25, 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. The group then enjoyed a nice breakfast at Riverfront Bakery.

Check out the PCVRC the website for more pictures from these events and for updates on other upcoming events: PCVRC Events Calendar

PCVRC Racing Team updates

The summer months are relatively slow for the USATF road and off-road series. With the cooler fall weather, the series races pick up again with a busy October and November. Pike Creek Valley Running Club is currently in second place in both the Grand Prix and the Off-Road Series.

On June 30, which may have been the most humid of many humid days this summer, a small squad took on the Run for the Ages at Nolde Forest near Reading. This race has a unique, handicapped, start by age and gender; the first across the line is the winner. Dave Wiechecki led the way by placing 8th overall. Jean Western and Rob Mason also persevered in the rough conditions to win age group awards.

A mainstay in the Off-Road series, the Double Trouble 15k at French Creek was held on July 28. A strong contingent tackled the hilly and rocky 15k course on an unseasonably cooler July day. Pete LoBianco, Dave Wiechecki, Bill Rose, and Laura Brenner all placed in their respective age groups.

Heavy rains in the days leading up the August 11 Chobot Challenge made for challenging creek crossings. A strong contingent was able to successfully navigate the deep and fast flowing water in the main creek crossing, going over it two times. Laura Brenner led the way, placing 2nd overall female. Pete LoBianco, Dave Wiechecki, Bill Rose, and Jean Western also placed in their respective age groups.

The lone road race with a scoring team took place on September 8 at the Main Line Run in Wayne, PA. After several years of this race taking place with heavy rain, racers were treated to perfect racing conditions. Liz Swierzbinski and Roxanne Ramirez led the way, placing first and second overall among women. Mark Hannagan, Angelina Hannagan, Dave Wiechecki, and Rob Mason all placed in their respective age groups. The Pike Creek team also placed second in the team competition, winning a large trophy.

Our racing team wants you! Any club member who joins USATF can participate and represent our club, both in our regional series and in National Championship events! The annual cost to join USATF is $55 at https://usatf.sport80.com/public/wizard/a/941/home, select Pike Creek Valley Running Club as your club affiliation. USATF members can enjoy discounts on series races, win end of year series awards, and are guaranteed entry in the Broad Street Run. Members of the club who are members of USATF and compete in at least 4 races total among both series will receive a complimentary membership to PCVRC for the following year. Please contact Lynn Knothe () for more information. For the racing calendars for the road and off-road series, please go to https://mausatf.org/grad-prixevents/ and https://mausatf.org/off-road-events/.

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: 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

The days are getting shorter, but the sun’s rays can still have negative effects on our skin even during short workouts or when running under cloudy conditions. For guidance on how to protect yourself and some popular products to help minimize skin damage, see articles are HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.

41st Delaware Distance Classic Registration is open

The 41st annual DDC will be held on October 20, 2024. This is the seminal race supporting your Pike Creek Valley Running Club as we welcome a new local charity sponsor, Delaware Greenways! Please support your club by running and/or volunteering to help with registration, handing out food and water and keeping runners on the course and safe. Course is flat and fast with many top runners in the region participating, including a number of other USATF clubs.

For details on the race and more pictures, go to the DDC website at https://ddc15k.org.

Your PCVRC Board

Please contact us with any questions.
President and Webmaster: Ray Christensen
Vice President: Adam Shilling
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
Running Events Coordinator: Hali Mckinley Lester
DDC Race Director: Alison McCann

Check out our wonderful sponsors – click on logos in sidebar.

PCVRC Newsletter – June 2024

Summer is here! The days are long, temperatures are warm (or hot!) and race season is in full swing so good luck eclipsing your running goals for 2024! PCVRC members are running the Boston marathon, competing for the race team in the USATF road and off-road series and joining folks in the running community at our weekly Tuesday track workouts with Coach Jim Fischer, Thursday and Sunday group runs and PCVRC social events. The Club has increased the number of group runs and pop up events so check out the club 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. For current and all past PCVRC Newsletters at https://pcvrc.com/pcvrc-news-bulletins-2/

PCVRC memberships for 2024

Please visit https://pcvrc.com/renew-membership/ to join for 2024. $26 online (or $25 by mailed check) includes all family members at your address. Club membership includes free T-shirt for new members, race discounts, weekly group runs, discounted Delaware Park passes (sold out for 2024), track workouts with Coach Fischer, fun runs, Club social events including Holiday Party, Spring Social, Delaware Distance Classic (our signature event), 10% discount at Delaware Running Company, eligibility to participate as a member of our team in USATF events and more!

PCVRC Charity Partner – Delaware Greenways

For thirty-five years, Delaware Greenways has been fostering community advocacy, enhancing outdoor experiences, and promoting environmental stewardship to empower healthier lifestyles for all Delawareans. By creating outdoor connections through networks of trails, pathways, and scenic road corridors, Delaware Greenways creates recreational opportunities that benefit body and mind. For more information on this excellent organization, please visit the website: https://delawaregreenways.org/

Discount$ for Club Members!

StretchPlex – 10% discount off any service StretchPlex (pptandfitness.com) using the code: PCVRC10.
Delaware Running Company – all PCVRC members get 10% off anything in store EXCEPT electronics.
Omega Project – $25 off 3D Gait Screen or $50 off full 3D Gait Analysis; $25 off 6 pack of laser sessions or $50 off a 10 pack of laser sessions
Liquid Alchemy Beverages – 10% off entire visit of All Natural Craft Meads and Ciders
Cheskin Chiropractic Center – Complimentary consultation for sports related or accident related treatment
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
Omius headbands – 20% off with code PCVRC24 at Omius Inc.
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.
LEVERMovement – https://levermovement.com/ Use code PikeCreekRC20 to get 20%.

See all current discounts at our Member Discount page, https://pcvrc.com/pcvrc-member-discounts/ where the password is “****”. (Members: email us for password)

Couch to 5K graduation!

The spring Couch to 5K program was a major success! The Club is grateful for Caitlin Reilly and the club members who assisted in providing an excellent 10-week program. The Couch to 5K program was conducted at Delcastle Park in conjunction with our Thursday 6:00pm group runs. Congratulations to all the participants with special recognition to those who completed the goal 5K race on June 22 (Kick off to Summer 5K). Check the PCVRC website for details on the next session of this popular program HERE.

Congratulations to Boston Marathon Finishers

On April 15, several Club members completed the Boston Marathon on a warm, sunny Patriots Day. Although conditions were not optimal, always a good time with fellow runners and friends. Special thanks to Lynn Knothe for handling the logistics of the trip including getting folks to the starting line and making sure all were collected safely at the end of the race.

PCVRC Racing Team updates

The 2024 Mid-Atlantic Grand Prix and Off-Road series are in full swing! The road Grand Prix takes a summer break, while the shade on trails allows summer trail racing. PCVRC is currently leading the Off-Road series and sitting in second place in the Grand Prix.

April and May were busy months for the Grand Prix, with 4 races squeezed into 6 weeks! Laura Brenner, John Costello, Dave Wiechecki, Jeff Painter, and Tom Steenkamer all scored Goodr sunglasses for placing in the top 3 in their respective age groups at hilly Valley Forge 5 Mile. Two weeks later at the Broad Street run, which was run in less than ideal conditions, Liz Swierzbinski led the way placing 5th in her age group, and setting a state age group record in the process! Michelle Brangan, Dave Wiechecki, and Rob Mason all also placed in the top 5 of their respective age groups in one of the biggest, and most competitive, 10 mile races in the country.

On Memorial Day, Liz Swierzbinski was the lone award winner at the Memorial Main Street Mile. Finally, on June 1, the spring portion of the Grand Prix finished at the Moorestown 8k. The Pike Creek Ladies led the way with Debbie Isser, Carol Driscoll, and Liz Swierzbinski turning in top age graded performances. All three ladies, and Rob Mason, walked away with Goodr sunglasses for their efforts.

The off-road series has races spread out move evenly throughout the year since the shade on the trails makes summer trail races a possibility. Laura Brenner led the way for Pike Creek at the Coventry Woods 10k as the overall female winner. Pete LoBianco, John Costello, Bill Rose, Bre Kaiser, and Jean Western all won awards. On June 2, the Wissahickon 10k returned to the series. Due to an unusual breakdown of age groups, Bill Rose was our lone award winner, winning the 65-infinity age group.

Our racing team wants you! Any club member who joins USATF can participate and represent our club, both in our regional series and in National Championship events! The annual cost to join USATF is $55 at https://usatf.sport80.com/public/wizard/a/941/home, select Pike Creek Valley Running Club as your club affiliation. USATF members can enjoy discounts on series races, win end of year series awards, and are guaranteed entry in the Broad Street Run. Members of the club who are members of USATF and compete in at least 4 races total among both series will receive a complimentary membership to PCVRC for the following year.

Please contact Lynn Knothe () for more information. 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/.

Social Activities

Group Run at Liquid Alchemy – The PCVRC held a very popular group run at Liquid Alchemy Beverages, one of our long-time sponsors, to kick off Memorial Day weekend on the evening of May 24. Folks had a nice run and then enjoyed drinks, socialization and sustenance from food trucks on site.

Group Run at White Clay Creek – On Wednesday, June 26 at 5:30pm, the club will be hosting a group run at White Clay Creek State Park at the Carpenter Recreation Area (880 New London Road, Newark, DE). Folks are invited to run and stay for the free concert afterwards by Magical Mystery Tour (Beatles tribute). Feel free to bring lawn chair or blanket and food/beverage of your choice.

Group Trail Run and Social – On Thursday July 25 at 6:00pm, the Club will be hosting a trail run in Fair Hill NRMA. There will be a 5 and 8 mile loop option (or out and back distance of choice). Meet at the Fair Hill parking lot at the corner of Black Bridge and Appleton Road, carpooling encouraged (there is a parking fee). After the run, meet up at Old Stone Cidery on 959 Chesterville Rd in Lewisville, PA 19351.

Summer picnic on August 18 at Bellevue State Park – The Club will be hosting the annual summer picnic under a pavilion at Bellevue State Park on Sunday August 18, 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 Chorduroy (Rock, Blues and Soul) at 6:30 PM.
Check out the PCVRC the website for more pictures from these events and for updates on 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: 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

The warmer and longer days back and sometimes runners forget the cumulative damage the sun’s rays can have on our skin even during short workouts or when running under cloudy conditions.

For guidance on how to protect yourself and some popular products to help minimize skin damage, see articles are HERE, HERE, HERE.

41st Delaware Distance Classic Registration is open

The 41st annual DDC will be held on October 20, 2024. This is the seminal race supporting your Pike Creek Valley Running Club as we welcome a new local charity sponsor, Delaware Greenways! Please support your club by running and/or volunteering to help with registration, handing out food and water and keeping runners on the course and safe. Course is flat and fast with many top runners in the region participating, including a number of other USATF clubs.

For details on the race and more pictures, go to the DDC website at ddc15k.org.

Your PCVRC Board

Please contact us with any questions
President and Webmaster: Ray Christensen
Vice President: Adam Shilling
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
Running Events Coordinator: Hali Mckinley Lester
DDC Race Director: Alison McCann

Check out our wonderful sponsors – see sidebar

Our Charity Partner:

PCVRC Newsletter – April 2024

Spring is here! The days are longer, temperatures are warmer and race season is in full swing so good luck eclipsing your running goals for 2024! PCVRC members are running the Boston marathon, competing for the race team in the USATF road and off-road series and joining folks in the running community at our weekly Tuesday track workouts with Coach Jim Fischer, Thursday and Sunday group runs and PCVRC social events. The Couch to 5K program is starting up in April so take advantage these programs and all your PCVRC membership has to offer. Check out the club 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 memberships for 2024

Please visit https://pcvrc.com/renew-membership/ to join/renew for 2024. $26 online (or $25 by mailed check) includes all family members at your address. Club membership includes free T-shirt for new members, race discounts, weekly group runs, discounted Delaware Park passes (sold out for 2024), track workouts with Coach Fischer, fun runs, Club social events including Holiday Party, Spring Social, Delaware Distance Classic (our signature event), 10% discount at Delaware Running Company, eligibility to participate as a member of our team in USATF events and more!

Discount$ for Club Members!

StretchPlex – 10% discount off any service StretchPlex using the code: PCVRC10.
Delaware Running Company – all PCVRC members get 10% off anything in store EXCEPT electronics.
Omega Project – $25 off 3D Gait Screen or $50 off full 3D Gait Analysis; $25 off 6 pack of laser sessions or $50 off a 10 pack of laser sessions
Liquid Alchemy Beverages – 10% off entire visit of All Natural Craft Meads and Ciders
Cheskin Chiropractic Center – Complimentary consultation for sports related or accident related treatment
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
Omius headbands – 20% off with code PCVRC24 at Omius Inc.
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.
LEVERMovement – https://levermovement.com/ Use code PikeCreekRC20 to get 20%.
See all current discounts at our Member Discount page, https://pcvrc.com/pcvrc-member-discounts/ where the password is “run82“.

Couch to 5K starting in April

The popular Couch to 5K program has returned this spring, with the first session planned for Thursday April 11. Caitlin Reilly will be coordinating the program will assistance from other club members. 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 in June (Kick off to Summer 5K). This is one of the Club’s most popular programs and a great community service of motivating and reinvigorating new and existing runners! Check the PCVRC website for updates and details on the next session HERE.

PCVRC Racing Team updates

The 2024 Mid-Atlantic USATF Grand Prix and off-road series are off to a running start! Both series have had 2 races completed to date. At this time, PCVRC is leading the trail series and is in a solid 3rd place in the Grand Prix.

The Frostbite 5 Miler in Ambler, PA, at Wissahickon High School kicked off the road series on February 24. This year the race was postponed by a week due to the possibility of a significant winter storm. Due to the change in date, some scheduled runners were not able to participate. J.R. Creekmore picked up where he left off in the fall, leading the team with a third place overall finish. Allison Emmons led the ladies, winning the master’s division. Pete LoBianco, Elizabeth Swierzbinski, Brenda Hodge, Sarah Rusk, Laura Brenner, and Betty Olmstead also took home mugs for placing in their respective age groups.

The always fast and competitive Adrenaline 5k at Haddonfield High School was held under ideal racing conditions on March 16. Allison Emmons set a state age group record in placing as the 3rd master and Brenda Hodge also picked up a cash award for placing 3rd in 50+ division. J.R. Creekmore (30-34), Elizabeth Swierzbinski (35-39), Sarah Rusk (40-44), and Bill Farquahar (50-54) were all age group winners, Angelina Hannagan (25-29) placed 2nd, and Rob Mason (65-69) and Betty Olmstead (75-79) placed 3rd.

The Looney Leprechaun 10k Trail race at Tyler State Park was on March 2. All racers encountered extremely difficult trail conditions due to the significant rainfall in the days leading up to, and during the race. At times streams ran through the trails and mud was so thick it tried to suck shoes off. Laura Brenner led the way for the team as the overall female winner! Pete LoBianco finished second overall and John Costello and Dave Wiechecki placed top 3 in the 60-69 division.

The always popular Tyler Arboretum 10k was in sunny, but chilly conditions on April 6. The race organizers seem to be able find new hills within the arboretum every year for competitors to tackle. John Costello and Dave Wiechecki placed 2nd and 3rd in the 60-69 age group and Jean Western placed 3rd in the 60-69 age group.

Our racing team wants you! Any club member who joins USATF can participate and represent our club, both in our regional series and in National Championship events! The annual cost to join USATF is $55 at https://usatf.sport80.com/public/wizard/a/941/home, select Pike Creek Valley Running Club as your club affiliation. USATF members can enjoy discounts on series races, win end of year series awards, and are guaranteed entry in the Broad Street Run (May 5, 7:30am start). Members of the club who are members of USATF and compete in at least 4 races total among both series will receive a complimentary membership to PCVRC for the following year. Please contact Lynn Knothe () for more information. For the racing calendars for the road and off-road series, please go to https://mausatf.org/grad-prixevents/ and https://mausatf.org/off-road-events/.

Social Activities

Annual meeting – The PCVRC annual meeting on March 14 at Timothy’s in Newark was an excellent evening of food, drink, socialization and celebrating some extraordinary achievements from the past year. This included Runner of the Year, Anthony Swierzbinski, Member of the Year, Mike Piorkowski, Volunteer of the Year, Mark Hannagan, Rookie of the Year, Jean Western, and Most Improved Runner, Mike Janis. PCVRC also honored new inductee to the Hall of Fame, Mark Deshon Many thanks to the Club’s social events coordinator, Mike Janis, for organizing a great event. We also welcomed new members to the board to help our club become more beneficial and enjoyable to current and prospective members with group runs, socials and other activities.

Boston Sendoff – On April 7, PCVRC members enjoyed a run and excellent brunch at the Delaware Running Company on Kennett Pike in Greenville, DE to wish our Boston Marathon participants good luck. We had a great turnout and used the opportunity to belatedly honor new Hall of Fame inductee, Rich Szymanski.

Check out the PCVRC the website for more pictures from these events and for updates on 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.

For Your Information

The warmer and longer days back and sometimes runners forget the cumulative damage the sun’s rays can have on our skin even during short workouts or when running under cloudy conditions. For guidance on how to protect yourself and some popular products to help minimize skin damage, see articles are HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.

41st Delaware Distance Classic Registration is open

The 41st annual DDC will be held on October 20, 2024. This is the seminal race supporting your Pike Creek Valley Running Club as well as a local charity sponsor so please support your club by running and/or volunteering to help with registration, handing out food and water and keeping runners on the course and safe. Course is flat and fast with many top runners in the region participating, including a number of other USATF clubs.
For details on the race and more pictures, go to the DDC website at ddc15k.org.

Your PCVRC Board

Please contact us with any questions HERE
President and Webmaster: Ray Christensen
Vice President: Adam Shilling
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
Running Events Coordinator: Hali Mckinley Lester
DDC Race Director: Alison McCann

Check out our wonderful sponsors – click on logos in sidebar for more info.

PCVRC Newsletter – February 2024

Download as PDF

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 PCVRC membership for 2024 and encourage interested folks to join

Please visit https://pcvrc.com/renew-membership/ to renew for 2024. $26 online (or $25 by mailed check) includes all family members at your address. Club membership includes free T-shirt for new members, race discounts, weekly group runs, discounted Delaware Park passes (sold out for 2024), track workouts with Coach Fischer, fun runs, Club social events including Holiday Party, Spring Social, Delaware Distance Classic (our signature event), 10% discount at Delaware Running Company, eligibility to participate as a member of our team in USATF events and more!

Open Board Positions – we need you!

The board has open positions for Vice President and Secretary. Board meetings are typically every other month. You’ll have plenty of support and get to help shape the club such as being involved in deciding the types of group runs, socials and other activities that are put on by the club. Please email if you would consider becoming a board member.

Discount$ for Club Members!

StretchPlex is offering a 10% discount off any service at StretchPlex using the code: PCVRC10.
Delaware Running Company – all PCVRC members get 10% off anything in store EXCEPT electronics.
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
Omius headbands – 20% off with code PCVRC24 at Omius Inc.
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.
LEVERMovement – https://levermovement.com/ Use code PikeCreekRC20 to get 20%.

Couch to 5K scheduled to start in April

The popular Couch to 5K program will return this spring, with the first session planned for Thursday April 11. Caitlin Reilly will be coordinating the program will assistance from other club members. 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 in June (Kick off to Summer 5K). This is a great community service of motivating and reinvigorating new and existing runners!

Check the PCVRC website for updates and details on the next session HERE.

PCVRC Racing Team updates

The PCVRC racing team wrapped up a strong 2023 season in November. The team finished third in the road Grand Prix and second in the Off-road series. Schedules have been finalized for the 2024 season. The road events can be found at https://mausatf.org/grad-prix-events/. The Broad Street Ten Miler returns to its traditional first Sunday in May date with a new, earlier, start time. The Off-Road events can be found at https://mausatf.org/off-road-events/.

The Philadelphia Marathon weekend is the traditional finale to the Grand Prix. Most of the PCVRC crew opts to run the Rothman 8k. With an 11:00 start, it offers a rare chance to sleep in on race day! J.R. Creekmore continued his outstanding fall racing season, placing 4th in the 30-34 age group. Allison Emmons led the ladies, placing 2nd in 40-44. John Costello (2nd, 60-64), Carol Giampietro (2nd, 65-69), Greg Cauller (3rd, 60-64), Keith Cripsin (4th, 55-59), and Dave Wiechecki (4th 60-64) all also received awards for placing in the top five of their respective age groups. In the accompanying half marathon, Jeff Painter placed 3rd in the 60-64 age group. At the marathon on Sunday, John Brown placed 5th in the 65-69 age group.

The Off-Road series wrapped up the Saturday after Thanksgiving with the Delaware Open Cross Country Championship at nearby Brandywine Creek State Park. J. R. Creekmore and Allison Emmons both used their experience from coaching high school teams on the course to take the overall win and first female master. Other strong performances were turned in by Pete Lobianco (1st male master), Laura Brenner (3rd female), Mark Hannagan (5th), John Costello (2nd 60-69), and Dave Wiechecki (3rd 60-69).

In addition to the club winning cash prizes for overall placement in the team Grand Prix and Off-Road series, individuals can win awards for top 10 overall and age groups based on participation through the year. Congratulations are in order for Rob Mason (5th), Elizabeth Swierzbinski (6th), and Greg Cauller (9th) for earning top 10 in the overall Grand Prix. Elizabeth Swierzbinski (1st 30-34), Allison Emmons (1st 40-44), Betty Olmstead (1st 75-79), J.R. Creekmore (1st 30-34), Rob Mason (1st 65-69), Anthony Swierzbinski (2nd 35-39), Greg Cauller (2nd 60-64), Angelina Hannagan (3rd 25-29), Sarah Rusk (3rd 40-44), Mark Hannagan (3rd 30-34), Keith Crispin (3rd 55-59), and Jeff Painter (3rd 60-64) all placed top three in their respective age groups for the series. Pete LoBianco (1st 40-49), John Costello (1st 60-69), Laura Brenner (2nd 30-39), Andrea Rubinoff (2nd 60-69), Greg Cauller (3rd 60-69), and Lynn Knothe (3rd 40-49) all earned awards for placing top three in their respective age groups. Awards will be available in the gymnasium at Wissahickon High School prior to the start of the Fireside Frostbite 5 Miler on February 17, 2024.

PCVRC put together two teams to compete at the USATF Cross Country National Championships held at Pole Green Park in Richmond, VA on January 20, 2024. All harriers braved sub-freezing temperatures and strong winds along the course. The women’s team of Sarah Rusk, Brenda Hodge, Katrina Holloway, and Lynn Knothe placed as the 2nd place women’s 40+ team again! The men’s 60+ team of Dave Wiechecki, Greg Cauller, and Bill Rose placed 4th against a strong field.

Our racing team wants you! Any club member who joins USATF can participate and represent our club, both in our regional series and in National Championship events! The annual cost to join USATF is $55 at https://usatf.sport80.com/public/wizard/a/941/home, select Pike Creek Valley Running Club as your club affiliation. USATF members can enjoy discounts on series races, win end of year series awards, and are guaranteed entry in the Broad Street Run. Members of the club who are members of USATF and compete in at least 4 races total among both series will receive a complimentary membership to PCVRC for the following year. Please contact Lynn Knothe () for more information.

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/.

Social Activities

Holiday Social – The annual PCVRC holiday party on Wednesday December 13 at Klondike Kate’s on Main Street in Newark, DE was highly attended. Members and their families enjoyed food and drink, while socializing and a few lucky folks won a raffle prize. Many members also used the opportunity to renew annual membership dues for 2024, which are just $25 for the year.

Annual meeting – The PCVRC annual meeting is scheduled for March 14 from 6:00-9:00pm at Timothy’s in Newark. RSVP on Facebook or . 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. This is also your opportunity to shape the future of the club, 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 with the future direction the club. Email to nominate a club member for an award or if you would consider becoming a board member.

Boston Sendoff – All members are welcome on Sunday April 7 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. See details

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: 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

For Your Information

It had been so long, we forget that it does snow and get cold in the Mid-Atlantic region. For those who want to continue training when the snow and ice persist for several days, there are precautions that can be taken to help you make the most of your runs in the snow. A few articles describing considerations and how to dress for the snow are HERE, HERE, HERE.

41st Delaware Distance Classic Registration is open

The 41st annual DDC will be held on October 20. This is the seminal race supporting your Pike Creek Valley Running Club as well as a local charity sponsor so please support the race by running and/or volunteering to help with registration, handing out food and water and keeping runners on the course and safe. Course is flat and fast with many top runners in the region participating, including a number of other USATF clubs.

For details on the race and more pictures, go to the DDC website at ddc15k.org.

Your PCVRC Board

Please contact us with any questions.
President and Webmaster: Ray Christensen
Vice President; OPEN
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 logos on website sidebar.

Download as PDF