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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PCVRC runner

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

PAL Race this Friday!

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

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

Also Midnight Oil Brewery is coming with beer for runners.

Delaware Kids Fund 5K August 4th in Newport

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

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

Hope to see you at the races. Wayne

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best,
Lauren Faurl

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Pike Creek Runner!

PCVRC Summer Social at Dew Point Brewing Co. in Yorklyn, Monday, July 16^th, 6:30 PM

Not Saturday. Not Sunday. Monday night!
Reminder…we have rented the entire Dew Point Brewing Co. in Yorklyn just for PCVRC members and friends. Now we need you…and your friends!
PCVRC will be providing pizzas and tabletop Jenga. Dew Point has cornhole and a disc golf net. You’re also welcome to bring your special dish or contribution. Come any time from 6:30 to 9 PM. Come after your run, we don’t care!
RSVP’s make us feel better! E-mail Dirk at  with your RSVP!

Thank you from the Crabowitz

“Another successful ‘Crabowitz’ party in the books!!  Thank you to everyone who came and enjoyed good food, drinks and GREAT friends!  We are so grateful and appreciative of your VERY generous donations for our two charities this year, Stand up to Cancer and Sojourners Place, our local homeless shelter.  We raised $2,063!!!!

We can’t thank everyone enough and look forward to seeing everyone next year.”

Rich and Tricia Szymanski:

Membership

The club currently stands at 118 family memberships with 193 club members.  Thanks to Christina Xia for handling our membership so well!  

We have two new members: Alex and Anna Wise!  Welcome to the club!

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

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

To renew your dues online, go to: www.pcvrc.com/join.php. 

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

Please let us know what you’ve been up to!!  For inclusion in the next newsletter, send your race results, PRs, and running related stories by replying to this message or by sending a separate email to: .

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

2018 Nominees – PCVRC Board 

 

Officers: 

            Dirk Sweigart, President

Wes Stafford, VP

           Adam Shilling, Secretary

            Lenora Wagner, Treasurer

Other Voting Members:   

            Tom Steenkamer – USATF

            Dan Suher – DDC Race Co-Director

            Christina Xia – Membership 

            Ray Christensen – Emeritus   

            Grace Carr – Communications/Marketing

            Sheri Sweigart – Social  

            Jerry Herman – At Large

Links for Club Members

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.mtb.com

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

www.NBretail.com

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

www.liquidalchemybeverages.com

PCVRC Member,
Here are three very exciting running opportunities with a Pike Creek connection.  Come and run/train/party with your club!
Dirk Sweigart,  President 

Jim Steele and Fallen Heroes
The Fallen Heroes 5K will be held on Thursday May 24th hosted by our very own Jim Steele.  The race is held at St. Peter’s School in New Castle, DE and starts at 6:30pm.  It’s a nice course, voted as one of the 10 Best Scenic Courses by USA Today!  Plenty of food and free beer post-race.  Prizes to top overall male/female runners as well as top male/female masters overall runners. Details and registration can be found on Races2run.com.  It’s just the beginning of the twilight 5k racing season so we hope to see you all there.  Come out, support Jim and the Fallen Heroes and hang out with us by the Pike Creek sign!

Pike Creek’s “C25K”  hosted by David Berger
Here we go again with this ever-popular event!  It’s a 7-week program this spring, May 15 – June 26.  Sign Up here and then meet at the Newark Reservoir next Tuesday at 6 PM. 
https://runsignup.com/Race/DE/Newark/PCVRCTrainingProgram

Howard Laws Summer XC Series
This is a great event put on at Bellevue all summer long. Races begin Tuesday June 5 at 6:30 PM at Bellevue State Park. Cost is $30.00 for the series or $5.00 for each individual race. Races are held every other Tuesday. (There is a park fee, car pool or park in the Corporate Business lot and walk).

Race dates: June 5, 19, July 3, 17 (team competition – PCVRC has won the team event in the past!), 31 and Aug 14. Registration starts at 5:00 PM. Shirts to runners who pay $30.00 for the entire series while supplies last.

Team competition benefits 21st Century Fund for Delaware Children.

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

Hi PCVRC runners and members,

In the interest of keeping this short and sweet, here’s what’s happening with your club!

Congratulations to all of our marathon runners – Laura Berger, Matt Cutrona, Carol Giampietro, Brenda Hodge, Kelly Horowitz, Lee Kauffman, Greg Cauller, Leah Kate Lounsbury, Sarah Rusk, Wes Stafford, Brian Welch!  Tough conditions out there!  Our marathon send-off party was a success but failed to secure good weather for the run!

Delaware Marathon Course Marshals 4/29 – please volunteer
Happy Spring! PCVRC is again asked to provide volunteers willing to be course marshals on Sunday 4/29 from 715am-noon or any portion of that possible. Last year, they donated $500 to our club to thank us! If you can, here’s how to sign up. It’s thru RunSignUp, so you should log in using that account…

Course Marshal instructions:
We’ve got all of Bancroft Pkwy (9 intersections). To sign up:
1. Go to volunteer link
2. Click “Course Marshals” under “Find Your Category”
3. At “Course Marshal @ Bancroft Pkwy” check box for “645am EDT – 1230pm EDT” and click “Volunteer” button (our actual meet time will be 715am)
4. Enter Task Password drf18 then select “Myself” or other option and enter info or log in with your RunSignUp login if you have one.
5. Complete form (contact info, shirt size, etc) and click “Continue”

I’ll be notified (Ray) and will send specific location assignments and other instructions before race day. If volunteers need to change anything or cancel, they should contact me directly at . Or call me with questions anytime at 302-633-1482.

Forward to anyone else who might consider, since each person needs to complete the form themselves. Thanks, Ray

Howard Laws Summer XC Series
This is a great event put on at Bellevue all summer long. Races begin Tuesday June 5 at 6:30 PM at Bellevue State Park. Cost is $30.00 for the series or $5.00 for each individual race. Races are held every other Tuesday. (There is a park fee, car pool or park in the Corporate Business lot and walk).

Race dates: June 5, 19, July 3, 17 (team competition – PCVRC has won the team event in the past!), 31 and Aug 14. Registration starts at 5:00 PM. Shirts to runners who pay $30.00 for the entire series while supplies last.

Team competition benefits 21st Century Fund for Delaware Children.

Social Activities – recap
Congratulations to our award winners for 2016: Runner of the Year Zach Chupa; Member of the Year Jim Steele; Outstanding Achievement Award Winners Stacey Schiller, Lee Dresser, DJ Farren and Brenda Hodge.

Special congratulations to our newest members to the Hall of Fame – Theresa Coughlan and Greg Cauller! Check out their bios here: https://pcvrc.com/pcvrc-hall-of-fame/

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

Our Boston send-off party was a success but failed to secure good weather for the marathon!

Delaware Distance Classic

The 36th edition of the Delaware Distance Classic 15K & 5K, our club’s signature event, is scheduled for Sunday October 7, 2018 in Delaware City. The DDC Planning Committee is already hard at work and hopes you will actively help us market the event. Follow us on Instagram and use the #DDC15K on Instagram whenever you post anything about running. We already have a number of posts and a number of followers, the more the better!

April 1 was the kick-off date for this event. Watch for our social media promotion. The DDC website is www.ddc15k.org.

We are looking for six people to be ambassadors for the event in exchange for a free entry!  

Membership

The club currently stands at 140 family memberships with 237 club members. Thanks to Christina Xia for handling our membership so well!

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

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

To renew your dues online, go to: www.pcvrc.com/join.php. 

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

Race Results & Recognition
From Jerry Herman, Caesar Rodney 5K recap: Because my mileage has been way down, I made the decision to not run the half at CR and dropped back to the 5K

Somewhere between miles one and two, a tall guy passes me and I think he looks a little older. He got about 150 yards ahead of me. Then I noticed that slowly I was catching up to him. At the water stop near the hospital he was a lot closer. As we made the turn to go up Market St. we were shoulder to shoulder. I beat him up the hill by over 20 seconds. When he finished I said, “I know this is rude, but how old are you?” He told me he was 70. So I beat somebody in my age group (70 – 99). When the results were posted I found out I was first in my age group! In over 30 years of running and running races I finally won first place in my age group!

First place was worth a trophy and (thanks to Frank’s Wine) a bottle of champagne and a growler with a certificate to have it filled. I can’t remember being this happy with a race finish since I finished my first marathon!

Please let us know what you’ve been up to!! For inclusion in the next newsletter, send your race results, PRs, and running related stories by replying to this message or by sending a separate email to: .

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

2018 Nominees – PCVRC Board 

 

Officers: 

      Dirk Sweigart, President
      Wes Stafford, VP

      Adam Shilling, Secretary

      Lenora Wagner, Treasurer

Other Voting Members:  

      Tom Steenkamer – USATF

      Joel Schiller – DDC Race Director

      Christina Xia – Membership 

      Ray Christensen – Emeritus  

      Open – Communications/Marketing

      Sheri Sweigart – Social

      Jerry Herman – At Large

Links for Club Members

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

President’s Message
No one likes long e-mails, so I’ll put the important items right here in front.  Then you can read the additional details below if you want to.

Our Annual Meeting is on March 6^th from 6:30 to 9:00 at Pizza by Elizabeth’s. Please RSVP either on Facebook or reply to this e-mail. We need a count for food.    

We are doing another Pub Crawl on Saturday March 24^th from Timothy’s at 1 PM. 

Our USATF running season is off to a good start with our team at the Frostbite 5.

We need your help with some exciting plans for the Delaware Distance Classic.

The Boston Send-Off party is the Wednesday before the marathon.  Mark your calendars now for April 11^th. We are expecting this event to be at Catherine Rooney’s in Trolley.

Did you know that your membership with PCVRC also makes you a member of the Road Runners Clubs of America?

I run with my dog and he and I love it – the SPCA is looking for volunteers to run with dogs.  Go run with a dog!
Dirk 

Social Activities 
The PCVRC Annual Meeting is at Pizza By Elizabeth’s on Tuesday, March 6^th from 6:30 to 9:00.  Each member will receive two drink tickets to redeem.  Food will be provided as well.  We will have a short program to present the board and club awards for 2017. Please, please RSVP!

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

Delaware Distance Classic
The 36th edition of the Delaware Distance Classic 15K & 5K, our club’s signature event, is scheduled for Sunday October 7, 2018 in Delaware City.  The DDC Planning Committee is already hard at work and hopes you will actively help us market the event.  Follow us on Instagram and use the #DDC15K on Instagram whenever you post anything about running.  We already have a number of posts and a number of followers,  the more the better!

April 1 will be the kick-off date for this event and we are planning a social media promotion and some discounted registrations around the kickoff.  The DDC website is www.ddc15k.org and the marketing items will be updated before the kickoff.  

The planning committee could use two more people to help: one with volunteer coordination and the other to help with operations.  New this year: the race will be limited to 500 runners!  Dirk is planning a Delaware Running Club challenge to be held at DDC; and we are looking for six people to be ambassadors for the event in exchange for a free entry!     

USATF Update
30 club members ran for Pike Creek last year in USATF races.  We can beat that number this year and we already have some new team members – Leah-Kate Lounsbury had a great debut at the Frostbite! Results next newsletter.

The first trail race is Brandywine Red Clay 10K on March 4^th, next weekend.

PCVRC Members are Individual Members of RRCA
Since our club is a member club of Road Runners Club of America, each of us is a member of RRCA, founded in 1958.  The RRCA champions the development of community-based running clubs and events that serve runners of all ages and abilities in pursuit of health and competition. Lots of good info can be found at their website, such as:

Running Safety Tips:  http://www.rrca.org/education/rrca-general-running-safety-tips
Etiquette for Runners:  http://www.rrca.org/education/etiquette-for-runners
Race & Running News:  http://www.rrca.org/news-articles
Member Benefits:  http://www.rrca.org/membership/member-benefits –such as digital magazine subscription, updates of RRCA activities and opportunity to participate in programs.

RRCA offers programs in support of local running clubs and events, assistance in becoming a running coach, kids activities, runner Scholar Grants, and much more.
As a club member of this national non profit, PCVRC is, in turn also a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, so any donations to PCVRC are treated the same as donations to any other reputable charity. For more info, visit RRCA.org or contact former RRCA Delaware State Rep. Ray Christensen at raychris@comcast.net

Run With the Dogs, SPCA
 In the same way that most races have a charity partner, our club has teamed up with various local non-profits through the years. We were contacted by Brandywine Valley SPCA to ask if any runners would be interested in volunteering at their New Castle location to exercise their dogs!  This is a great opportunity for dog-lovers to find a 4 -legged running partner who will appreciate working out with you. Get the shelter dogs out of their cages to walk, jog or run. 

If you have interest yourself and especially if you’d be willing to be our point of contact with them to help other members get involved, please contact Dirk or reach out directly to Nanci Fletcher at  347-495-4011.  Volunteer application on SPCA website:
https://bvspca.org/get-involved/volunteer/volunteer-application-new-castle/

Membership
The club currently stands at 140 family memberships with 244 club members.  Thanks to Christina Xia for handling our membership so well!  

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

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

To renew your dues online, go to: www.pcvrc.com/join.php. 

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

Treasurer’s Report 
Lenora reports that the balances in our accounts are: $12,209 in PCVRC and $11,635 in the DDC account.  We continue to maintain a balance equal to a year’s worth of expenses in both accounts.      

Other News:
A group of PCVRC members is requested to marshal a section of the course (Bancroft and Kentmere) at the Delaware marathon again this year.  It’s a good time and the club receives a donation from Corrigan Sports.  Please contact Ray to volunteer. 

Race Results & Recognition
Please let us know what you’ve been up to!!  For inclusion in the next newsletter, send your race results, PRs, and running related stories by replying to this message or by sending a separate email to: run@pcvrc.com.

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

2018 Nominees – PCVRC Board  

Officers: 
            Dirk Sweigart, President
            Wes Stafford, VP
            Adam Shilling, Secretary
            Lenora Wagner, Treasurer

Other Voting Members:   
            Tom Steenkamer – USATF
            Joel Schiller – DDC Race Director
            Christina Xia – Membership 
            Ray Christensen – Emeritus   
            Open – Communications/Marketing
            Sheri Sweigart – Social  
            Jerry Herman – At Large

President’s Message
Pike Creek Valley Runner, welcome to the New Year ! Mark your calendars for our Annual Meeting on March 6^th from 6:30 to 9:00 at Pizza by Elizabeth’s.  This was a big hit last year!  This is a member benefit, so you should attend as this event is free to Members and $10 for guests (free if they join).       

Yes, we give Club Awards at our Annual Meeting as well.  You should nominate someone!   See Awards below.

We held a PCVRC board meeting on Monday January 9^th at Dirk Sweigart’s house.  We finalized the holiday party, and welcomed two new board nominees, Wes Stafford (vice president) and Adam Shilling (secretary).  The 2018 board nominees will be presented and voted upon at our Annual Meeting.      

As the nominee for president, I am excited at the possibilities for our club.  Running, social, community, racing, education, fitness – these are things that I find highly enjoyable.  I’ve made many friends through PCVRC and I am looking forward to meeting more.  And Joel’s not going anywhere, he is nominated to head up the DDC committee.    

A person to join our board in a Public Relations/Newsletters role would be a welcome addition!  Anyone interested? Contact me!

Happy running, be careful and stay warm!
Dirk 

Social Activities 
The PCVRC Annual Meeting is at Pizza By Elizabeth’s on Tuesday, March 6^th from 6:30 to 9:00.  We moved it slightly later for the people doing the track workouts – come as you are, we’re runners!  Each member will receive two drink tickets to redeem.  Food will be provided as well.  We will have a short program to present the board and club awards for 2017.

Don’t forget, we always have our Boston Send-Off party the Wednesday before the marathon.  Mark your calendars now, that’s April 11^th.

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

Awards
Please nominate a deserving someone for our annual Awards!  Awards include Runner of the Year, Member of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and then Outstanding Achievements.  This is your chance to turn in your friends!  Send all nominees to me at by Valentines’s Day.

USATF Update, Tom Steenkamer
PCVRC had 30 participants compete in the 2017 2017 Mid Atlantic USATF Grand Prix (road) series.  We had runners in all 11 events and fielded a scoring team in 10 of them. There were 13 regional running clubs participating the Grand Prix series. PCVRC finished the 2017 season in 4th place in the highly competitive Grand Prix club challenge. Our 4th place finish earned the club $475!

The 2017 Off Road (trail) series consisted of 8 races held between February and November.  The club had 28 members compete in the trail race series and had a scoring team in all 8 events. For the first time in club history PCVRC claimed 1st place in the Off Road club challenge!  The club received $675 for our finish.  A portion of this prize money goes back to support our MA-USATF racers.  A priority for this year is getting updated racing team singlets.

Along with our club level accomplishments there are a number of team members who received USATF awards for their individual performances. The Grand Prix series recognizes the top 10 men and women age grade performances who have competed in a minimum of 6 events during the season. In 2017 the following club members were recognized for Top AG series performance – Greg Cauller, John Costello, Beth Howlett, and Dave Wiechecki. In addition the Grand Prix recognized the top 3 performers within 5 year age groups – Greg Cauller, Zach Chupa, Keith Crispin, Matt Cutrona, Mike Digennaro, Allison Emmons, Bill Farquhar, Erin Giampietro, Gerry Herman, Brenda Hodge, Beth Howlett, Lynn Knothe, Mike O’Brian, Betty Olmstead, and Dave Wiechecki.  The off-road series also recognizes the top 3 performers in 10 year age groups – Greg Cauller, Bill Farquhar, Lynn Knothe, Tim Schuler, and Bill Steele.

We’d love to have more club members join us in 2018. The first road race of the year the Ambler 5 mile run held on Saturday, February 17th. The off road season kicks off in March with a brand new event, the Brandywine Red Clay 10k on Sunday, March 4th.  We try to carpool to these events so please contact me in advance if you are interested. There’s only one requirement to participate for PCVRC – you members must also join the USATF. (Annual membership is $30.)  There’s often a group post-race gathering for socializing and food.  Please contact Tom if you have interest in participating this year.

Thanks and good running for the coming year.

Membership
The club currently stands at 144 family memberships with 250 club members.  

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

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

To renew your dues online, go to: www.pcvrc.com/join.php. 

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

Treasurer’s Report 
Lenora reports that the balances in our accounts are: $12,209 in PCVRC and $11,635 in the DDC account.  We continue to maintain a balance equal to a year’s worth of expenses in both accounts.      

Other News:
A group of PCVRC members is requested to marshal a section of the course (Bancroft and Kentmere) at the Delaware marathon again this year.  It’s a good time and the club receives a donation from Corrigan Sports.  Please contact Ray to volunteer. 

DDC is scheduled for October 7^th in Delaware City.  We are always looking for organizing help.  Contact Dirk or Joel to get involved.  This is a cool activity and a big help to your club!

Race Results & Recognition
Please let us know what you’ve been up to!!  For inclusion in the next newsletter, send your race results, PRs, and running related stories by replying to this message or by sending a separate email to: .

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

2018 Nominees – PCVRC Board  

Officers: 
            Dirk Sweigart, President
            Wes Stafford, VP
            Adam Shilling, Secretary
            Lenora Wagner, Treasurer

Other Voting Members:   
            Tom Steenkamer – USATF
            Joel Schiller – DDC Race Director
            Christina Xia – Membership 
            Ray Christensen – Emeritus   
            Open – Communications/Marketing
            Sheri Sweigart – Social  
          Jerry Herman – At Large

President’s Message
Thank you to everyone who attended our annual PCVRC holiday party at Timothy’s Newark on December 4. We had a full house and it was great to see so many of our old and new running friends. 28 club members renewed their 2018 club memberships at the party (see link below to renew) and we signed up two new members at the event. Many thanks to Sheri and Dirk Sweigart for organizing the party and coordinating the raffle; Kim O’Dea-Grant Riccio for taking the photos (see link below) and Lenora Wagner for paying the tab! (on behalf of the club). Our raffle winners were: Betty Olmstead; Adam Shilling; Laura Massamini Berger; Andrea Ladany Riley; and Kim O’Dea-Grant Riccio.

Photos: https://pcvrc.com/photos/photos-2017-holiday-party/

2018 Dues: https://pcvrc.com/join-our-running-club/

If you missed the news, Dirk Sweigart has agreed to take over as Club President for 2018 and he has asked Wes Stafford to be Vice President and Adam Shilling to be Secretary. Lenora Wagner will remain as Treasurer. Jim Steele is stepping down as DDC Chair and I will assume that responsibility with help from Ray Christensen and others. If you wish to give back to your running community by joining the PCVRC board, please give Dirk Sweigart a call or reach out to any other board member.

This is the required advanced notice for the 2018 board. The annual election of officers will occur at the club’s annual meeting, currently planned for later this Winter. More details ion the next newsletter.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2018 and Happy holidays, everyone!!
Joel

Membership
The club currently stands at 145 family memberships with 254 club members. Please welcome our newest members: Tiffany Huntley; Nick & Kristen Henry; Kevin McGready.

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

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

To renew your dues for 2018 online, go to: www.pcvrc.com/join.php.

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

Treasurer’s Report

Lenora reports that the inactive PCVRC savings account was closed and the $5,705.06 balance was transferred into the club’s checking account. As of December 12, 2017, the PCVRC balance was $12,183.83 and the DDC checking balance was $11,635.03. All DDC charitable contributions for 2017 have been made and all club expenses and revenues have been recorded. A full financial report will be made at the next board meeting.

Social Activities
The 2018 social calendar is being worked-on as we speak. We anticipate a “happy hour” type event sometime this Winter to serve as our required annual meeting, where we will formally elect the officers and issue running and club involvement awards. If you have ideas for dun PCVRC events, please send them to Sheri Sweigart. If you have recommendations for award and recognition recipients, please send them to Dirk Sweigart.

Our weekly running meet-ups continue: Tuesdays at the Newark Reservoir at 6PM; Thursdays at 6PM at Delcastle Recreation; and Sundays 8AM at Panera on Main Street Newark. Now that the weather is cold, please come on out and join us for a group run! There is strength in numbers!

USATF Report
Greetings team – Tom Steenkamer wanted to share some great news with everyone after the completion of the DE Open XC race held the last Saturday in November: PCVRC has won the Mid-Atlantic USA TF off road team competition for the first time in club history!!! In other news, after a long hard year-long battle that ended with the road races connected with the Philadelphia Marathon weekend, PCVRC ended the regional on-road competition in fourth place.

Tom thanks you for your support throughout 2017 and hopes that you will continue to participate on the PCVRC racing team next year. There will be one change to the 2018 race schedule as the Ugly Mudder will be dropped due to conflicts with Ambler Frostbite 5 mile road race and a new race sponsored by Trail Creek Outfitters will become the season starter in March, the Brandywine Red Clay 10K.

The club is always looking for runners in both the on-road and off-road series and we especially need additional female runners. If you would like to participate and help out the PCVRC team, please contact Tom Steenkamer tsteenkamer@zoominternet.net.

BTW: we don’t just race, we also like to tailgate and visit local establishments for post-race food and libations. Runners of all ages and abilities are welcome!

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

Race Results & Recognition
Cold winter temperatures are here, so please let us know what you’ve been up to!! For inclusion in the next newsletter, send us your race results, PRs, and running related stories by replying to this message or by sending a separate email to: .

2017 PCVRC Board
Club Officers:
Joel Schiller, President
Dirk Sweigart, VP
Jerry Herman, Secretary
Lenora Wagner, Treasurer

Other Voting Members:
Tom Steenkamer – USA TF
Jim Steele – DDC Race Director
Christina Xia – Membership
Ray Christensen – Emeritus
Blythe Milbury-Steen – Communications/Marketing
Sheri Sweigart – Social