Awesome Day for PCVRC at the 2019 USATF National Club Cross-Country Championships

It was a historic day with the largest participation on record for this event coupled with classic cross-country conditions that made a memorable day for everyone. Special thanks to Tom Steenkamer, Lynn Knothe and Rich Szymanski for coordinating the teams’ activities. We sent 56 club members to the line across the 5 races which eclipsed the club’s 2014 Club Nationals participation.

There were several high performing achievements competing against some of the top runners and teams from across the country.
Official USATF results here.

• PCVRC Women 60 Team A 3rd place
• PCVRC Women 40 Team A 6th place
• PCVRC Men 60 Team A 8th place
• Laura Latchford – 9th overall women’s 40 race, 1st place 50-54 AG
• Mike Digennaro – 13th overall men’s 40 race

Click here for all the details and pictures

MidAltantic USATF road race series
In 2019 PCVRC finished 3rd in annual club challenge competition for the MidAltantic USATF road race series. several individuals were recognized for top performance in the 10 yr. age groups and season long age graded competition. Congratulations to Greg Cauller, Mike DiGennaro, Carol Feole Driscoll, Gerald Herman, Brenda Hodge, Betty Olmstead, Sarah Rusk, Dave Wiechecki. Awards will be presented after the 1st race of the season, the Ambler Frostbite 5 miler, at the Fireside Grill.

Boston marathon is 2 months away and racing season is even closer

Congratulations to those who are running Boston Marathon on April 20, 2020. Keep pushing through those cold days (ok, hasn’t been too bad so far) as you ramp up miles.

For the rest (most) of us, running season is upon us once again (does it really ever end?). On any given Saturday or Sunday throughout the year, you’ll find Pike Creek Valley Running Club members at local races throughout the Delaware Valley or competing in events from 5Ks to longer distances such as the Broad Street 10 miler, Philly 8K, half- and full-marathons and of course, our club’s signature race the Delaware Distance Classic 15K.

We also have a team that competes in the MidAtlantic USATF race series throughout the year, competing against other clubs in the greater Philadelphia region on the roads and trails. It doesn’t matter your ability or speed, all are encouraged to race for the team throughout the year with the best part (for most) being the after-race socialization, by way of tailgate, local diner or wherever!

For Your Information

Interesting non-scientific article for those the use caffeine as a running tool:
https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a19545968/caffeine-before-running/

Run with music? Here’s a good article with links to studies on the topic:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-running-blog/2013/mar/13/running-with-music-foragainst

Group Runs every Sunday & Thursday and track workouts every Tuesday

Whether you’re running a mile or 20, making training fun and social and come out for our weekly group
runs on Sundays and Thursdays
Sundays 8:00am – meet in front of Panera on Main St., Newark (free parking)
Thursdays 6:00pm – meet at start/finish of Delcastle Rec Area
Click here for details

For those looking to get faster or just enjoy running on a track with guidance and training plans from a Delaware Hall of Fame running coach, Jim Fischer, Tuesday evening track workouts at St. Marks High School are for you!
Warmup at 5:45pm and workout starts at 6:00pm. Track is lighted so anytime of year is a good time to join us.
Click Here for details or email Jim directly, .

C25K program starts in March through June

A new session of the couch to 5K program is starting up again in the March, culminating in a 5K in late spring. For anyone wanting to start or re-start running in a fun, low stress and supportive environment, this is the program for you. Led by Lee Dresser, MD, the 10-week program will get you to the finish line. Click Here for details.

Upcoming Running Seminar

Performance Physical Therapy is hosting a running seminar at their Hockessin location on Saturday March 14 at 1 PM. More details to follow soon. Check out their website

Spring Social and Annual Meeting March 19

This year’s spring party and annual meeting will be at Tyler Fitzgeralds in Pike Creek from 6:00-9:00pm. Join your friends for food, fun and awards! Click Here for details and directions

Social Activities

Most of us run to socialize and that’s why PCVRC has planned several exciting activities in the coming months. Look out for more information on these and other events
– Annual banquet – March 19
– Picnic – Summer
– Pub Crawl – early fall
– Holiday Party – December
For a schedule of all club activities, see PCVRC Events Calendar

Discounted Delaware State Park Passes Available

PCVRC is offering its members discounted annual passes to the Delaware State Parks for a limited time only. The cost is $30 a pass (savings of $5 for DE residents and $40 for out of state residents).
Click here for details

USATF Race Series Update

PCVRC is among 14 clubs that fields a race team in the Mid-Atlantic USATF club competition in the road series running road races in the spring and fall in Greater Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware over distances from 5k up to full marathon. We’d love to hear from anyone who enjoys running or just being part of a team. We also participate in the Off-Road series of races. These are mostly 10k events in the Greater Philadelphia region. For more information and to join the team Click here

The full 2020 road race calendar is available HERE. The off-road race calendar is here.

Delaware Distance Classic 15K + DNS 5K is Oct 11

It’s never too early to plan for full races and the DDC 15k is perfect for those looking to challenge themselves with a longer distance, take stock in your fall training or enjoy a run along the recently completed Markell trail. This is the club’s seminal event and helps support club activities throughout the year and donations to our charity partners. Please come out to race or volunteer!
The race starts at the Wilmington Riverfront at the Dupont Environmental Education Center in Wilmington.

Registration opens soon. See details, course map, photos at https://ddc15k.org/ – where there is also a video tour of the course.

Your PCVRC Board is here from you!

Contact Us!
President: Wes Stafford
Vice President: Adam Shilling
Secretary: Alison McCann
Treasurer: Andrea Riley
Membership coordinator: Christina Xia
Events coordinator: Keith Crispen
USATF Team coordinator: Lynn Knothe, Tom Steenkamer
Sponsorship coordinator: Dirk Sweigart
Webmaster: Ray Christensen
C25K coordinator: Lee Dresser
DDC Race Director: Dan Suher
Social Media: Mike Leva
Communications/marketing: Open

Check out our wonderful sponsors:

Wilmington Trust – http://www.wilmingtontrust.com/
6AM RUN – https://6amrun.com/
Harvest Market – http://www.harvestmarketnaturalfoods.com
Cheskin Chiropractic – http://www.cheskinchiropractic.com
Liquid Alchemy Beverages – http://www.liquidalchemybeverages.com/
Essential Balance Massage – http://newarkmassagetherapy.com/
Performance Physical Therapy and Fitness – https://pptandfitness.com
Hockessin Athletic Club – http://www.hachealthclub.com
Omega Project – https://www.omegaprojectpt.com
M&T Bank – http://www.mtb.com/

Crabowitz Party is Thursday 6/13

POSTPONED – TBD
From Rich and Tricia Szymanski:

What: Crabowitz Party
Date: Thursday, June 13 th
Time: any time after 4:30 p.m.
Where: Szymanski House, 709 Haddon Road (North point), Wilmington DE 19808

As of 8am 6/13, Crabowitz is postponed due to weather. New date TBD.

RSVP to before Thursday

Run: Starts at 5:30pm (optional)

Please mark your calendars to join us for the 11th annual Crabowitz!!! We will be supplying crabs, pizza, water, soda and wine and our own Brewmaster Tony, will once again be making the “Electrolyte Ale” ! We will also have an assortment of beers (not sure what) If you have something you prefer to drink, feel free to bring your beverage of choice.

This is a family event, so please bring your significant other, children, neighbor, or whomever you wish to bring.

We will continue the tradition of asking for your donations… This year we have selected Special Olympics.

Group Runs each Sunday & Thursday

All are welcome to our weekly group runs. See details
Sundays 8:00am – meet in front of Panera on Main St., Newark (free parking)
Thursdays 6:00pm – meet at start/finish of Delcastle Rec Area

Summer Concerts at Bellevue State Park

Post to our FB Group if you expect to attend one of the following dates, to meet up with other club members: Meet at Bellevue at 5:15 pm on the dates listed below. 6:00 concert starts. It’s a BYOB. I know it could be hot but.. there is shade.
NOTE: Due to construction on I-95, the NB and SB ramps to Marsh Rd are closed all summer – tentative reopening is 8/31.

• Sunday, June 23, 2019 at 6:30 PM 287th Army Band Patriotic Music and Marches
• Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 6:30 PM The Louden Backyard Band Classical to Pop with Jazz in the Middle
• Sunday, June 30, 2019 at 6:00 PM Jimmy & the Parrots Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band
• Sunday, July 7, 2019 at 6:30 PM Spokey Speaky Roots Reggae
• Sunday, July 7, 2019 at Chobot Challenge 15K Trail Run
• Thursday, July 11, 2019 at 6:30 PM Seven Rings Irish Pub Songs, Tunes & Ballads
• Sunday, July 14, 2019 at 6:30 PM Boy in Black Reliving the Johnny Cash
• Sunday, July 21, 2019 at 6:30 PM Malarkey Brothers Celtic Folk/Rock Band
• Sunday, July 28, 2019 at 6:30 PM Kategory 5 Classic Rock
• Thursday, August 8, 2019 at 6:30 PM The Big Jangle Songs of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
• Sunday, August 11, 2019 at 6:30 PM The Core Eric Clapton Tribute Band
• Thursday, August 15, 2019 at 6:30 PM John Flynn Singer/Songwriter, Family Concert
• Sunday, August 18, 2019 at 6:30 PM The Big House Band Premier Party Band
• Sunday, August 25, 2019 at 6:00 PM The Newspaper Taxis Beatle Tribute Band

Fall PCVRC Events

• October 20 – Evansburg Challenge (10 Mile) — Evansburg State Park, Collegeville, PA
• November 30 – Delaware Open XC 5K Brandywine Creek State Pk. (DE 92) Wilmington, DE
  — immediately following the race we are socializing at bbc tavern
• September 8 – Main Line Run 5k
• Saturday, October 5th – Lehigh (9am Open Race)- Maybe – good warmup for club nationals.
• October 13, 2019 – Delaware Distance Classic – 15K
• November 3 – Norcross-Cooper Run the Bridge Event 10K
• November 23 – Philadelphia 8K OR Half Marathon
• November 24 – Philadelphia Marathon
• Dec 14 – Lehigh University for Club Nationals.

See PCVRC Events Calendar

Liquid Alchemy Beverages – event coming soon!

Plans are underway for a PCVRC group run and social event at our sponsor Liquid Alchemy Beverages in Wilmington near Banning Park.
See Delaware Business Times article about “LAB”. Jeff Cheskin and Terri Sorantino are long-time sponsors of our club.

USATF Race Series Update

Did you know that PCVRC supports a race team in the USATF Mid Atlantic region? Our club has long history of participation in the MidAtlantic USATF road and off-road (trail) race series. PCVRC is among 14 clubs that fields a race team in the club competition in the road series running road races in the spring and fall in Greater Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware over distances from 5k up to full marathon. We’ve lost a lot of participants due to injury and other activities and as result our participation in the off-road series has been greatly reduced this year. We’d love to hear from anyone who enjoys getting off the pavement and running the trails as well as anyone interested in joining us at the road races.

The spring race season concluded last weekend with the Moorestown NJ, 8k. Club member Chanon Tuntivate was the overall race winner with his spouse Maeve finishing 7th among all female finishers. The club fielded a small but complete team at this event and continues compete well against the larger clubs in the region.

The club is currently in 2nd place in the club challenge competition. We are looking forward to the fall when racing resumes in September with the Main Line 5k in Wayne PA. The full road race calendar is available here – http://mausatf.com/grandprix-events/

Delaware Distance Classic 15K + DNS 5K is Oct 13

DDC 15k returns to the Riverfront at the Dupont Environmental Education Center in Wilmington in conjunction with the Delaware Nature Society 5K! The Environmental Center is celebrating it’s 10 year anniversary, so the races will kick off a day-long celebration with music, vendors, and tours of the facility.

Register now and see details, course map, photos at https://ddc15k.org/ – where there is also a video tour of the course.

Let us know if you’d like to volunteer!

Social

Mark your calendars!  Boston sendoff location is locked in – April 10th – Kid Sheleen’s –  6:00pm -9:00pm.  Heavy hors de ‘oeuvres will be provided.  This event is free to PCVRC members, suggested $10 for guests.  All Boston runners and friends are welcome!

Hi Pike Creek Runner,
Sheri and I are hosting a PCVRC “Run and Brew” on Sunday March 3rd. This is a rain or shine event. Details are:

10 AM – Meet in front of Panera on Main Street in Newark at 10 AM – run any distance, any pace. Sheri and I are thinking 10 miles…

12 noon – Meet at Midnight Oil Brewing Company for post-race brews and race story-telling

You do not need to run to come to the brewery.
Drinks are on you but…
the first 8 people who reply that they are coming and show up at Midnight Oil will get their choice between a PCVRC mug, wine glass, coaster, or race t-shirt (multiple years). While supplies last.

This goes to the club member list first, Facebook group later…so make up your mind and reply NOW to beat the rush. See map/details.
Dirk

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

Our 2019 Annual Meeting is scheduled for March12 at 6 PM at Klondike Kate’s on Main Street in Newark.  This is where we give out our annual awards and vote on the 2019 officers and board members. If you are planning to attend, please RSVP to  (or text 302-545-7047 with name of attendees).

At our annual meeting, we give out these awards:

Runner of the Year – these are people we admire for their outstanding running/athletic abilities.

Member of the Year – these are people we admire for their contributions to PCVRC & running.

Rookie of the Year – this is the new person on the running scene (any age).

Volunteer of the Year – this is the person who we can count on to “be there.”

We also recognize multiple members for “Outstanding Achievements”.

Surely you know someone in our club who deserves one of these awards?  Send your nominations to  now!

Our Spring Social/Boston Sendoff is scheduled for April 10^th.  Mark your calendars! 

Racing/USATF 

The mid-Atlantic Grand Prix road series returns this Saturday February 23^rd with the Frostbite 5 miler in Amber, PA on February 23^rd.  If you are planning to run, let us know so you can join us for any post-race get-together.

This year’s race schedule is unchanged from 2018. The race schedule is located here – http://mausatf.com/grandprix-events/

2019 marks the return of the USATF Club National XC Championship races to the Lehigh University campus on the first weekend in December. Clubs from all over the country compete as teams running cross country courses with distances of 6k for women, and 10k for men. In 2014 the club chartered a coach bus to take over 60 club members to this event.  We are  hoping that we can bring another large group of runners to this famous XC venue and have a great day of running and socializing! 

DDC

Yes, we are starting already.  Mark your calendars for October 13^th.  If you have any interest in serving on the race committee let Dirk or Dan Suher () know.    

Meetups 

Our weekly running meet-ups continue: Thursdays at 6PM at Delcastle Recreation; and Sundays 8AM at Panera on Main Street Newark.  We get routine requests from potential club members and out-of-state runners if we are still having these, the answer is “YES.”

Time to Renew for 2019!

Membership can be renewed by sending a $25 check to PCVRC, PO Box PO Box 3259,  Wilmington, DE 19804 or online at https://pcvrc.com/join-our-running-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 are due by March 31.  

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