Annual Banquet March 8th at Hartefeld Country Club
Final reminder! You can still sign up (yes, you are late!) until March 3rd. Forms and online registration for banquet are live on the club web page at http://www.pcvrc.com/banquet.php Event starts at 6 pm, cost is $30 for members, $40 for non-members.

Mark your calendars now for April 16th for our annual “Boston Send Off” party.

Caesar Rodney (March 23rd) – volunteers needed

If you’re not running CR, consider volunteering. Sue Denardo has asked to announce that they still need more course marshals. Contact Sue at if you can help out.

We are also looking to have a PCVRC “table” available before, during or after the race. If you’re not running (or running the 5K), we are looking for a few people to represent us, help us find new members and distribute brochures. Contact Ray at if you can help.

B+ at the DMRF

Our charitable partner, the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, is a participant, contributor and benefactor of the Delaware Marathon Running Festival weekend. They are looking for members who would be willing to support B+ for the DMRF.

The B+ Running Team website is now “live” and is accepting registrations for their team in the Delaware Marathon/Half Marathon. Last year, they had 26 participants and are looking to field a bigger team this year. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned runner or you’ve never run before… all are welcome!!! For the Delaware Marathon (May 11, 2014), B+ will provide:
• a personal running coach
• registration
• a medal
• team meal the night before the race
• a team running shirt
• the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve accomplished two big goals — running a marathon/half marathon and helping cure childhood cancer
• for those from out-of-town, The B+ Foundation also picks up the cost of travel and lodging

In return, participants are expected to raise $2,000 in donations ($2,600 if you need travel/lodging). This is much less than most groups ask for. It’s easy to raise the money. B+ can even help with proven methods from past team members.

For more information, please visit: https://www.beposfdn.org/demarathon14/index.aspx

Race Results, Reviews and accomplishments:
Mike Reph, Chocolate Lover’s 5k, Feb 15, 18:12 (Overall Winner!)

John Schultz, Feb 23rd
27th Wawa Stair Climb, 52-story (1,019 step) Mellon Bank Building, Phila., 16:08 (oldest finisher)
Browning Ross Ten-Miler, Glassboro, NJ, 2:36:33 (2nd in AG)

Riverbend 5k, Jupiter, FL, Feb 22
DJ Farren, 21:23 (1st in AG)
Dave Farren, 21:58

Reminder to all of you wonderful runners to send in your times, your PRs, your “firsts” – any results you want published. Please send the name of the race/run, the date and your time and any significance (PR, BQ, up to 3rd place in AG, 1st time at that distance).

USATF
Results from the Ugly Mudder (Tom Steenkamer)

On Sunday, February 23rd, the 2014 USATF off-road series began with the Ugly Mudder trail race. Seven PCVRC club members took on the challenging snow-covered course on the hills of Mt. Penn in Reading PA.

The race day began with some additional drama during the drive up to Reading. A team member awakened in the back seat to realize that they had forgotten their race shoes. Conversation then occurred debating whether or not “Crocs” are suitable trail running shoes. This was immediately followed by the question “does anyone have a second pair of shoes in size 10.5?”

A stop at the Reading Walmart determined that despite being the home of great values they are not the store for running shoes.

Fortunately, upon arrival at the Leiderkranz, we were able to locate a loaner pair of shoes and the sun began to break through the overcast sky. Things were shaping up.

Race director Ron Horn was in his usual jovial mood promising the 300+ runners that we had no idea what we were getting into. He added that the course conditions were soft, wet snow averaging in the one-foot range. Due to the snow pack, he estimated that the shortened course would cover somewhere around 5 ¾ to 6 miles. After the usual instructions regarding course markings, we were off for the 500m uphill sprint on the road to the trailhead. Greeted by 12 -14 inches of soft wet snow, the pace slowed as runners attempted to gain footing and traction on the first climb of the day. The front runners were doing all the work! The top 15 runners were packing down the deepest snow as the rest of us followed. Passing on the trails required waiting for the runner in front of you to fall or bush-whacking your way off-course through the deep snow. The race stretched out and we continued around Mt. Penn past the pagoda and sliding around the hills back to the Leiderkranz.

At the finish, the course was determined to be 6.3 miles and the PCVRC team came home with multiple age group awards. Thanks to Andrea Rubinoff (4th in AG) , Lisa Jalot (1st in AG), Paul Randolph (3rd in AG), Epi Comacho, Tom Jermyn, Sang Lim, and Keith “Shoeless” Crispin (6th in AG), for supporting the USATF trail team. Congrats to Sang for completing his very first trail race!

[Editor’s note: Thanks to Tom Steenkamer for all the great work he does organizing these teams…and he also got 5th in AG]

PCVRC now sits in 2nd in the club results!! Great start to a new season.

USATF Club Scoring –
Greater Philly – 224.21, PCVRC – 213.57, Pineland Striders – 203.14,
Rosemont – 198.62 Note – Rosemont runners took 6 of the top 10 places. Their young runner’s speed was neutralized by conditions not seen since the blizzards of 2010.

The next Off-Road Running Series Race is on April 5 at 9:00 AM, the Tyler Arboretum 10K Trail Run.

The first Club Challenge Circuit race is the Haddonfield Adrenaline Run 5K – March 15

Annual Banquet! Sign Up Now! March 8th at Hartefeld Country Club
We need to provide Hartefeld with a near-final count tomorrow, so please RSVP now! Forms and online registration for banquet are live on the club web page at http://www.pcvrc.com/banquet.php

Event starts at 6 pm, cost is $30 for members, $40 for non-members.

We are very pleased to have Clay Shaw as our speaker this year. Clay was the first Pennsylvanian to complete a marathon in each of the 50 states. In 1997, he finished in the top ten in both the Antarctica and Midnight Sun Marathons (farthest south and second farthest north in the world). In 1993, Clay won the Wyoming Marathon, placed 3rd in the 1996 Midnight Sun Marathon, 5th in the 1992 Delaware Marathon, and 5th in the 1989 Bismarck Marathon. Clay has run marathons in 8 of the 12 Canadian provinces and territories. A native of San Francisco, where he ran his first marathon in 1979, Clay has lived in York, Pennsylvania, since 1972. His PR is 2:53, which he ran in Winnepeg in 1984. Unusual for the 50 States and DC group, Clay has never run more than seven marathons in any year. An accomplished photographer, Clay is also race director of the Bon Ton 5-Mile Race and the White Rose 5-Mile Run, both in York.

Caesar Rodney volunteers needed
If you’re not running CR, consider volunteering. Sue Denardo has asked to announce that they still need more course marshals. Contact Sue at if you can help out.

We are also looking to have a PCVRC “table” available before, during or after the race. If you’re not running (or running the 5K), we are looking for a few people to represent us, help us find new members and distribute brochures. Contact Ray at if you can help.

B+ at the DMRF

Our charitable partner, the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, is a participant, contributor and benefactor of the Delaware Marathon Running Festival weekend. They are looking for members who would be willing to support B+ for the DMRF.

The B+ Running Team website is now “live” and is accepting registrations for their team in the Delaware Marathon/Half Marathon. Last year, they had 26 participants and are looking to field a bigger team this year. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned runner or you’ve never run before… all are welcome!!! For the Delaware Marathon (May 11, 2014), B+ will provide:

• a personal running coach
• registration
• a medal
• team meal the night before the race
• a team running shirt
• the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve accomplished two big goals — running a marathon/half marathon and helping cure childhood cancer
• for those from out-of-town, The B+ Foundation also picks up the cost of travel and lodging

In return, participants are expected to raise $2,000 in donations ($2,600 if you need travel/lodging). This is much less than most groups ask for. It’s easy to raise the money. B+ can even help with proven methods from past team members.

For more information, please visit: https://www.beposfdn.org/demarathon14/index.aspx

Race Results, Reviews and accomplishments:
Five Guys 10K, Boca Raton, FL, Feb. 15
Dave Farren, 44:49 (1st in AG)
DJ Farren, 45:04 (1st in AG)

“Didn’t think we would get there but after having our flight canceled last Thursday, it was jump in the car and drive or not make it…”

Reminder to all of you wonderful runners to send in your times, your PRs, your “firsts” – any results you want published. Please send the name of the race/run, the date and your time and any significance (PR, BQ, place in AG, 1st time at that distance).

USATF

The first Off-Road Running Series Race of the season is the Ugly Mudder 7 Mile Trail Run, tomorrow! Conditions should be perfect, race day sign up is available!

The first Club Challenge Circuit race is the Haddonfield Adrenaline Run 5K – March 15

Club-challenge 5K Cancelled!!!
DRC, the hosts of this year’s 3-Club challenge, have decided to cancel the race at Bellevue this weekend. They have run it twice this week and the course is simply too dangerous for now. The park permit is only for this weekend so they are considering whether there will be another date that suits.

Annual Banquet, March 8th at Hartefeld Country Club
Forms and online registration for banquet are live on the club web page HERE. We need to provide Hartefeld with a final count in advance, so please RSVP within the next two weeks!

Event starts at 6 pm on Saturday March 8th at Hartefeld National Golf Club in Avondale. Cost is $30 for members, $40 for non-members. This year, in favor of keeping the cost low, there will be no appetizers but a choice of three entrees. Special dietary requests (including vegan) should be made to Rachel Bleacher.

Our speaker this year will be Clay Shaw. Clay has traveled the world, both running and photographing world-class running events and should be very entertaining.

The following members will be receiving awards at the banquet: Joel Schiller, Kelsey Mentzer, Darlise DiMatteo, Dave Wiechecki, Kirsten Belair, Kristen Stump and Adam Schilling. The speaker is still tba and other notable achievers will be recognized in the program.

B+ at the DMRF
Our charitable partner, the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, is a participant, contributor and benefactor of the Delaware Marathon Running Festival weekend. They are looking for members who would be willing to support B+ for the DMRF.

The B+ Running Team website is now “live” and is accepting registrations for their team in the Delaware Marathon/Half Marathon. Last year, they had 26 participants and are looking to field a bigger team this year. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned runner or you’ve never run before… all are welcome!!! For the Delaware Marathon (May 11, 2014), B+ will provide:
• a personal running coach
• registration
• a medal
• team meal the night before the race
• a team running shirt
• the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve accomplished two big goals — running a marathon/half marathon and helping cure childhood cancer
• for those from out-of-town, The B+ Foundation also picks up the cost of travel and lodging

In return, participants are expected to raise $2,000 in donations ($2,600 if you need travel/lodging). This is much less than most groups ask for. It’s easy to raise the money. B+ can even help with proven methods from past team members.

For more information, please visit: https://www.beposfdn.org/demarathon14/index.aspx

Race Results, Reviews and accomplishments:
Oh, did you run somewhere? Just a reminder to all of you wonderful runners to send in your times, your PRs, your “firsts” – any results you want published. I publish what gets sent but I do not scour Facebook or Races2run to find out your times. And I forget what you told me even though I know you! So send them in if you want to see them in the newsletter. Please send the name of the race/run, the date and your time (don’t make me go look it up please) and any significance (PR, BQ, place in AG, 1st time at that distance). A short reflection is kinda nice too.
Here’s what’s been sent in…

Traci Melvin – Charleston (SC) Marathon, Jan 18, 3:44:31 (PR, BQ)
“My first…and the jury is still out if it’s my last”

USATF
Broad Street! Important Message!
The Broad Street 10-miler is a USATF race and registration is by lottery. Registration opened Feb. 1st. All club members participating in the USATF series need to try to register during the lottery using their USATF number.

If you are not selected in the lottery but are registered with USATF for our club, there are instructions to allow you to gain entry to the race. Within five days, you will need to contact our Grand Prix coordinator, Ed Maher, by email at:

Regardless of whether you are running Broad Street or not, if you plan to run for the club in USATF races, now is the time to renew your dues. If you’ve never done this, it can be a lot of fun. If you’re interested, contact Tom Steenkamer () or use the links below.

The first Off-Road Running Series Race of the season is the Ugly Mudder 7 Mile Trail Run – February 23

The first Club Challenge Circuit race is the Haddonfield Adrenaline Run 5K – March 15

Races/results for the Grand Prix Circuit can be found at http://www.mausatf.org/htmlldr/grandprix.htm

Races/results for the Off-Road Series can be found at http://www.mausatf.org/htmlldr/offroad.htm

The “Always Fun” (and Free) Club-challenge 5K!
It’s time for our annual Club Challenge 5k race. This year the Delaware Running Club will be hosting the FREE 5k event at Bellevue State Park in Wilmington on Saturday, Feb 8. The race will be held on the 5k cross country course which is flat and fast. Race day number pick up begins at 10:30 at the pavilion near the pond. Race start is 11:30.

Once again our friends at Nova Timing will be providing their services free of charge using chip timing.

Race registration must be done in advance using the following link:

http://www.novatimingsystems.com/clubchallenge.aspx

The race will use age graded scoring with the top 5 male, and top 2 female runners from each club contributing the total club score. Club’s competing this year – DRC, MAC, PCVRC and potentially the Down State Striders and Riders from the Dover area.

Parking is free and no DE State Parks entry fee or sticker is required at this time of year (until March 1st.)

Post-race celebration will follow beginning around 1PM. This year we will be gathering in a room at Ulysses Gastropub on Marsh Road (at the intersection of Marsh and Silverside in the Shoppes of Graylyn). Complimentary appetizers will be provided.

Annual Banquet

Scheduled for March 8, 2014 – mark your calendars now!

Treat Yourself!

For the month of January (four days lefts!) all running apparel is 30% off at our sponsor New Balance Brandywine and New Balance Christiana. PCVRC members also receive 20% off footwear and accessories.

Race Results, Reviews and accomplishments:
Here’s what’s been sent in…

Jim Durkin participated in the Philadelphia Masters Track and Field Association’s opening meet of the indoor track season last weekend (Sunday Jan. 12) on the Glen Mills School 200m track.
55m dash, 10.8 (sec)
200m dash, 39.6 (1st in heat)
400m dash, 1:34 (1st in heat)
Men’s Masters 4x200m relay (leadoff runner – 2nd place team)

USATF
Broad Street! Important Message!

The Broad Street 10-miler is a USATF race and registration is by lottery. Registration opens Feb. 1st. All club members participating in the USATF series need to know:

You must renew your USATF membership for 2014 prior to midnight Feb. 1st in order to be guaranteed entry to the race.

You need to try to register during the lottery.

If you are not selected in the lottery but are registered with USATF for our club, there are instructions to allow you to gain entry to the race. Within five days, you will need to contact our Grand Prix coordinator, Ed Maher, by email at:

Regardless of whether you are running Broad Street or not, if you plan to run for the club in USATF races, now is the time to renew your dues. If you’ve never done this, it can be a lot of fun. If you’re interested, contact Tom Steenkamer () or use the links below.

The first Off-Road Running Series Race of the season is the Ugly Mudder 7 Mile Trail Run – February 23

The first Club Challenge Circuit race is the Haddonfield Adrenaline Run 5K – March 15

The “Always Fun” (and Free) Club-challenge 5K!
It’s time for our annual Club Challenge 5k race. This year the Delaware Running Club will be hosting the FREE 5k event at Bellevue State Park in Wilmington on Saturday, Feb 8. The race will be held on the 5k cross country course which is flat and fast. Race day number pick up begins at 10:30 at the pavilion near the pond. Race start is 11:30.

Once again our friends at Nova Timing will be providing their services free of charge using chip timing.

Race registration must be done in advance using the following link:

http://www.novatimingsystems.com/clubchallenge.aspx

The race will use age graded scoring with the top 5 male, and top 2 female runners from each club contributing the total club score. Club’s competing this year – DRC, MAC, PCVRC and potentially the Down State Striders and Riders from the Dover area.

Parking is free and no DE State Parks entry fee or sticker is required at this time of year (until March 1st.)

Post-race celebration will follow beginning around 1PM. This year we will be gathering in a room at Ulysses Gastropub on Marsh Road (at the intersection of Marsh and Silverside in the Shoppes of Graylyn). Complimentary appetizers will be provided.

Keep them coming – Nominations for Awards for 2013!
Don’t forget to nominate your fellow PCVRC running colleagues for a PCVRC award, to be presented at the banquet on Saturday March 8. Please email Claire () by JAN 20th with your suggestions. Many of our runners have had significant accomplishments this year, so if you know of anyone who has these accomplishments (posted a whopping PR, has provided outstanding service to the club, or who has overcome significant obstacles to get back into running, etc.) then let us know! We are likely to have about 5 awards and we will acknowledge other significant achievements in our Banquet Program.

Annual Banquet
Speaking of awards, the annual banquet is scheduled for March 8, 2014 – mark your calendars now!

Treat Yourself!
For the month of January all running apparel is 30% off at our sponsor New Balance Brandywine and New Balance Christiana. PCVRC members also receive 20% off footwear and accessories.

Race Results, Reviews and accomplishments:
Jim Durkin participated in the Philadelphia Masters Track and Field Association’s opening meet of the indoor track season last weekend (Sunday Jan. 12) on the Glen Mills School 200m track.
55m dash, 10.8 (sec)
200m dash, 39.6 (1st in heat)
400m dash, 1:34 (1st in heat)
Men’s Masters 4x200m relay (leadoff runner – 2nd place team)

USATF
If you plan to run for the club in USATF races, now is the time to renew your dues. If you’ve never done this, it can be a lot of fun. If you’re interested, contact Tom Steenkamer () or use the links below.

The first Off-Road Running Series Race of the season is the Ugly Mudder 7 Mile Trail Run – February 23

The first Club Challenge Circuit race is the Haddonfield Adrenaline Run 5K – March 15