The PGRC kicked 2019 off with an amazing New Year’s Day event at College Park parkrun. Thank you to the 260 runners, walkers, and volunteers for starting this exciting new year with us!
RECAP: New Year’s Day Run with College Park parkrun
The PGRC kicked 2019 off with an amazing New Year’s Day event at College Park parkrun. Thank you to the 260 runners, walkers, and volunteers for starting this exciting new year with us!
















A few PGRC members got a jumpstart on pre-burning their Thanksgiving calories early Thursday morning. Led by club vice president Yvonne Hill, these brave runners crushed a few FREEZING miles on route 450.
Are you interested in events like these? Become a member to join the mailing list, check out the weekly run schedule, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
The slate of board candidates includes incumbents and as well as members who were nominated to take on important roles within the club. Click on the links for the candidates’ bios. Don’t forget to join us on November 17 for our fall meeting and board elections.
CANDIDATES FOR CORE OFFICES
President: Ndegwa Kamau (incumbent)
Vice President: Yvonne Hill (incumbent)
Secretary: Lisa Jordan (incumbent)
Treasurer: Mark Shroder (incumbent)
CANDIDATES FOR ADDITIONAL OFFICES
Membership Coordinator: Keirston Woods (new candidate)
Information Coordinator: Tina Nixon (incumbent)
Race Coordinator: Anthony (Tony) Bell (new candidate)
Training Coordinator: Maria Green (incumbent)
Volunteer Coordinator: Chris Nichols (incumbent)
Equipment Coordinator: James Roberts (incumbent)
Member-at-large: Monique (Mo) Richards (new candidate)
Social Chair: Fai Nelson (incumbent)
NEW CANDIDATE BIOS
Keirston Woods
I have never fancied myself a runner. In fact, if you’d asked me in 2016 or before, I would have explained that I hated running for the sake of running – I only enjoyed doing it in connection with a sport! I also thought that running clubs were only for experienced runners. However, in late Spring 2017, I was searching for a different activity; something challenging, complementary to a healthy lifestyle and well-suited for individual or group activity. While scrolling through social media, I saw an advertisement for PGRC’s Running Start Training Program, which was soon kicking-off. Despite my misgivings about the sport and its clubs, this advertisement intrigued me – the opportunity to learn about running and figure out why so many people love it, in a club that not only embraces new runners, but actively seeks them out. Hmmm? Little did I know that, in that moment, my relationship with running and with an amazing, fun and supportive group of runners of every level was born!
I have been running since June 2017, and advanced from 1:1 run/walk intervals to double digit miles in just over a year and I attribute that, in part, to the amazing people who are Prince George’s Running Club. I, now, enjoy the activity and challenges of running! I savor the competition and experiences of races! I look forward to meeting my PGRC family at weekly club runs! I appreciate the training and opportunity to learn from my PGRC coaches! I value the opportunity to motivate and inspire others and be motivated and inspired by them! I love all of the comedic and informative moments with my team that make me laugh and contemplate! All of this is PGRC. PGRC IS ABOUT THE SPORT AND THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE IT!!
As Membership Coordinator, I hope to introduce more runners to our AMAZING club and have the opportunity to cultivate new runners, like myself! I will work with fellow members of the board to integrate membership-focused components into existing club events, as well as facilitate new activities and events to draw new membership to the club. But, I will need the help of our existing members who love PGRC! Nothing and no one call sell PGRC better than US! I hope to engage my fellow club members to expand our membership reach. Don’t be surprised to hear from me!
Monique (Mo) Richards
I joined PGRC in 2016 for the Running Start 5K program. I have to admit, I couldn’t run a lick when I joined the program! I started off doing a walk-run method and in May 2018 I completed my first full marathon!! I’ve also ran a couple of half-marathons, 10 milers, 10Ks, 5 milers and 5Ks along the way 😊. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support and encouragement from my PGRC family. There’s always been a team member cheering me on at the finish line, during training and weekly runs. I am so grateful and proud of my running club, and I look forward to running many more races with my fam!
Anthony (Tony) Bell
The start of the running bug;
In 2002, I ran my first Army 10 Miler with a small group of soldiers to support the Army and all branches of the military.
In 2003, I ran in the Mardi Gras Marathon to raise money for AIDS Research in the D.C. area.
During a run in Greenbelt Park, I encountered a group of cheerful people running and having fun. One member, Karen Braxton joyfully invited me to join the PGRC and at which I also met Charles Outlaw, who introduced me to the heartfelt members of PGRC.
After joining PGRC, I became more involved with running. This was not just a running club to run, it was and is, about the bonding & camaraderie with folks in your community with active interests.
I have been a PGRC Pace Leader for the 5K, 8K, 10K, 10-mile training group & the Sunrise Coordinator for the Army 10 Miler, held every year.
This will be my first role as PGRC Race Coordinator & with my co-coordinator/Monique Richards, we are up for the challenge.
Prince Georges County has a vast number of runners & walkers looking for an active, supportive club to join like PGRC.
In addition, if you are interested in other local running groups, including the ones running for a cause, we will do our best to provide knowledge, involvement, and information about those as well.
As the Sunrise Coordinator (preparation for the Army 10 Miler), I might have some criteria.
I will try to be warm, effective, rational, encouraging and to end it all with a smile.
You will never have to run alone in Prince Georges County again because “We Run the County”
HappyFeet
A huge congratulations to these PGRC members who beat the bridge and crushed the 43rd Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday, October 28, 2018:
The PGRC cheer squad will be back again this year at its usual spot. Please bring signs, noise makers, and snacks for the runners.
The cheer squad with be located on the National Mall across from the National Gallery of Art WEST Wing. Near Mile 18, just west of 4th and Madison. On the MALL side.
SAVE THE DATE: PGRC Annual Meeting & Board Elections on November 17, 2018 from 10am to 2pm
Nominations for all positions will be accepted. Nominations are especially needed for the following key positions:
Please send your nominations to Gail Sockwell by November 2.
FYI, the track will be closed for soccer games on Oct 16 and 23, so the track workout will meet at Wells Ice Arena instead.

The September 2018 monthly update for the Prince George’s Running Club is now available!
In this issue:
Want to get the monthly updates by email? Subscribe today!
Come on out Saturday, Sept. 22, noon – 4 for the Prince Georges Running Club’s picnic! All members and your families are invited. We love our volunteers, and this is a chance to thank YOU!
Come prepared to share fellowship, with food, fun, games and volunteer recognition. Food and drinks of all kinds will be provided (vegetarians and carnivores will both be happy), and since Chris is planning it, there might be a keg!
The park offers beautiful trails, a nature center, children’s playgrounds, ballfields and more. Look forward to playing, relaxing and planning that next great race with your fellow PGRC members.
Please RSVP here, and let Chris know how many in your family will be coming, at cnichols82@gmail.com
See you soon! – The PGRC Board
We wanted to send a big thank you to the 2018 PGRC Women’s Distance Festival and Men’s 5K Race participants and volunteers! Your support has made this race a great success for another year.
Participants, the overall results are now available. Please contact our Race Director if you have any questions.
Congratulations to this year’s Running Start Program graduates! The PGRC family applauds your summer efforts in completing your 5K goals. Considering the next step? Stay tuned for updates about our fall 10K training program. Speaking of 10Ks…
SAVE THE DATE! Our next race — the Wright Stuff 10K — is on December 1, 2018 at Wells Ice Rink. Race registration — and more info about the training program — will be coming soon, so follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit this site frequently to get updates.