Did you know the LVRR hosts 19 races? Here are the races hosted for FREE: Summer Series (5), St. Luke’s Youth Run, Kids Series (5), and the Ice Scraper Series (4 are free to members). That is a total of 15 free races hosted by the LVRR. The following four races require a registration fee: Emmaus 4 Mile Classic, St. Luke’s Half Marathon, St. Luke’s 5k, and the Tailgate Trot 10k.
Jill Forsythe
Jill Forsythe has been instrumental in creating the LVRR website and keeping it up to date. She is also responsible for social media. Jill is the chair of the Grant Committee and can be seen at races taking pictures for the website and social media. Jill previously served as the South Mountain Race Director and Secretary to the Board.
Q: How many years have you been a member of LVRR?:
A: I’ve been a club member for just over 10 years.
Q: What have you accomplished as a Board Member?
A: Overhaul of the club and half marathon websites (always a work in progress); helped to grow social media following and recently started an Instagram account for the club; worked on creating a Race Director Handbook; continue to upgrade how we manage our race registration.
Q: Where is your favorite place to train?
A: South Mountain Preserve and Trexler Nature Preserve.
Q: What is your favorite hobby?
A: Photography and knitting.
Q: What is your favorite cereal?
A: Total
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: To Kill a Mockingbird
Q: What is your day job?
A: I am a stay-at-home Mom and a part-time Web Consultant.
Q: Any running goals for 2020?
A: To build up my mileage and stamina so that I can join my friends on the trails again.
Q: Any goals for the Club?
A: To encourage more volunteerism at our numerous club events and sustain transparency on how the club gives back to the community.
Loretta Dodson
Loretta Dodson was responsible for organizing the LVRR Kids Series. The Kids Series was started 20 years ago, well before the Nation’s fight to stop childhood obesity. Loretta previously served as a mentor to First Strides, Making Strides, and on the Emmaus 10k race committee.
Q: How many years have you been a member of LVRR?
A: I have been an active member of LVRR since 1991. Prior to moving to the Lehigh Valley, I was an active member of the Chambersburg Road Runners Club, Harrisburg Road Runners Club, and the York Road Runners Club. My husband and I have a home in Santa Fe, NM, and are also members of the Santa Fe Striders.
Q: What have you accomplished as a Board Member?
A: Currently, I have organized a committee to host a 25K and 50K race for 2021 or 2022. Due to Covid-19 plans have been put on hold. Stay tuned!
-Co Founder of Ice Scraper Series (2013)
-Founder of the Half Marathon Kids Run (2003)
-Founder of the Kids Series (2000)
-Co-Founder of Women’s 5K Classic (LVRR event from 1993-1998)
-Helped create the Race Directors Manual
-Helped create the volunteer incentive program
Q: Where is your favorite place to train?
A: Anywhere I can enjoy the sights and sounds of my surroundings.
Q: What is your favorite hobby?
A: Taking adventure vacations. I have run, biked and hiked all over the world…including running a marathon on all 7 continents. I also enjoy reading a good mystery.
Q: What is your day job?
A: I am a PIAA Track & Field Official and USATF Official, an RRCA Certified Running Coach, and a registered Yoga Instructor (RYT-500) and Yin Yoga (100 hrs TT). I have retired from coaching the Parkland Boys and Girls Cross Country team (17 years as Head Coach & 5 years as Assistant Coach) and also from working 25 years in health care.
Q: Any running goals for 2020?
A: Do more trail running.
Q: Any goals for the Club?
A: I would like to see the LVRR be more active with the RRCA such as considering to bid to host RRCA Championship races. Continue to encourage LVRR members to be active in race participation and race organization.