Events
Place
45 Reinhardt Road
Wayne, NJ US 07470
Wayne, NJ US 07470
Description
It is with a heavy heart that we bid goodbye to a local running legend. Bill Welsh passed in early September 2023. Bill participated in the first 4 years of the PCRC, now PCTI Winter Series.
Those that ran the Winter Series had the privilege of meeting/knowing Bill later in his life, enjoying his company and what seemed to be an endless stream of "running" insight/stories.
Two years back, with my kids moving on from PCTI, I thought it was time to close out the Winter Series however its light simply refuses to extinguish... kinda like the memories of Bill...
With Bill’s passing, and in an effort to keep his legacy alive, it is this Race Director's promise to run at least one event on the PCTI course each Winter in honor or his memory giving all that ran the Series and knew Bill an opportunity to reconnect and relive Bill’s indomitable spirit.
The PCTI Winter Series is the 5K that Bill and those that ran it "just hate to love". The elements (wind and cold) and sometimes challenging elevation (looong gradual incline in the middle) carry with it an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment, something of a badge of honor you might say, once conquered/finished.
This year's event will allow those that attended prior Series events to share their stories. We would invite anyone that knew Bill to join this 1st Annual Memorial event. If you decide to attend, please bringing your best Bill Welsh story or picture of/with Bill that relives a memory you would like to share or reflects his lifetime dedication and achievements in/to the sport of running. We will take a moment post-race to recall/recite them.
As with prior Winter Series events the following amenities will be provided:
Refreshments: Hot Bagels, Fruit, Hot Chocolate, Bottled Water @Finish, Age Group Awards (no Overalls).
Age Groups Awards: 19&Under, 20-29,30-39,40-49,50-59,60-69,70-79,80-89,90+ .. 1st, 2nd and 3rd, M & F. We will look to further divide/align the 19&Under AG based on participation.
Commemorative: A "sublimated" tee (see initial sketch below) that captures the essence Bill’s time enjoying the Winter Series will be provided to all participants that register by February 7th.
Note: The Invitation Only 5K (Alumni supported Fun Run, 1/21) event is an Alumni hosted social gathering for Northern NJ runners to run the course, grab their time and catchup with likeminded runners like themselves. Come get a glimpse of what the Winter Series was like, you will be happy you did! There will be no formal awards or giveaway. Refreshments and a good time will be available to all. Bill's event will include all the bells & whistles and then some!
Share your photo with Bill and contribute to his memory...
Bill Welsh Memorial Event Tee
UPDATED: 2-29-24 The "Legend, Bill Welsh" sublimated tee has been produced and is finally on its way to us. I think it will take till the weekend of 3/9 & 3/10 to be received. I will update everyone once I have them in hand...
UPDATED: 2-11-24 The "Legend, Bill Welsh" sublimated event tee will NOW be available to all participants. Those that registered AFTER Feb 7th will need to pickup the tee (@PCTI) or have it mailed ($3 fee) as the batch wont be received come next Sunday. If you are not interested in receiving a tee please select the pickup option when registering and ignore the pickup instructions once received.
RACE DAY INFO (IMPORTANT) - PLEASE READ
BIB PICKUP WILL BEGIN @9:30AM SUNDAY MORNING. RACE WILL START PROMPTLY @11AM! PLEASE PARK IN THE GREEN AREAS DENOTED IN THE IMAGE BELOW. NOT IN THE RED ONES.
THE PARKING AREA CLOSEST TO THE GAURD HOUSE WILL HAVE IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO EXIT. THOSE IN THE SECONDARY GREEN PARKING AREA ADJACENT THE FIELDS WILL ONLY BE ABLE TO EXIT WHEN ITS SAFE (NO RUNNERS ON ADJ/ACTIVE PARTS OF THE COURSE).
Why run the Bill Welsh Memorial WS 5K?!?!
Besides helping to support the PCTI - STEM PTSO and continued playbook development, you will, as we like to say... "hate to love it". Attending this event will expose those participating to the camaraderie & friendships, amongst its participants, that has developed throughout the years of the Winter Series. Not to mention you will also be able to meet those that #KFG!
The course... is not a reason... unless you like challenging... wait!... what runner doesn't like a challenge??? It.... doesn't hurt that it's completely CLOSED to traffic. Given mid Jan/Feb is usually bone chilling cold.. and the streets where we run are often ice and snow covered this event is the safest alternative out there as the asphalt is immaculate and there are a number of places to stay warm across the Passaic County campus/compound. Let's also not forget about the after race "bread and water" as you will be treated to a piping hot "Bagel Stop" bagels and yes... no porta potties here unless you really want one as the restrooms are located inside/onsite... and free for the elements outside!
The BOTTOM LINE IS the Custodians of this Passaic County campus do a spectacular job keeping the roadways clear. The PCTI security "police" force which is complemented by the Passaic County Sheriff's Office whose HQ and Training facilities are on the compound and just around the corner ensure a super safe venue!
Have a marathon you need to book mileage for? ... run the PCTI compound. Get your workout in before, during and after the 5K!
How about the fact that the majority of those that have run the Winter Series back the following year.
If that's not enough... just find someone who has run the Winter Series. They'll tell you! Dont know anyone then checkout David Franz, and his son (now a teenager) ... of the Highland Hashers kickin' it in 19:26!!!
Need more info... have a group that's interested? Contact: Ross Mistretta Contact Phone: 973-706-8969 or e-mail: tristatetiming@gmail.com If not, register and we'll see you January 21st (if your alumni friends or family) or February 18th to honor Bill!
Bill Welsh Memorial Awards!
Checkout the awards for the Bill Welsh Memorial 5K.... Pretty Sweet....
Trophies for the Overall & Age Group Winners with Engraved Medals for 2nd & 3rd Place Age Group Winners. Time to register and take a run at some kickin' hardware!
Race Contact Info
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