The Lynchburg Road Runners Club (LRRC) publishes a monthly newsletter packed with running tips, race recaps, upcoming events, photos, and features on local runners. While the previous month's newsletter is available to the public, current LRRC members can access the latest edition and an archive of past newsletters by logging into their RunSignup account via the "Sign In" link at the top right corner of our website. If you're not a member but are interested in joining, simply click the "Join" button at the top right corner.
May 2025 Newsletter
VIRGINIA 10 MILER RECOGNIZED AS “2024 ROAD RACE OF THE YEAR”
The Moore and Giles Virginia 10 Miler has been selected by the Road Runners Club of America as the 2024 “Road Race of the Year.” Since 1971, the RRCA has honored the service and dedication of outstanding leaders in the running community. The award recognizes the significant contributions the event made to the sport in 2024 by engaging and empowering everyone to run and by having outstanding performances in races.
The 2024 race was the 50th running of this historic and prestigious race. Past participants have included over forty Olympians including numerous Olympic medalists. The 2024 event had a record number of participants on the course and the anniversary included a historical exhibit at the Lynchburg Museum, a commemorative book, and a reunion of past champions and race directors.
The race is indebted to local business and charitable organization leaders who sponsor the event. The 10 Miler is directed by Jeff Fedorko under the stewardship of the Lynchburg Road Runners Club (LRRC), with Lesley McPhatter as the 10 Miler Chairperson. Bret Boman, President of the Lynchburg Road Runners and LRRC Board members Monica Kamin and Grattan Garbee accepted the award at the RRCA National Running Awards Luncheon and Ceremony on April 26th in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The 51st running of the Moore & Giles Virginia 10 Miler will take place Saturday September 27, 2025. The event is owned and organized by the Lynchburg Road Runners and has been selected by the RRCA as a Virginia State Championship for 2025.
The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is the oldest and largest national association of runners and running organizations in the world dedicated to growing the sport of running since 1958.
Recent Events
April 24th 600 pm Run 4 Their Lives 5K Course Preview Fun Run - Liberty University Indoor Track Complex. A small but spirited group showed for the fun run for runners to familiarize themselves with the course (or just have some fun). Our apologies that we didn't have a course preview fun run for the Runway 5K (for obvious reasons).
April 26 United Way on the Runway 5K. 526 people finished the flattest 5K in Lynchburg. The first three male finishers were youngsters (21 and younger) Brandon Schimmel (16:10), Shane Stevens (16:50), and Bryce Wall (17:42). The women were led by forever-young Heather Gollnick (21:32) followed by youngsters Rachel Birch (21:57) and Katie Lydzinski (22:27). Photos courtesy of Robert Copeland
Spring/Summer Race Series - Four of the ten races remain.
5/26 Memorial Day 10K LRRC Discount Deadline = 5/4/2025
6/12 LRRC Track Series 5,000 (no discount, cost is $5)
7/4 Percival’s Island Firecracker 5 Miler LRRC Discount Deadline = 6/10/2025
7/xx Kemper Street Downhill Mile LRRC Discount Deadline = TBD
Series Standings are posted here https://riversiderunners.com/race-results/
Upcoming Events
May 26th Memorial Day 10K - The seventh and longest race in the race series takes place on Memorial Day from the Depot Grille downtown. The race benefits those with Type 1 diabeties.
Every Tuesday in June - LRRC Summer Track Series at the University of Lynchburg
For the 33rd year, runners of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to challenge themselves on the track. It's a great way to introduce children and adults to the sport, with the 100 meter dash for kids 4 and under being a highlight of each evening.
Reminders: Register before coming to the race
https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Lynchburg/LynchburgRoadRunnersClubSummerTrackSeries
You register once for the series and we'll keep your bib/race number for you
$1 per evening except the 5,000 which is $5.
JUNE 3 (Tuesday): 1500m (6:30 pm - 7:00 pm); Open 100m (7:10pm); Age Groups 100m (7:15-7:45 pm); 800m (7:45-8:00 pm)
JUNE 10 (Tuesday): 100m (Kid’s 4 and Under) 6:30pm; Age Groups 200m (6:35 – 6:50 pm); Open 200m (7:00 pm): LRRC Race Series 5,000m Heat 1 – 7:20 pm (30 minutes and over); Heat 2 – 8:00 pm (23 to 30 minutes); Heat 3 8:35 pm (19 to 23 minutes); Heat 4 – 9:00 pm (under 19 minutes)
JUNE 17 (Tuesday): Age Groups 100 m (6:30-6:55 pm); Open 100m (7:00); 2 Mile (7:05 pm-7:45 pm); 400 m (8:00 - 8:15 pm)
JUNE 24 (Tuesday) 1 Mile (6:30 pm-7:00 pm); 100m (Kid’s 4 and Under) 7:10 pm; Open 200m (7:15); Age Groups 200 m (7:20-7:45 pm); 800 m (7:45-8:00 pm)
JULY 1 (Tuesday) Makeup Date in Case of Cancellation
July 11th - LRRC Movie Night
Details are being finalized, but plan to attend movie night on July 11th. We'll likely have a fun run preceding the movie and refreshments to enjoy. McFarland is the movie with a historic Virginia 10 Miler film as the appetizer.
LRRC Runner of the Month - Jodie Chandler
When did you start running and what led you to this sport?
I have exercised throughout my entire adult life. I've done pilates, kickboxing, CrossFit and weightlifting. I started running on a treadmill in 2006 for some added cardio. In April 2016, a few friends wanted to do a charity run and they chose the Run for Their Lives race. I ran that race and have been hooked ever since.
What is your proudest running related accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is actually a time period. In the past 7 months, I have learned to train smarter. I am incorporating different running techniques, sticking to a plan and improving my fueling. This has allowed me to hit 6 course PR's.
How many times per week and how far do you run?
How much I run depends on what races I am training for. I usually run 4 days a week but total distance varies from 16 to 35 miles.
What are your favorite races to run and why?
I have a bunch of favorite races to run. CASA is a favorite 5K because my son always comes home and joins us. I love the Richmond Half for its easy rolling hills. And I love any race on St. Patty's Day because they get me running on my birthday!
What goals do you have in your running career?
My only running goal is to keep trying new races. This year I ran my 1st Blacksburg 10 Miler, Charlottesville 10 Miler and Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Half Marathon.
Why should local runners be part of the Lynchburg Road Runners Club?
Runners should be a part of the LRRC because it really helps you feel connected to our community. The group gives positive support and motivation for all runners.
You have a big race tomorrow, what are you eating tonight?
The night before a race, I am eating grilled chicken, a sweet potato and rice bowl.
You have a choice of free tickets to Taylor Swift, Coldplay, or Noah Kahn, who are you going to see.
I would choose to not go see any of these. I am not a fan of concerts- I'll just stick to listening to my running playlists- haha.
What questions do you wish we would have asked you?
I have no additional questions to be answered by I do want to give a shout out to my number one cheerleader. He encourages me when I am full of pre-race nerves. He drives me to all the races-even when he couldn't participate in them and even when they are 7 hours from home. He has run with me in sickness, humidity, rain, snow, arctic wind and ice. I wouldn't be the runner I am without his support. So, thank you to my husband, Kevin Chandler!!
Other Racing News
In mid-April, Chasen Hunt, University of Lynchburg (formerly Brookville HS) set an NCAA Division III 5,000 meter record of 13:41.. On May 2nd, he was the THIRD (!!!) UL runner to cross the finish in the mile run. No words are needed - the photo says it all.
