Any solo training session can produce a few “The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner” moments, none more so than in the throes of the December through February timeframe.
That’s when things get the most challenging.
Sometimes it can be slightly cold or slightly dark or slightly melancholy.
Way back in 1978, some ambitious local running enthusiasts did something about it.
They formed the Bucks County Roadrunners Club and one of the organization’s first acts was to create the BCRR Winter Series in Tyler State Park.
Nearly five decades later, this magnificent forum still thrives.
Why? Mainly because it’s more fun to race and train with friends and even strangers, just to have someone to share a mutual interest with.
A dozen times each winter, hundreds gather at Tyler and the energy level is over the top. There are smiles all around, generated mostly by the climate of competition and the beauty of the park.
Winter Series race director John O’Brien, who has run the show for the better part of a decade, confirms runners in this area and beyond appreciate this rather unique opportunity.
Having company to run with is certainly an attraction.
“On long runs, it makes it a lot more enjoyable when you have someone to share them with,” O’Brien said in a telephone interview. “You talk, you get to know people more. You get to push each other. Sometimes someone might not feel like running (fast) but this can provide a natural push.
“People run long spring races like the Boston Marathon and trying to get in long training runs in February can be just miserable. Trying to get those in by yourself, it’s hard. Having other people with you helps the time go by. It helps just to have people there to spend the time with.”
There’s no telling how many runners have been introduced to the challenge of Tyler and its benefits through this event.
“People like the Series because it gets you out every Sunday,” O’Brien said. “The environment is great, you get there and meet different people. They hold you accountable to each other.”
After 48 years, it’s become almost a generational thing. The original crew now sees their children running and, in some cases, even their grandchildren.
The Winter Series made a nice gesture last year when it allowed runners 14 and under in a family plan to compete without cost.
“That was successful,” O’Brien said. “So we’re continuing that this year.”
With all the hills at Tyler, running conditions can get a little dicey at times. But all the competition trails are smoothly paved, which makes things a bit easier if the Series is faced with snowy conditions.
“Last year wasn’t too bad,” O’Brien said. “We had one race that was impacted by ice. But we were able to get all but one of the races in.”
O’Brien said if there are weather-impacted trail conditions, runners should adjust their pace accordingly.
“We don’t want any injuries,” O’Brien said. “So when we make a decision to race, it’s based on whether we can get them in and out of the park safely.
“One of the challenges is we can’t really move the races later in the day because sometimes the park gets crowded, there are other events going on.”
The club is pleased with how the numbers have bounced back the past few years after the end of COVID.
“It looks like we kind of have another running boom going on,” O’Brien said. “I expect our numbers to be slightly higher this year.”
When the weather conditions are right, you won’t find a better training venue than Tyler. About the only flat surfaces around are the picnic tables where the post-event food is served.
“Tyler is great for workouts,” O’Brien said. “You will face more hills there than you will anywhere else in the entire area. The joke is we start at the boathouse (on Neshaminy Creek) and anywhere you go from there is uphill. Everything on these courses is a challenge.”
2025-26 BCRR Winter Series Schedule
(Date, race, distance)
*All races start at 9 a.m. except Jan. 1 (11 a.m.)
>Dec. 7: Informal (Runner’s choice).
>Dec. 14: Covered Bridge, 5K.
>Dec. 21: Jingle Bell, 5.3 miles
>Jan. 1: Cham-Pain, 5K.
>Jan. 4: Tyler Challenge, 10K.
>Jan. 11: Wild Card (4-6 miles).
>Jan. 18: Polar Bear, 8 miles.
>Jan. 25: Honest Abe, 4.6 miles.
>Feb. 1: Terrible Tyler, 15K.
>Feb. 8: Pick Your Way, 5.3 miles.
>Feb. 15: Eenie-Meanie-Minie-Moe, 13.1 miles.
>Feb. 22: Staggered Start, 4.6 miles.
/n
>Race calendar
>Saturday
Veterans Day 5K, 9:30 a.m., Tyler State Park, Newtown-Richboro. Contact www.runsignup.com
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