Those present: Neil Tweedie (Chairman), Doug Alsop (FRR) (Chairman designate) Sylvia Muller (S.W.V.A.C and County Treasurer) Alan Rowling, Angela Burrows and Viv Matthews (CAC). Phil Jordan (TRC) Mike and Amanda Erith, Hilary Clatworthy (ECH). Lesley and Graham Dobson, Paul Bullock (NRR), Janet Richie and Barrie Cardew (CR) Gillian Goodman and Peter Mander (LRR)

Chris Jewell and Alan Dawling representing Lostwithiel Rotary

Apologies: Colin Bunting, Kevin Burnett, Kevin Harding, Dave Gordon, Ruth Hatch, David Hatch, Shaun Webb and Jacky Brett

Minutes of the last Meeting 1^st Sept 03: Read and agreed. There were only minor differences commented on but no resulting actions to be taken. It was pointed out that Mark Trebilcock has purchased a Race Clock on his own accord. Mark is willing to hire this out to races for a fee and can be contacted on 01872 862555.

Review of Races:

Duchy Marathon 70+ entries 58 finishers. Those who participated enjoyed the race and thought it a good course.

CAC were naturally disappointed with the low entry and considered it not viable to continue on the same basis. The proposal was to re-schedule the race to the spring (21^st March 2004) - (See Race Calendar).

Boconnoc New race but only 58 finishers. Again the turnout was poor and this was unfortunate as it was organised by the St. John Ambulance. The event raised approximately £1700 via fairly large sponsors. St John are keen to run it again next year but are considering re-scheduling into the spring/early summer. Sunday 23^rd May was mentioned as a likely time - This to be confirmed.

Truro 1/2m Record entry and 400 finishers. It had the big race feel. Generally a good race but problems were encountered with persons not in the race crossing the finish line and temporarily corrupting the results. Neil has offered to “Take Out” any offenders next year. (I don’t think he had Wetherspoons in mind). Some dissatisfaction expressed at the prizes and prize giving.

Deviock 91 finishers, enjoyed by those who ran, good hospitality but Public Toilets at the start were not a place to loiter. Mike Erith made a proposal for the race to be considered as a possible Grand Prix candidate next time round.

Redruth 10k 128 finishers, This race has shown another growth in numbers and was enjoyed by those who ran, but it is acknowledged that it is a tricky course to Marshall and the runners were all over the road in the Mount Ambrose area.

Endurance Day Very well supported and considered to be an excellent event by all who attended, hopes to be repeated in the spring (Early February). Viv is running two more events one Women only in Exeter 29/11 and one for Tamar Trotters on 30/11.

New Boconnoc event: Two representatives from the Lostwithiel Rotary Club (Chris and Alan) attended the meeting to ask for guidance and assistance in organising a new event at Boconnoc.

They were thinking of 10 miles/1/2 marathon perhaps off road. They were looking for a suitable slot in the calendar. The meeting discussed some options on the event and an “off road” relay seemed to be the most favoured. There was concern that this would introduce two events at Boconnoc and they may detract from one another. The ultimate decision was to suggest a relay to the Rotary club, but not to get involved with the organisation. It was said that charity races in the past have relied on others, usually runners/running clubs to do most, if not all the work.

Selection and Review of Grand Prix events for 2004

Neil tabled a list of the proposed Grand Prix events for 2004 and provisional dates.

With the inclusion of the “An Resek Helly’s” the total of events number 15. There was some debate as to whether this was too many but the consensus agreed that as long as they are quality events and worthy of the status then it could remain at 15.

Each event was briefly reviewed as to its quality and it was felt that the majority of the events were worthy. Two events, the Marazion 10k and An Resek Helly’s were new entrants for the Grand Prix for the forthcoming year and would be judged on their merit. Reservations were expressed over the Falmouth 10k concerning the organisation, the commitment of the Falmouth Lions and the safety of the course. It was decided to give it a “Yellow Card” and review it after the event in 2004.

DA to pass information to Falmouth RR and Falmouth Lions. The Deviock Bounder could be a natural successor.

Grand Prix Presentation, Trophies and Sponsorship for 2004

Neil raised the aspect of Sponsorship for the Grand Prix and stated that it is becoming increasingly more difficult to get the Duchy Hospital to keep supporting the event (£600). This problem is compounded by the fact that with there being more races next year, and probably higher entries, with still only 8 to count for qualification, more runners are completing the Grand Prix and hence more prizes are required (30%+ increase in 2003). It was agreed that ideally the Grand Prix should be self-supporting and any Sponsorship attracted would be a bonus. To this end it was agreed that the Grand Prix race organisers should pay 50p per entrant. It would be up to the organisers whether this charge be absorbed into their existing entry fee or added on. The existing 10p charge would then only apply to non GP events, and only then if the Results Service (Jan) is required. The new charges to start from 01 Jan 2004. It was acknowledged that some clubs may have already circulated their entry forms, (Carn, Hayle) but if the reason for the increase in entry charge is explained to the clubs/runners then it was doubted that this would cause too big a problem.

Grand Prix Prizes and Presentation 2003:

Neil brought to the attention of the meeting that there were more runners than completing the Grand prix this year (30%+) and hence the prize kitty would have to be spread a bit further. It was agreed that £250 would be taken from the 10p fund to swell the monies for this years trophies to £850. It was pointed out that the Falmouth Road Runners Mob Match contribution (£1 per entrant) would ensure a positive bank balance. (The action agreed on the self-supporting charge should prevent this situation occurring next year).

The time for the Grand Prix presentation was set at 12:30 sharp. Clubs to ensure all award winners present to receive their trophy. This would be followed immediately afterwards by the Mob Match results and presentation. DA was charged with minimising the delay in getting the MM results. Neil asked for a Volunteer to present the prizes this year but no-one was forthcoming. (Later, and after much lobbying in the corridors of power at Roche Victory Hall, Messrs Bullock and Dobson agreed to take this agreeable task from NT)

Neil’s Lower Profile:

Neil had expressed in email to members of the committee his decision to step back from the day to day organisation of running in Cornwall and wished to share out some of his roles. Which were categorised as: -

q Chairman of this meeting – Calling the meeting, compiling matters to be discussed from the members and other interested parties, Creating and circulating the agenda, Chairing the meeting, Approving and circulating the minutes. - Proposed replacement for next year Doug Alsop. Accepted by those present.

q Race reports for West Briton, Packet etc. – In the absence of a volunteer, Alan Rowling suggested that if someone from the Race Organisors would send him alan_rowling@lineone.net a copy of the race report and results, he would use his contacts in the press to get them published. (Deadline – Sunday evening)

q Road Race Permit Secretary. – Controlling the race permit applications for up to 30 races in the county. Vetting them and submitting them for acceptance to the SEAA. Collating the promoters returns and checking the affiliated /non affiliated figures and the necessary levy. No Volunteers – Attendees to ask their club members for a Volunteer.

q Attendance at various Running/Athletic Association meetings in the County/Region. No Volunteers but there were suggestions as to the consolidation of some of these meetings - see next item.

County Athletic Meeting Mon 1^st Dec 7:00pm Dragon Leisure Centre Bodmin.

This is a meeting called by Sonia Ellis to “Get Cornwall Organised” the meeting concurred that with respect to Road Running and the Grand Prix we are very well organised and to an extent the envy of some of the other disciplines and Counties. It was mooted that a combined meeting could replace this meeting but it was felt by those present that for the time being we should stay as we are and review the situation after the other proposal has been running for a while. Members were encouraged to get their two representatives from each club to the meeting in Bodmin and participate in the discussion/decision making. Monday 1^st December 2003 starting at 7pm, Dragon Leisure Centre - Bodmin

Coaching in Cornwall :

There was some debate about coaching in Cornwall and Viv expressed concern that whilst he had trained and validated a significant number of coaches both level 1 and level 2 only a few of them were actively involved with the clubs. Mike Erith pointed out the ideal ratio is 1 coach to 10 athletes. It was doubted that any clubs actually met this ratio and some clubs still do not have qualified coaches. This aspect needs to be addressed and Clubs should contact Viv Matthews for information on courses etc.

Date of next Meeting - Monday 19/01/04 (The day after Blaythorne) DA in Chair.