CORNWALL ROAD RUNNING & RACING GROUP.

Minutes of the meeting held Monday February 18^th 2008

THOSE PRESENT. Doug Alsop (Chairman & St.A.R.C.), Pete Sargent (Minutes Secretary & N.R.R.), Jan Sargent (Treasurer & N.R.R.), Caroline Hemsworth (An Resek Hellys & F.R.R.), Barrie Cardew (C.R.), Angela Burrows, Alan Rowling & David Angilley (C.A.C.), Hilary Clatworthy (E.C.H.), Kevin Burnett (I.Q.Half & N.R.R.), Dave Gordon (K.R), Mark Heard (L.R.R.), Graham & Lesley Dobson (N.R.R.), Paul Bullock (Sticker 5 & St.A.R.C.), John Smith, Colin Bunting & Ann Luke (T.T.), Denise Cardew (T.L.), Kevin Harding & Keith Wotton (T.R.C.).

APOLOGIES. None.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING DECEMBER 17^TH 2007. Agreed. Proposed by AR, Seconded by KB.

MATTERS ARISING. Four “advance warning” signs have now been ordered.

REVIEW OF EVENTS.

Brown Willy. Well attended with around 260 runners. Superb weather, £666-66 raised for charities. With increased numbers now taking part, there was an increased likelihood of runners on the approach to the summit of Brown Willy colliding with those coming down. Proposals to avoid this in future by altering the course slightly in this location.

Blaythorne 10. (446 entries 2008, 394-2007) BC reported that the race went well. Additional car parking facilities worked well, as did the baggage storage facilities. The “finish area” not really spectator or runner friendly. Minor traffic problems, hopefully sorted next year with a “road closure”

AB reported too many runners, having finished the race, then ran back down the course to encourage their colleagues, but still wearing their race numbers, which caused problems to those collating results. Also several cyclists alongside runners as they finished.

ALL REPS TO NOTIFY THEIR CLUB MEMBERS via NEWSLETTERS, WEBSITES OR VERBALLY, RE PROBLEMS CAUSED BY GOING BACK DOWN THE COURSE AND THEN APPROACHING THE FINISH AGAIN WITH THEIR NUMBERS STILL ON.

Excellent post race refreshments available to all. Presentation seemed to go on too long – as per rules, consideration must be given to completing the raffle prior to presentation. Problem with results caused by a number being incorrectly printed. In future ALL RACE NUMBERS MUST HAVE THE NAME OF THE RUNNER RECORDED ON THE REVERSE. (Additional Rule 2. 4b. )

Mounts Bay 10k. (401entries 2008, 397-2007). Race went very well. Kevin Sharp situation handled admirably. Airport style “numbers check in” was excellent. No usual queues afterwards for goody bags. Problems with vehicles on the approach to the finish, which also resulted in Jo Friday missing out on course record by one second. Car parking and bus shuttle service worked well, but concensus was that it was longer than the advertised 10 minutes walk to race HQ. KW, because many of his members were too late to get into the race, requested information about the new block booking and new block entry system used. Advised that most clubs were now using this system and had been for some time, and TRC were not quite so well organised as the others. Truro Half however had been taking block entries from other clubs in recent years. KW reported that although it was categorically stated that “no entries would be taken on the day”, this was not the case. JS advised that the only entries taken on the day, were “club swaps” ie. If a CAC runner was unable to run, then he was replaced by another CAC runner. KW unhappy to see on Hayle website prior to race, a large “block entry” allocated to Hayle Runners, but no runners listed. PS explained that CT had as many as 80 of his runners wanting to run, but was not listing individual details until all “jobs” on the day had been allocated. CT to be asked to consider the possibility of increasing race limit because more and more runners were now being denied the opportunity to take part, thus reducing their GP qualification options. Also to give further consideration to his thoughts about a separate mens and ladies race. Query raised as to the validity of awarding alcohol as a prize to under 21 runners.

ALL CLUBS TO TAKE THIS POINT INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN DECIDING THEIR AWARDS.

Hoe 10/Peninsula Challenge. PS/AR reported the event was well supported by the Cornish athletes. The men’s team lost by 2 points, whilst the ladies team won by just 1 point. 5 of the 10 team members recorded personal bests.

TREASURERS REPORT. JAS reported a deficit of £110-50 for the year ending 31^st December 2007. The County had yet to make a contribution towards the cost (£366-41) of sending a County team to the S.W.Regional Championships at Wimborne Dorset. This situation is being monitored.

G.P. MATTERS.

Block entries. After much discussion, it was agreed that clubs making block entries by email should also send in the requisite entry fees at the same time, particularly when there is a race limit applicable.

It was also agreed that this is not always practicable. All clubs must act responsibly when submitting block entries when they know that there is a race limit, and where spaces available are at a premium.

FORTHOMING EVENTS. Duchy Marathon & 20 AR advised around 180 entries to date. Club would be hosting a Pasta Party at PV on the evening of the race, all welcome. Late entries would be accepted at the party.

An Resek Hellys. CH reported that there would be a new approach to the finish this year. She is also seeking volunteers to officiate at the finish.

Sticker 5. PB reported that the car parking problems of last year had been resolved.

SOCIAL EVENT. As reported at last meeting, GP presentations to continue as before ie after the Mob Match. Any club wishing to organise a Social evening were welcome to do so.

A.O.B.

PERMITS SECRETARY. A letter of resignation had been received from Neil Tweedie, who was now completely disenchanted with the higher echelons of the sport. DA to send NT a letter of thanks on behalf of the group for all his hard work over the years.

MH & PS reported that as from April 1^st, a race “Licence” was now required, the cost of which would be determined by the number of entries received. Race organisers would now retain the unattached runners £2 levy to offset the cost of the permit. Because vast majority of runners competing in Cornwall and the GP. are already club members, there will be no benefit to most of our races. DA to write to the authorities on behalf of Cornish clubs to express our thought and opinions.

DC confirmed that Tri Logic is an affiliated club. Query though as to the status of Mile High.

KH queried the legality of the new format Caution Runner signs.

CB reported that the Kit Hill run had been cancelled.

JS was delighted to receive his GP award for completing the minimum number of races, but thought that by actually putting the word “minimum” on the trophy, it was somewhat downgrading.

PB to action for 2008.

GD reported that the County AGM had been arranged to take place on the same evening as this meeting, which would mean no road running attendees at their meeting.

GD reported that he had been told by John Knowles (County Treasurer) that as far as he was aware, no unattached race levy fees had been received by the County for 2007. PS to investigate and follow up.

HC reported that plans were well ahead. PS advised that their entry forms stated that race numbers would be posted out. By doing this, there would then be no way of knowing the exact number of starters on the day. This figure could be required by the authorities, but most certainly by the Cornwall Search & Rescue Teams who are providing the safety and medical cover on the day. HC to action.

There being no other business to discuss, the meeting closed at 9-35pm.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING. MONDAY JUNE 23^RD at 7-15PM.