THOSE PRESENT: Doug Alsop (Chairman and F.R.R.), Pete Sargent (Minutes Sec and N.R.R.), Jan Sargent, (Treasurer and N.R.R.), Angela Burrows & Alan Rowling, (C.A.C.), Barrie Cardew &Janet Ritchie, (Carn), Hilary Clatworthy, (E.C.H.), Craig Tonkin, (H.R.R.), Dave Gordon & Bob Wicks, (K.R.), Jim Baker & Mike Carpenter, (L.R.R.), Colin Bunting, (T.T.), Phil Jordan, (T.R.C.), Neil Tweedie, (C.R.R. Sec & T.R.C.).

APOLOGIES: Paul Bullock, Graham Dobson, Lesley Dobson, (All N.R.R.), Dave Buzza & Viv Matthews, (C.A.C.), Chris Rouncefield, (H.R.R.), David & Ruth Hatch, (Moorhaven), Mike Erith, (?), Kevin Burnett, (I.Q. Half.), Pete Foxwell. (P.D. Run.), Jacky Brett, (C.A.D.O.).

Read and agreed.

Draft constitution. Amendments:

No.1 Umbrella......running of “all” races in Cornwall. (i.e. not only G.P.)

No.7 “Grand Prix” race organisers. “Grand Prix” to be deleted.

All clubs to check and consider details, and then E.Mail any further, final suggestions/ recommendations to D.A. prior to the A.G.M.

Duchy Marathon. A.R. reported that he had received suggestions from Peter Mander, (L.R.R.) regarding the possibility of those runners only doing the 20 miler, diverting off the second lap of the marathon course, which could result in the 20 mile run ALSO finishing at the Penventon, rather than out on the cliffs. A.R. believed that the suggested route may a bit short of 20 mile...would this still be acceptable..?? ...general agreement was that it must be 20 mile. C.A.C. will investigate further with the intention of finishing at the Penventon.

Falmouth 10k. D.A.reported that the Lions were disappointed to be dropped from next years G.P. and had indicated that they would like to attend this meeting, but had failed to act.

Piran Dune Run. D.A. had spoken to Pete Foxwell, who will be organising this event next year, regarding several concerns over this years race. D.A. read a letter from P.F. stating that he had taken note of the various points raised, and would ensure that everything would be in order for 2005.

A.O.B. D.A. “WILL” produce the list of required standards for all G.P. races.

Saltash Half. Increase in numbers from 102 to 121...mainly as a result of good support from T.T. J.R. liked the race. It was noticed though that there was no “finishers” funnel, which caused a few problems.

Boconnoc 5. Increase in numbers from 58 to 102. P.J. enjoyed it, nice atmosphere. M.C. said that the prolific racer Alan Littlejohns (L.R.R.) had sent a letter of thanks to the organisers (S.J.A.B.) N.T. said that it was meant to be a fun event, but the organisers were delighted to raise in excess of £1000.

Tree Tops 5. Increase in numbers from 266 to 319. Brilliant event as usual. Several runners mistakenly took the “fun run “ finish line for, that of the main race and slowed up too soon. N.R.R. investigating the possibility of moving the finish area to an even better and safer area for next year.

Meet Your Max. Increase in numbers from 144 to 175. P.J. reported that everybody really enjoyed it!!!! T.R.C. have promised to position the “ team bath” in the sun next year, rather than the shade of the trees.

Sticker 5. Numbers down from 275 to 250. No real reason why, other than several Carn Runners preferred to go to a wedding!! Other than a new “cap” is required for the starting pistol, there were no other problems and it was an excellent event, apart from the weather. M.C. reported that several runners were already tucking in to the food as the presentation started. (As L.R.R. weren.t among the prizes, it was suggested that it was the L.R.R. that were tucking in early)!!!!

Launceston Half. Increase in numbers from 234 to 262. Excellent event. N.T. expressed the opinion of the superb job done by D.G.; bearing in mind that he has fewer than a dozen members to call upon for assistance, and it is also a B.A.R.R. silver graded race. All present agreed. D.G. realised that there were one or two problems with the two lead runners not taking the exact racing line that they should have done in a couple of places, and that a bit of stronger marshalling is required in future.

Turkey Trot. Increase in numbers from 195 to 246. A good event and no problems. D.Buzza was out of sight before many runners realised the race had started. The starter will shout louder next year.!!

Magnificent 7. Increase in numbers from 335 to 350. Superb event, great all round atmosphere. C.B. reported that everything had gone very well.

C.T. suggested the idea, that next year, we should consider expanding the age categories in the Grand Prix Series. Those already competing in the veteran 5 year age groups, were actually competing against maybe only a dozen other runners, and in some cases, even less than this, whereas a 32 year old male for example, was competing against maybe 150 other competitors in the “senior male “category.

By adopting the system used at several overseas events i.e. 5 year age groups right up to the present “veteran” age groups, this would create far more interest in the G.P. for a huge number of runners, and stimulate competition throughout those categories, as it does within the veteran categories. In total, it would mean an additional 18 or 21 trophies at the end of the year, which, taking into consideration the current financial position of the C.R.R. &R.G. would cause no problems. Both D.R. (G.P. co-ordinator) and J.S. (Race results co-ordinator) confirmed that the additional categories would cause no additional problems to them.

After discussion, particularly concerning the youngest age group, it was agreed to introduce the following categories next year: Male Under 25, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39.

Female Under 25, 25-29, 30-34. Because of age restrictions on certain distances, younger athletes would be unable to complete the Grand Prix series as the rules at present stand. To encourage more younger runners to take part in those G.P. events that they are old enough to do, a separate series will be incorporated to include races up to and including 10kms only, for their benefit. D.A. and others will confirm exact formulae prior to the A.G.M.

The question was then raised as to whether or not prizes should be offered in these new categories at G.P. races. Again, it would create more interest and more prizewinners. The downside was that there would be a small additional cost for those prizes. All race organisers present, agreed that they would include the new categories on their awards list next year. A.R. reported that it would cost their race considerably more, because of what they present to their winners. i.e. excellent pieces of individual pottery. However, with an entry fee of only £4 at present, they would be fully justified in a small increase to cover their additional costs.

C.T. suggested that with the current number of runners taking part in G.P. races, the award of 100 points for the winner, 99 for second, 98 for 3rd etc needs revising. In a race with 140 senior males for example, the runner finishing 100th would receive 1 point, just as the runner finishing 140th would also receive 1 point, as indeed every runner would, who finished lower than 100th.This doesnt create any incentive for the slower runner, as they all get just 1 point. As from next year, the top award will start at 200 points in each category to overcome this problem.

Further announcements. P.J. advised all present, that this years Truro Half marathon will be based on the Piazza in the centre of Truro, and NOT at the Rugby club.

J.S. reported that the group had a current balance of £1173 60, with a further

£566 00 of race levy fees still to come in. This balance does not include the sponsorship money from the Duchy Hospital. In view of the healthy state of affairs, it may be deemed necessary to reconsider the amount of levy required for next years races.

V.M. advised, that following the success of the Endurance Day that he held last year, he would like to hold another one on a Saturday or Sunday in October or November, if there was sufficient demand. It was agreed that the demand would probably be there. There would be a nominal charge of probably £5 to cover the hire of premises and expenses. He also advised that the following courses would be taking place in the near future.

Fitness in Running and Walking.Sat Sept 11th 2004 in Tavistock. At the moment there are a number of places available price £50, but there is some government funding available through J.B. to reduce this fee. There will also be one in St Austell on Sat. Oct 4th 2004

Children in Athletics. Sat Oct 30th 2004 St Austell.

Level 2 Coaching. Sat Jan 29th and Sunday Jan 30th 2005 in St Austell.

Anyone requiring further info should contact V.M. a.s.a.p.

B.C. commended D.R. on the excellent job she is doing in producing the latest G.P. details so quickly, especially with so many races in such a short period, and also for sorting out all the problems, particularly those involving so many Carn Runners.

There being no other business, the meeting closed at 9 18 p.m.

Details of any nominations or volunteers for office should notify D.A.prior to this date.