CORNWALL ROAD RUNNING AND RACING GROUP.

Minutes of the meeting held 26th April 2004.

THOSE PRESENT: Doug Alsop (Chairman & F.R.R), Pete Sargent (Minutes Sec & N.R.R.), Alan Rowling, Angela Burrows (C.A.C), Phil Bowles, Barrie Cardew, Janet Ritchie (Carn), Hilary Clatworthy (E.C.H.), Chris Rouncefield, Craig Tonkin (H.R.R.), Dave Gordon (K.R.), Mike Carpenter, Doug Smith (L.R.R.), Paul Bullock, (Sticker & N.R.R.). Graham Dobson, Lesley Dobson (N.R.R.), Jan Sargent (Treasurer & N.R.R.), Ian Munday (An Resek Hellys), Neil Tweedie (C.R.R. Sec & T.R.C).

APOLOGIES: Ruth & David Hatch (Moorhaven), Sylvia Muller (County Association Treasurer), Kevin Burnett (I.Q.Half), Dawn Roberts (G.P. Results Compiler), Colin Bunting (Tamar T.), Dave Buzza (C.A.C.), Sean Webb (Carn)

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING (19th January 2004):

Read and agreed.

MATTERS ARISING FROM LAST MEETING:

A “first” draft copy of the constitution (based on that used by the E.C./W.D. Forum), drawn up by D.A. was discussed, and a few minor amendments agreed, namely,

We should be known as CORNWALL ROAD RUNNING & RACING “GROUP” not “ CLUB)

AIMS (5) To consider applications........To be deleted.

AIMS (8) To encourage all running clubs......“and race organisers” to be inserted.

RULES (1)(2)(3). Running “Clubs” and Racing “Club” now becomes “Group(s)”

RULE (2).......... Matters relating to the Grand Prix....“and other matters”.... will be discussed. P.S. {Suggest “and any other appropriate business” sounds better.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will be convened in “ Late Sept”.

DISSOLUTION............funds shall be divided between “affiliated road running clubs” that still exists.

REVIEW OF RACES:

Mounts Bay 10k. C.T. ...Very happy. Because of infrastructure the 250 race limit would remain, but a “reserves” list would be introduced next year. All agreed it was super job, smoothly run, good marshalling and a good testing course.

Duchy Marathon. A.R. thanked all 9 clubs in the Group for their support, which has hopefully assured the future of the race. Also thanked C.R., E.C.H., L.R.R. and N.R.R. for their help on the day. Also aware of the two major problems on the day, firstly, the area used for registration etc was not suitable.....much larger and better room already organised for 2005, and secondly, race results, due to confusion over who was doing the full marathon and those only doing the 20 mile training run. Proposals to eradicate this problem include better entry forms, a reduced entry fee for those doing the 20 mile run, different coloured running numbers, both front and back, for the two events, and a finishing funnel at the 20 mile mark. Also new date for 2005.....MARCH 13th...hence avoiding certain fixture clashes. A.B. thanked G.D. “for everything he did for her on the day !!! “

Falmouth 10k. FOR.. The new course was better than those previously used. AGAINST. Card board numbers. No lead vehicle. No sweep vehicle. No drinks station. Total lack of marshals at many junctions, (L.D. reported that she narrowly avoided being hit by a car pulling out of a junction with no marshal present). Inadequate road signing. Unacceptable team prizes. Fun run, very expensive and certainly too far (3 miles), also caused problems at the finish.

Despite past recommendations and advice, which has gone unheeded, it was agreed that this event would not be included in next years G.P. series.

Piran Dune Run. 2003-201 runners, 2004-177runners. (Numbers down, race just 6 days before FLM). JS reported huge problems in compiling results due to inadequate recording on the finish line. She was still sorting the mess out at 7.30pm .The original course was changed on the morning because no permit to run on M.O.D. land, had been received. (From a running point of view, the new course was o.k. on the day) No numbers were available for issue when registration opened...R.D. had left them at home. No drinks available at the finish. Queues formed for drinks on the course. Trophies were “dismal”. Problems arise because there is nobody within their organisation who has the necessary experience and know how required for putting on a G.P. event. AGREED that a “Yellow” card will be given. Also pointed out that Gary Perry, this years organiser was ill at the moment, and also the possibility that Pete Foxwell (C.A.C. and a previous race organiser, may well be back on the scene.) A.R. agreed to speak to him to clarify his position.

An Resek Hellys. 2003...140 runners, 2004....237 runners. I.M. admitted that pre race problems were mainly due to them not knowing exactly what was required of them from a G.P. point of view. This was because of a breakdown in communications, (A letter with the relevant details from D.A. to I.M. was delayed (not D.A., s fault)) and nobody representing the A.R.H. attended group meetings or checked the minutes of those meetings. Apart from a missing marshal, the whole event went off very well and was enjoyed by the runners. It was generally agreed by those that had run the race, that the distance was just under 10 miles, but for the G.P. would be included as one of those of 10 miles or over.

At this point I.M. left the meeting.

GRAND PRIX MATTERS:

Clarification of Rules. Within the 8 final scoring races of any runner, there MUST be 2 races of 10 miles or over.

At this moment in time, it is not considered necessary to have any rule regarding the number of DNF, s that a runner could have to complete the G.P. Any possible abuse would be carefully monitored.

Further announcements. P.B. advised that there will be a marquee at Sticker this year, (but wouldn,t let on what would be in it !!)

K.B. advised that there would be a limit of 250 at Indian Queens, and if this limit is reached there will be strictly NO ENTRIES ON THE DAY.

COUNTY MATTERS:

N.T. confirmed that he is still the County Road Race Secretary.

There was no one present who was able to report on the County meeting held at Truro, but H.C. reported that it was a good and constructive meeting that she attended in Exeter.

FINANCIAL MATTERS: In accordance with the draft constitution, the name of the recently opened bank account will be amended to.......and Racing “Group.”

JS reported a surplus balance brought forward from last year (Dec 2003) of £311-99. Income so far this year amounts to £431-50 (50p levy, s from B10, MB10K, DM, and PDR), plus a £50 donation from Mr and Mrs Tweedie.) Expenditure to date amounts to £32-48, (Hire of hall, paper and replacement printer port.)

NT reported that the sponsorship from the Duchy Hospital has been increased this year to £850.

COACHING MATTERS: B.C. reported that Sean Webb and Peter Hillman had qualified for their Level 2 badge, but with no Level 1 course due to be held locally in the foreseeable future, they were planning on going further afield.

A.O.B: P.B. raised the subject of an E.Mail by Dawn Roberts regarding the uniformity of awards at G.P. events. Whilst there are minimum standards required from event organisers, D.A. will produce a full detailed list of all requirements, standards etc etc regarding entry forms and prizes etc etc, that are deemed necessary for an event to be included in the G.P. series, and then circulate to all clubs and groups.

Details of policing charges by the Devon and Cornwall Police for attendance charges at races were noted, following a report in the Sunday Independent.

It was agreed that future meetings would continue to start at 7.00 p.m. (G.D. said he would get there as soon as possible.)

With no other business to be discussed, the meeting closed at 9.35 p.m.

NEXT MEETING: MONDAY 26TH JULY STARTING 7.00P.M.