Stadium Runners based at the Galpharm Stadium Huddersfield

SUBJECT: WOODLAND CHALLENGE OPEN EVENING

PRESENT::
Brian Pinder – Chairman 

All Stadium Runners invited to this Open Evening

Various members of the running club were in attendance

DATE: Monday 29th March DURATION: 8.15 pm
VENUE: Stadium Meeting Room SECRETARY: AAM
 
Objectives of Woodland Challenge Open Evening

To share to objectives of the 2010 Woodland Challenge, gauge member’s views and spread some of the activities associated with organisation of a successful event.

All members were issued with:
• A handout containing pictures of 2009 Woodland Challenge;
• A copy of the Runners World top 50 races of 2009;
• A list of tasks to be completed, objectives for 2010 and problems to be overcome.

The suggested date for the next race is the 10th October 2010  (10/10/10).

Why should Stadium Runners stage a race?

Each running club has an obligation to stage a local race.  The Woodland Challenge not only showcases the local area, but also, from the perspective of other running clubs and their supporters, the face of Stadium Runners.  We have pride in our club, and thus pride in the Woodland Challenge.

In addition the following points were made:

• KAL gets a lot of publicity from Runners World, Huddersfield Examiner and Yorkshire Post.  The race was voted 3rd in Runners World (2009), and proves that the club knows how to stage a race.

• The Woodland Challenge is a great family day out, both adults and children will have a good time.

• The race is value for money.  Unlike other running clubs, the race does not need to make any money for funds for the club.  All entry fees and sponsorship money received is ploughed back into the event.

John Cottam confirmed that the financial position was healthy.  Last year the race broke even, due to the chip timing company failing to complete a satisfactory job and refunded the fees. In addition, they have agreed to attend the 2010 race at no cost.

Further funding last year came in the form of a £3000  anonymous donation which was untouched and is therefore carried forward towards  the funding for the 2010 race.

It was noted that the main costs this year will be purchase and printing of the technical running top.

Future Downside/Problems & Committee Meetings

After 2010, Storthes Hall will become a building site.  The club may need to look for a new route/course, but provides the opportunity to allow a larger number of runners to race (which has been previously oversubscribed).

The Woodland Challenge committee meetings will be absorbed into the Stadium Runners monthly committee meetings, meaning extra meets for this event will no longer be required.

Saul Muldoon who instigated the first race needs to spread his workload around.

Inspiration Computers which has previously completed all administration work will transfer this responsibility to Caterers Choice.  Lee Grant of Inspirational Computers has agreed to provide Caterers Choice with an overview of previous responsibilities and instructions/guidance to allow them to successfully continue this work.

Open Discussion

The following points were raised:

1. It was suggested by Brian that tasks would be easier and less daunting if people work in groups to complete tasks that they are uneasy with or have never done before.

2. Stadium Lions inquired whether Stadium Runners are to host a race this year and if so, what date?

3. It was suggested that we approach Dr. Ron Hill again, unless anybody could suggest any one else.

4. The numbers of marshals who turned up on and supported the club on the day were brilliant.

5. Runners still talk about the race, one lady at Wakefield race still talks about the back marker “pain is short lived but failure is forever!”

6. Olive requested water and juice again for the race this year.  She would like a letter on Stadium Runners paper to give to the company concerned.

7. A list of roles that need filling – runners could be approached on Monday and Thursday at the running club.

8. It was suggested that at the next committee meeting would we look at the jobs that need completing and prioritise in order of importance.

Please ring Brian or Saul if you want to do any job or can help.

The next committee meeting is on Monday 12th April 2010

31/03/2010

Everybody at the club loves a challenge whether it's a marathon or just going a bit faster on a Monday night. Some challenges though really live up to the word and the Three Peaks Race is definately in that category. The race is a mere 24 miles with a little 5000ft of ascent so it's little more than a Saturday stroll. Simon won't be left to complete this task on his own though as this club is filled with daft folk. As such Martin Huddlestone and Kevin Hoult will also be out for the club and hoping to get round in good times and in one piece.

www.justgiving.com/Simon-Courtney1982

 The main challenge for Simon though is to raise some money for a very worthy cause and you can help by visiting his just giving page and donating as little or as much as you can. The good cause is the Alzheimers Society, I don't know too much about their work so I've pasted Simon's own words in here and you'll see why he's determined to raise as much as possible.

www.justgiving.com/Simon-Courtney1982

I decided to use this as an opportunity to raise money for the Alzheimers Society as my Nan died of Alzheimers in 2007. I witnessed my once clever, caring and fun loving Nan turn into a woman who was more like a naughty child and shadow of her former self, barely recognisible to look at and no mental capacity to even bring about a smile. More recently a friend of mines wife of 60 years died after a long battle with the disease and I saw again just how much of a strain caring for a loved one can put on exhausted and frail partners, even with all the love and best intentions.

The Three Peaks Race takes place on Saturday 24th April and with the London Marathon the day after this means that a significant number of Stadium Runners will be in varying degrees of agony come Monday morning, but good luck to all.

Woodland Challenge Open Evening

8.15pm Monday 29th March 2010 at the stadium.

As most of you will know the Stadium Runners Woodland Challenge was rated as the third best run in the country last year and whilst that is an undoubtedly great achievement it is also testament to the huge amount of work that goes in to making the run such a success. The workload for this event is immense and a very large part of it is carried out by a handful of Woodland Challenge commitee members who are well and truly spent come race day.

The idea of this little soiree is to gauge your views on the Woodland Challenge and to see if there is any way in which you can help and try and spread some of the workload. This meeting will also be a good chance to have a chat with other runners at the club without the fear of another slog up a 1 in 5 hill.

FREE FOOD & WINE ALERT.

As your chairman Brian Pinder knows you are all dedicated athletes who carefully monitor your diets so he has arranged for a slap up buffet and some jolly good wine, all free of charge. The get together is just after the Monday night run has finished and won't drag on for too long so it really is as convenient as possible, so please do come along. It's being held in the same room at the stadium that we had our AGM so if your not sure where that is just ask at reception or follow someone else.