Meeting Minutes, Aug 3, 2008

4:00 p.m. - Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Conference Room

Members present:  Marsha (and Kate), Dee, Gene, Ellen, Don, Lori, Karen, Steve, John, Janet, Greg and Paul.

Marsha shared a summary of the documentary "Ultramarathon Man"
playing at the new Olathe Palazzo 16 Theatre.

1. Treasurer's report:  John reported an approximate balance of $5,720 with no known outstanding bills.  One new membership was recently received.

2. There is a newly organized KU running club founded by Heather Douglas, a former track team member.  Ellen will invite her to attend a meeting.

3. Paul reported the Horse Thief Run was successful.  He appreciated runLawrence support.  Several club members assisted with officiating; also several club members ran in the race.  Considerations for 2009 include changing the date to another weekend and making it a road race featuring historical sites downtown.

4. The club decided to consider sending a member to the RRCA national conference in San Francisco next March.  Any club member who is genuinely interested in going to "RRCA Club College" and is committed to making runLawrence bigger and better should inquire about the possibility.  On that track, Steve related his experience with a "webinar" presented by activeendurance.com.  The Boston marathon race director presented some ideas that Steve appreciated; for example, the recommended ratio of sponsor fees to entry fees is 50% to 50% to maintain a healthy race.

5. New officers will be elected at the end of this calendar year; those interested in an office should speak up soon! 

6. Red Dog's Boys and Girls Club Run is Saturday, August 9.  Registration continues through day of the race.   RunLawrence volunteers include Gene, Dee, Paul, Steve, Don and Lori.  There will be awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd beginning with the 10 & under and continuing up to 65 and better, in 5 year increments.

7. Thanksgiving Day Run:  Ellen has good leads on two possible local DJ's.  Gene shared a draft entry form for member feedback.  Sponsorships must be firm prior to finalizing the form.   All sponsors from last year have been or will be contacted soon; however, all members are encouraged  to contact any potential new sponsors.  The club has a letter which can be used for that purpose.  Janet will approach a podiatrist who cares for some of the club members as a potential new sponsor.  It was also agreed to identify a sponsor who who would provide coffee for the runners.  Members discussed formalizing the donation amount needed for listing on the shirt, both cash and in-kind.  It was suggested offering web links to sponsors.  The members would like to continue the turkey cookie tradition.  Janet drops leftover food at the shelter each year.  Members discussed adding a children's fun run/walk but could not resolve the logistical obstacles.  Parking options were reviewed.

8. Announcements: 

• The Lawrence Journal World has added the club to its Marketplace on line feature.   
• Upcoming "fun runs" in the community (uncertified courses, de-emphasized results/finish) include Watkins Museum Run for History in downtown Lawrence August 16th, for more information contact Helen Krische at 841-4109 or watkinsmuseum.org.  
• On September 20th a benefit for children who have undergone heart surgery "Cooper's Cause" will be held on the bike path beginning at Hollywood Theatres.  Kelly Ballard is coordinating that fun run.
• The 16th Sandrat Trail Run will be October 5th along the Kansas River. The "famous rat trophies" will be awarded.  Online registration is available at www.active.com.   This is an official Kansas City Area Trail Series event.  More information is available at www.psychowyco.com.
  

The meeting adjourned.

Lori Cackler