fyi: There is a new race in WV that coincides with the historical Canary weekend:  https://www.adventureappalachia.org/rim-to-river-endurance-races   The Rim to River 100 -- WV's first 100-miler.  I believe this race has complicated Stewart's plans for permits and also given him some solace -- as he is supportive of the event's existence -- that another event will be filling the void.  

I am sad to see one of our races (potentially) end. Though I see the impossibility of always expecting one person to be an RD basically for the entire lifetime of the event. It's difficult and time consuming work. I also see the opportunity for the club to develop new races with new RDs. (Not suggesting we push anyone out, just accepting when someone wants to step away for awhile.) We've had a full calendar for some time now, trying to host only 1 race per month and avoid other popular race dates. As the sport becomes more popular, it is inevitable that our race dates will clash with others. It's difficult to maintain two races near the same date, and on the same trails. 

Recalling a suggesting by Katie Arnie last year to pay the RD may be something to consider. Maybe if there is interest we can bring this up next meeting.

I've long thought about the reasons that make our races special and intriguing to runners: (a) we were the only group organizing trail runs (but no longer), (b) our events are fairly priced and non-profit, (c) great camaraderie, (d) unique locations and trails, (e) unique distances and race concepts, (d) great story behind the race. I think we have a great selection of current races, but as the club grows, and races change, maybe we can focus in on some of our strengths. I think the days of hosting any ol' 50k and having people show up are dwindling. I think races need to have some story or unique concept behind them to capture attention.

I don't assume that WVMTR has a strong-hold on all trail running events in the state. I think there is space for multiple groups and races. We have seen a few new ultra trail races recently appear: Coopers Rock, Rim to River 100. These are also non-profit groups, but I wonder if they approached WVMTR to work with us, or not. Do people out there know that they can approach WVMTR with a race concept and we may bring them under our wing to use insurance and licensing? Maybe people are setting up their own races because they don't know to approach us, or maybe they don't want to be associated with us.

Ashley reminded me "you say this every year", but Tori graduates the third week in May 2021 and Nola graduates in May 2022.  Unless Tracey and I agree to move the weekend this would be the last year of the DD.  Tracey (like Adam with the CMMM) has said she doesn't want another RD picking up the DD but instead let it sunset.

@arhodes5

The RD salary idea didn't get any traction from the board. 

Great thoughts shared.  The RD for the new 100 -- Rim to River -- actually did reach out to me last week looking for ways to be involved with WVMTR.  I simply offered for him to join our Facebook page to share and promote his event and offered to add the race on our Regional Race calendar.  He didn't ask for anything specifically, but listing and sharing the event is an involvement we can freely give.  The next steps of involvement have some teeth: ie club membership and WVMTR Race Guidelines.  I personally do not want people "using" WVMTR for our insurance coverage.  I know that's not what you were saying or insinuating, but that's just a spot my brain went to.  We've been through this discussion before, but we have carefully added races that match our ethos and have intentionally tried to keep our "brand" of quality races consistent.  I hear you, times are a changin'.  I see that and we too will change; just not so much that we sacrifice our core ethics and what makes us WVMTR.

@daniel

We support you no matter what.  But we have heard this before . . .   😉.   I hope you are an old gray beard and still doing the Dog.

I support the RDs and their decisions to continue their races or not. Family does have a good percentage of why we do what what we do. If it is blood family or framily we have acquired over our many miles together. It is sad to see a race go. Look at Valley Falls. It left a void, but we have not closed up shop and continue to run fun events and many races all year long. I believe when one door closes another opens. So, let's see what the RDs feel is right and have their backs every step of the way. In order to grow as a person sometimes certain things we love have to let go to better our mind, body, and soul.