Gregg has a COVID mitigation plan that I believed he shared with us (I can resend if necessary).  I intentionally did not attach the plan because I do not believe we are discussing his prowess as a RD to navigate a COVID mitigated race plan.  The discussion should be more "30,000 ft" view of the pandemic related issue.  We should be assessing risk (legal, corporate, and personal), state guidelines, and epidemiological data in making our decision to hold an event.  Should there be consensus to support an event during the pandemic, then we can discuss the COVID mitigation plan.

What metrics should we using to make this decision?

I'm in favor of continuing the fun runs with board approval as stated above. They have to be approved anyway so the board would have the opportunity to discuss it each event before it can occur. 

I'm also in favor of Haulin proceeding.

- Greg's mitigation plan looks solid allowing for spacing, masks and minimal contact

- RDs desire to put on the race

- Volunteers are lined up that are willing to volunteer

- There are still 165 folks across 3 races that want to run

- The city of Eleanor has allowed events at the park including a Jeep fest scheduled soon:  https://wvjeepfest.com/

- Outdoor sporting events are a permitted activity in WV. 

- The trail running community is a healthy population

- Local trail races have been proceeding successfully with mitigation plans.  Even some international races have continued. 

https://itra.run/documents/Presse/EN-post%20covid-19%20races-Press%20Release.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1b3wflB7uHGkg5RwsnJdbNbbTXI_KqeivukbA11QBh9BVchuB17ki0g68

Let's let them do it. 

@daniel, that's a fine question.  I think we should be assessing global risk, trying to interpret the complex state guidance, and assessing scientific metrics presented by the WV DHHR to ascertain if any or all of the aforementioned metrics have changed since our previous decisions to cancel WVMTR race events.

The current club supported fun run model of 25 participants seems to be filling a small niche and without incident as far as we. We could continue and reevaluate next quarter.

Covid has not gone away, numbers and reports change daily. Regarding our club races, this weeks change by the governor permit music events up to 250 persons or 25% of the venues capacity, which ever is smaller.  Applying this  to a trail running event does not easily equate. Is it 25% of entry race limitations if established, 25% of average past participation level? Does this include volunteer numbers?    

I think the only completely safe way for our races, or any other societal events, to occur is if we have rapid testing on the spot at all event entrances. That description seems like a fantasy for now.

It seems like everyone else is getting comfortable and taking a little risk here and there, even if it is a measured and reasonable risk. Our club definitely doesn't need to be like 'everyone else', but we also don't have to make these difficult decisions devoid of information from our peer organizations.

I support these smaller club events of 25 people. In addition to the R0 term (which follows the average), there is this concept of dispersion (with variable k). Limiting the participation count of our events also limits the opportunity for the virus to spread.

I've talked to runners that say if events are happening, then they are going. Some are actively looking to travel farther than before just to run a race. That certainly doesn't mean that WVMTR has to offer a race. We don't do this for money.

Recall that Yarborough's suggested a new aluminum finish line. The board discussed either an inflatable or another set of construction scaffolding. We all thought the decision timeline was rushed, so I volunteered to take the finish line arch from the northern trailer to HitH race.

We want HitH to test the scaffolding equipment to see if they prefer it (or at least can live with it).

If we decide that HitH may continue, then I will stick to my commitment if it is still of interest to HitH RDs and the Board.

The Breaks race happened and Dolin attended. I am aware it is a totally different race in a different state with a different population. He went to see how things went (and to pace a friend) so maybe we can follow suit with Sasquatch. I believe if volunteers along with runners follow the guidelines of masking when near aid, avoid attending if ill, hand sanitizing, and social distance off the race course the race will go well. I know he has boy scouts working aid stations. Those boys need to realize how important  it is to keep masks up at all times and wear gloves when working even  with individual wrapped snacks. I see no reason to not have the race. 

Good discussion.  Do we have a motion to proceed or to cancel?

@acasseday I think from a procedural standpoint it has to be a motion to cancel.  The race is on the calendar and Gregg has proceeded with plans for this new date after we asked him to postpone from the spring date. Without action from WVMTR to race is scheduled to go.  

@matt, makes sense.

I’m not opposed to the race continuing as planned.  

When Haulin' was cancelled last March Gregg asked the board if he could reschedule to November. The board agreed with the understanding we would revisit the covid situation at that time. Gregg understands this and is now asking for the board's decision. 

We can further discuss covid status in West Virginia, but we eventually need to vote yes or no on the race. 

I suggest we simply hold a "roll-call" vote regarding Haulin' in the Holler occurring as rescheduled on 11/14/20.  A yes vote is for it proceed, a no vote to cancel.  Would anyone care to make the motion?