ITEMS DISCUSSED

1. Introduction: Dan Gordon gave a brief introduction on how the club came to be. Dan also stated that the club can be essentially whatever we want it to be; we are open to suggestions. Comments from newcomers to the club are valued as much as veterans.
2. Group participation at all levels (beginner all the way to very fast) is key. No distinction should be made according to skill level.
3. Regarding our yearly events: it was decided that we should only choose the events that we can hold successfully and also have fun with. See additional notes below.
4. Social Events: Dan brought up the idea of having a Wanderers BBQ, which was met with agreement by all. Apart from the tailgate BBQ after the Broad Street Run, it was agreed that there should be more social events.
5. Wanderers Website: Jan discussed the website and how much time/effort goes into maintaining it. We need people to be proactive about sending in articles, photos, or just posting on the discussion board. A question was raised about who should control content (i.e. should the site be password protected to members only or not). Additionally, the race calendar was discussed. Currently Megan Boyle handles this portion of the website.
6. Weekly Workouts: Thursdays get a good turnout, Tuesdays get a handful of people (depends on weather/seasons), Saturdays have a small but steady turnout (and it is growing), also Saturdays have the most "beginner" turnout.
7. Designated Charity: Dan suggested as possibilities the following organizations: Back On My Feet, Run Philadelphia, Students Run Philly Style, Friends of the Wissahickon, Philly Mountain Bike Association, and Wissahickon Trail Restoration.
8. Volunteering: we decided that our club ought to step up its volunteering efforts. And because the Wissahickon park is such an appreciated resource to our club, we decided to throw our support behind an established Trail Maintenance effort by the Philadelphia Mountain Bike Association. They meet every 4th Saturday to work on the trails in the Wissahickon. Location varies every month. Phil Ranly and Jan Deruiter will head this effort. Please review our Wissahickon page for schedules and information.
9. Clothes: Leslie talked briefly about sweatshirts, shirts, and jackets. Need to post on the website to gauge interest.

Schedule of Events for the Year:

May & September Trail Races

These are well-attended, and have proven to be a good way to recruit new members. We get very good feedback from these races; also we are able to vary the course and can mix up the "type" of run we have (i.e. prediction run, handicap run, poker run, etc.)

Chestnut Hill Relays - Mile Run & 100yd Dash

It was decided that we often have low attendance at this event, and it is not the best timing for most people; we decided NOT to hold this event this year.

Track Meets at Roxborough

We get very good feedback from this event, also we are providing an outlet that is not served elsewhere for this age group (all ages) and ability (all abilities). We will continue to hold this event and possibly move it up from August to July.

Chestnut Hill Cross-Country Classic

Although this event is hampered by its timing (which is beyond our control), the feedback on this event is very good, and again we are serving a need that is under-served at present (cross country race for all ages and abilities). The race conflicts with the Philadelphia Distance run, but we are limited to this date because this is the day chosen by Chestnut Hill Academy, which organizes the event.

Water Table at Philadelphia Marathon

Although it was decided that we need to prepare further in advance for this, it was decided that yes, we should participate again this year.

Wissahickon Trail Classic

Phil Ranly discussed this race. In its first year, there were about 250 runners, in its second year, it was organized by a non-runner, and therefore was a bit scattered. This year, Phil is organizing it with the Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers being the recipient of the race proceeds. Phil will be looking for assistance, and several Wanderers voiced their desire to help out.

USATF Off-Road Series

It was agreed that we should do this again this year. Chris Verry and Polly Jansen are organizing, but need help fielding a team. Since the meeting, a team was formed although still looking to fill out with runners over 40. Details »

Check out the party photos »

(Meeting was held at the Valley Green Inn with about 30 Wanderers in attendance)

Minutes respectfully submitted by Lola.

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