Re(6): Open Letter to the President of The PEI Roadrunners

Re(6): Open Letter to the President of The PEI Roadrunners
IP: 142.176.0.201
Posted on November 19, 2015 at 10:05:10 PM by Matt Praught

I'm not sure if I'll be able to make the meeting yet, so I'll voice my thoughts here.

This was my first year running and being a PEI Roadrunners member, so I'm not really able to compare back to other years. I joined to motivate myself to keep fit and run year round after I had started doing laps in the gym over the winter. I wound up participating in about 15 races over the summer, so I've at least been able to observe how things run and meet some great people in the process.

What I've noticed as a newcomer is that while the membership wasn't expensive, I didn't really think I got much out of it. I know there are a few discounts around town, but the club resources (schedule, results, ability to enter races, FB group page, etc) are really accessible to anyone, member or not. I'm not talking about incentives, but at least if a person is paying a membership they like to see that their money is well spent, even on small things.

I was hoping that the website would be more helpful and updated with results more frequently along with Roadrunner Points updates after races so you actually know where you're at in the standings. Many people probably don't care, but for some of us that like to be a bit competitive, it makes the season a little more fun.

I've been involved on the volunteer end of my work's race annually for the last 5 years and I've seen the numbers drop significantly since the first year. I've heard the same from other runners about all races. I'm not sure if it's a promotion/awareness issue or if there are just so many different runs that the entry is spreading thinner, but I would say a fresh direction is probably what this club needs. A small operation can't operate with a small staff. Clubs are meant to have the membership help out or they don't work. That's why it's called a club, so the members feel like they're part of something. Volunteers shouldn't be turned away and anyone willing to help out should be able to do so.

I think that's the direction the Roadrunners need to take. Have a known presence at the races, whether it's volunteers or being more vocal in promotion. Make sure people (both member & non-members) know that the club is involved. That's how you'll gain membership and retain existing members.

Those are just some of my newbie observations. Hopefully they're at least a little bit helpful!

Thanks!
Matt

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