Tables now online on Felljunior website.
I was thinking about this today, at Pendle, where David supplies a goodie bag to all finishers. It's up to ROs what they want to provide but it's important to remember that 90% of the field couldn't care less that it's a champs race, it's just another local race where they enjoy running and a goodie bag is a nice treat at the end.Originally Posted by Clash City Rocker
Another quick couple of points;
- I was talking to one of our parents; the first question her u8 daughter asks about races is 'will there be a goodie bag'? Incidentally, she had a great race and came second, narrowly pipped at the post by Alayna (well done BBH!)
- Walking back down to the start field from my marshalling point at the fell gate, I noticed Josh Boyle and asked him if he'd won his race. He managed to smile and say yes, then dived back into the goodie bag he was busy demolishing! Josh not only won his u14 category, he was leading by a huge margin when he passed me; he'd probably have won the u16 category if he'd been able to enter that instead!
My point is; kids are kids. Some run faster than others, some win medals but they all like to be rewarded for their efforts, English Champs contenders or not. I'd encourage all ROs to consider providing a goodie bag if they feel they can afford it, it doesn't need to cost much but it's a really popular, friendly touch.
Can we have them in the senior races as well please!
I'd suggest that it was appropriate at the FRA Champs races for the u8s and U10s where they are non-champs races, but when they are U12+ it's not necessary.
No, its not necessary but, it's a nice thing to provide and it's a good counterpoint to the performance pressure that some parents (and some coaches) seem determined to heap upon their junior members, for no clear reason or purpose.
my daughter loves to run loves to race gives 100% but she can spot a well organised race.. route markers, route maps, The icing on the cake for her is definately the goodie bag. she has shelves of running swimming ballet lacrosse trampolining medals etc.. but her comment today summed it up.. what a great idea to give us a drink and my FAVOURITE crisps!
Some general points, using the following as examples.
Presumably the nearest postcode, which got people close enough to ask or find their own way.
The flyer was produced by a third party; better to check directly with the RO's information e.g. Horwich RMI website.
The arrow on the Horwich map correctly shows the registration on the lower of the two roads behind the school, albeit obscured by the overhanging trees. However, beware interactive Google maps where there is a difference in pin location between map and satellite formats.
Good to hear, and the point of it all imho.
A comparison of the races at Rivington and Barley shows the great variety of facilities available (and not available) to race organisers. Both were championship races (FRA Junior and Lancashire) and both I and no doubt WP were able to produce accurate championship results, the key test for all such races. However, in the days leading up to both races their RO were pleading for extra support; as a general rule of thumb 30 to 40 volunteers are needed to run fell races on this scale. Sometimes, in the absence of sufficient support, there is no alternative but to focus purely on the race itself, to the exclusion of full results, goodie bags etc..
withaY has highlighted the problems facing newcomers, just as I found many years ago in pre-internet days, essentially - what, when, where? I find it interesting that despite great advances in means of communication, little appears to have improved. In fact it would seem there is now far greater capacity for misinformation. All I can suggest if you are new to the sport is to make sure you are looking at the RO's information, and not an out of date copy published by a third party. I rarely publish RO information on felljunior, and usually only when requested by the RO. I much prefer to link to the RO's original for the above reasons.
Always arrive before the first race, and read all the last minute notices at registration. Some years ago a junior championship race organiser had a landowner's permission withdrawn two days before the event. Not only did he have to redesign the courses, but had to change the sequence of races, with the inevitable consequences of runners missing their race.
Last edited by FellJunior; 08-04-2013 at 01:06 PM.
I cant help thinking this is simply another step along the road of expectation. Yes I agree its down to ROs as to whatever they choose to include in the race fee, however it reminds me of childrens parties and with 3 sons I have experienced many. Parties became not about the social gathering and the fun they had together but about the party bag. I even remember one party where the parent went so far along the one-upmanship road that they embroidered the names of each child onto cloth bags they had made. Parties for me should be about the fun the laughter the mayhem and whetever enjoyment kids get from it and also maybe the activity not the reward for attending. Never done a party bag for any of our kids parties but they have always been enjoyed by all.
Races should be remembered for the venue, the cammarderie, the competition and the fun and not the size and quality of the goodie bag.
WP might say you seem to be both for and against it! I take it to mean that you don't think it is necessary.
I have provisionally added the possibility, but not necessity, of a goody bag or momento to my Race Selection Policy. Still waiting for Duncan to OK this possibly mythical document.
They might say that to your face :P
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