Sixfoot2008 - From The Race Committee Options

[JoggerK]

Last year we had a thread on CoolRunning where we made timely announcements for the race. We will continue to do this for 2008 in this thread.

We will kick off with the information that online entries are now open here - the rest of the info will follow very soon.

For regular runners you will be pleased to know that we will follow the same basic template that has worked successfully for us (increases in numbers of entrants virtually every year).

Key things to know for 2008 :
- We have kept the same early entry fee ($85) and reduced the super-late entry fee from $140 to $130. We have increased the late entry fee from $95 to $100, but moved the date from 31-Jan to 16-Feb. We have this year made a differential between mail/fax entries and online entries ($10 to encourage people to enter online). Key message is : Enter online and Enter early.

- We will continue with our withdrawal policy, and even extend it ie if you enter but then tell us by end Feb that you can't run, then we will hold your entry over till the next year. I am fairly sure that we lead the other marathons in this regard.

- We are still going to be the National Trail Ultramarathon Championships - Thanks AURA.

- We have decided to not change the rule for medals and finishes counting towards belts and buckles ie you must run 7hrs or under for it to count. You do still get a finishing time and certificate if you finish, but the aim of the game is to finish under 7hrs.

- There is a very good chance that we will also do Polo Shirts for social outings.

- As per previous, we have no cash sponsors, we are just a bunch of committed runners doing our best to put on the best race we can, to aid the Blue Mountains RFS. (Actually The Sydney Striders is a very large bunch of committed runners and our team kicks ass big time in the Mob Run - get some mates together and have a pop at us!)

Adios and see you on the trails

JoggerKev, Race Director.

[scurry711]

Can't wait, just wondering if you know how much you managed to raise for the firies from last year? Did you manage to beat the year before?

[JoggerK]

Scurry, We raised about $29k, just a touch less than the year before. Although we had a record year in terms of competitors, only by about 10 runners though, we did have an increase in expenses eg payment for catalina park parking (previously free) and increases in medical costs (by a couple of thousand$). As we effectively have a fixed income, then it hits the bottom line directly. Hence the need to touch up some of the entry fees (and there will also be a slightly different mailout procedure).

We will post a complete balance sheet (very soon) for all to examine. Transparency is good.

[Hermit]

Just used the website to enter - at all seems to be working with no problems at all. Very much looking forward to seeing the event in person.

Hermit

[rodthehornet]

Kev,

Recent AURA newsletter advertised a 10% discount for any affiliated races on their calendar. See below cut out of email:

AURA is pleased to announce that the organisers of the races listed in the 2008 calendar have agreed to provide a 10% discount against race entry fees in favour of AURA members. Thank you to those race organisers.

Couldnt find your pricing on the site. Does the 10% discount apply????

Cheers
Rod

[JoggerK]

Rod,

We only agreed with AURA the terms & conditions for this year's event last week, as previously sixfoot was not listed on AURA calendar as the race had not signed off on their sanctioning criteria. A 10% discount was not part of our agreement and so the recent newsletter could not have refered to Six foot. Also refer to above comments of mine, the list of people/organisations wanting some part of the six foot action is growing yearly and effectively every cent we give out is a cent less that the RFS would get.

Technically this year, all runners will be one day members of AURA so that they all can be part of the National Championships being held as part of the race, at no cost to runners, so we don't want the discount to apply to all.

[Hermie]

Kev.

Is a donation to the BMRFS tax deductible?

[JoggerK]

Donations included with entries or on the donations form of greater than $2 are tax deductible and a receipt will be issued.

[Hermie]

Donations included with entries or on the donations form of greater than $2 are tax deductible and a receipt will be issued.

Have you considered then that the entry fee could be composed of a fee to cover costs and a donation which would be the significant portion of the entry fee.This then receives a full taxable receipt.Then the fee could be significantly raised to cover increasing costs but because of the tax deductibility,the actual cost to most runners would be less.

[JoggerK]

Hermie - in general, we get approx $10,000 in donations, the additional $20,000 is "profit" from the race ie approx $25 per head for 800 runners.

You are suggesting dropping the entry fee by $25 and having a "forced donation" of $25k per runner in which case runners can claim back a higher refund as a tas rebate ?

Making the donation "not forced" would be an issue for the race in case runners did not donate as much. I am not sure of the legalities of a forced donation, so would want to check into this.

At the moment it works as a buffer in case we get a blow out of costs. If we had donations of $30k then we must hand that amount over. Currently we must hand over at least $10k, but if our costs go up (like they did in 2007) we are not in the poo.

I think the current keep it simple approach workd well.

[CWDNN]

Key things to know for 2008 :
- We have kept the same early entry fee ($85) and reduced the super-late entry fee from $140 to $130. We have increased the late entry fee from $95 to $100, but moved the date from 31-Jan to 16-Feb. We have this year made a differential between mail/fax entries and online entries ($10 to encourage people to enter online). Key message is : Enter online and Enter early.

- We will continue with our withdrawal policy, and even extend it ie if you enter but then tell us by end Feb that you can't run, then we will hold your entry over till the next year. I am fairly sure that we lead the other marathons in this regard.

Adios and see you on the trails

JoggerKev, Race Director.

Hi Kev - does that mean there is no normal entry fee? Just early - late and super-late?

Does this mean it is $85 ( or $75 online) until 15 Feb? Or is there one in the middle you didn't mention?

all the best David

[rodthehornet]

Kev,

Totally agree with you that the race was not on their calendar last week when I got the email. It was just the way the statement was framed it was my interpretation that this would be a rolling 10% discount for any races on their calendar.

Question answered, but no harm in asking.


Cheers
Rod

[JoggerK]

David - in my mind, there is an early fee, a late fee and a very late fee. Someone else could look on it as an early fee, a normal fee and a late fee. whatever, however all the fees are listed with the dates etc on the recently loaded entry form: http://www.sixfoot.com/2008entry.php

Rod - the 10% discount. yes I think its wishful thinking on behalf of the AURA committee to pre-commit race directors to this. Its easy to spend others people's money. The new AURA sanctioning process has a few rough edges. (see thread on glasshouse 100). AURA wanted us to pay $7600 to be listed on their calendar until commonsense saw through.

[Digger]

Is there a Tax Accountant out there?

I think the Tax Deduction thing is a hang-over from the 1960's when we used to keep all our receipts and claim every little deduction.

My understanding of how we fill out tax forms these days(I don't, I only sign what my account says to sign), is that the government assumes an "average", which very few of us argue with, so whether we get a receipt for $25-00 to claim back or not is virtually irrelevant.

While the race is making healthy donations to the charity, it becomes a lot easier to get permits and volunteers, and I think Kev has a good balance to keep the race going.

I also understand that Professional fund raisers get paid a commission from what they raise(I think its 25% and in some cases more), and as this race grows, I would like to so a % of our donations to be diverted into the organising committee to either pay for some of the time etc committee, or to pay for a suitable person to work full time in the last few weeks to relieve some of the pressure.

Also for us interstate people, what is the fuss about entry fees?

Consider, Airfares, accommodation, food, time off work etc etc for the week-end, and it probably costs us around $600-00 to $800-00, and even on the cheap at $500-00, $25-00 is only 5%.

And a soft drink, a beer and something to eat at Caves house will cost you $25-00, so $25-00 is not much to pay for long term good support of a race.

[Barefoot]

My entry is in, but it has been 7 years since my last Six-Foot, (2001). I hope there is no "expiry" date on qualification? Just in case, I ran a few marathons last year and in January 2008 will be running the Cadbury Marathon in Hobart.

Last year I helped out with giving out race packs, If needed I will spare a few hours to help out.

[JoggerK]

There is no expiry on the qualification. The theory is that you know what shape you were in when you ran it last, so you'd be wasting your time & money to enter if not at that level again. Its in your interest to return to that level of fitness again. Or have your entry heldover till next year if you don't quite get fit enough.

[JoggerK]

We have over 185 entries to date - we are only just starting on the chqs and faxes so don't worry if you think it hasn't been processed yet. We will start to list names of runners we have received entries from on our website this week.

For those who missed it, I posted the designs for the Tshirts, Caps etc here

We are likely to have a "special" this year of a polo top for more casual wear. It will probably be in reasonably limited numbers (eg 100) and will cost in the region of $45. Is there much interest ?
 polo.gif ( 22.49K ) Number of downloads: 174

[Horrie]

I'd certainly be interested.

[Action]

Yes, please.

[run2work]

Ditto!

Regards
Run2Work

[Barefoot]

Look great, I would order one.

[Bernie G]

Yes, please.

If Actions want one, Blue Dog will too. A definite yes.

[gogirl]

They look great! Assuming the polo shirt sizing would only be in the Mens sm, md, lrg, xl etc... I would order a small Mens size. Of course if there were Ladies sizes available.... I guess you are just making a small amount to see how they sell at this stage. I have a feeling that they would be very popular.

A limited edition 25th Anniversary collectors item.

[Twopennys]

A shirt like that could actually inspire me to get off my arse and start training for this thing

[Bandanna]

Definite and resounding yes.

Is it a case of first in, best dressed?

[JoggerK]

I have had a fair bit of offline feedback that a design on the back of a polo shirt is not on. Its a fair call and I am not too fussed (the designer just put it in). Is a design on the back a good or bad thing ?

[Twopennys]

I like it as is.

[gogirl]

I like the design on the back.

As is.

[sfGnome]

I'd love one of the Polo shirts, but I'd love it a whole lot more if there was nothing on the back. I wear polo shirts to work so they can't really look like a billboard, and I think the big design on the back is better suited to T-shirts.

[CWDNN]

Definite and resounding yes.

Is it a case of first in, best dressed?

yes - I have too many polos but would happily throw a few out to make room for that one!!!!

all the best David

[FakePlasticTrees]

I have had a fair bit of offline feedback that a design on the back of a polo shirt is not on. Its a fair call and I am not too fussed (the designer just put it in). Is a design on the back a good or bad thing ?

Probably be a bit more subtle without the design on the back. I think it'd be better without it.

[CWDNN]

yes - I have too many polos but would happily throw a few out to make room for that one!!!!

all the best David

I also love the concept of the back design as well

hmmm - how about going ahead with both Kev - a few of each??

all the best David

[CWDNN]

To change the subject again Kev

I am waiting to see how fit I am likely to be - can I confirm that if one has been accepted one year even if the entrant did not complete in 7 hours would entry be accepted in following years Kev - and also if one holds over entry from one year to the next because of health/injury etc. could that entry be passed on to someone else even that following year if circumstances do not improve?

all the best David

[tb]

I am planning to run my 1st 6 foot this year and have a question......is it possible to purchase shirts / singlets / hats at the finish or do they have to be pre ordered with your entry? I assume that it is but there might be fairly limited quantities available. I have only ever had 1 DNF in my life (about 8 years ago) and that was the only event that I pre-purchased a shirt? I guess that I am getting superstitious as I get older.

Thanks

PS I think that the design looks great.

[SlowManiac]

I would like a polo shirt with no design on the back. I think the merchandise looks fantastic this year!

[Martin Dugdale]

Yes please I want one, as shown

[pipi]

I like the polo shirt, and I like the design on the back. Having a design on the back stops it looking like a work shirt, or another Dell computer salesman .... I would buy one with the design on the back if they were available.

[Koala1]

Yes please on the polo shirt - great idea. How will the ordering work - will it also be through the website like the other shirts?

[JoggerK]

At the moment I am discussing with HotDesigns about the exact material for the shirt and the cost etc (ie I am looking at a sample). When we are happy and reach an agreement we will likely :
a] put it on the online cart
OR
b] have them first come first served on race weekend.
OR
c] a mixture of a] and b]

[Horrie]

Kev, I think the best and fairest way would be to add it to the online ordering system.

[rodthehornet]

**BUMP**

Committee (Kev)

How many pre registered at the moment????
Any plans to limit field size????
Any plans to add a wave????


Hornet

[Horrie]

Are the polo shirts going to be added to the online entry form?

[Blue Dog]

Dropped in to Hot Designs (who make the 6-foot merchandise) about a week ago.

Got a preview of the gear for this year ... actual material, cut, designed, printed, just not sewn together.

Must say - absolutely outstanding in both design and colour. I lurrrrvvvved the 2006 design with the footprints etc. This is at the very least the equal, if not even better. No V-neck either (2007, the forgettable year)! Definitely a must have and will sell out.

Cheers Dog.

This post has been edited by Blue Dog: Feb 1 2008, 07:13 PM

[Action]

**BUMP**

Committee (Kev)

How many pre registered at the moment????
Any plans to limit field size????
Any plans to add a wave????
Hornet

a) 'bout 300 - on track with last year
b ) nope
c) nope

[JoggerK]

I will be posting accepted entries to the website this weekend.
It's well over 300 - closer to 350 so far.
THERE WILL BE NO MORE WAVES - the current waves mean we could have 1200 runners on the course and we will never be allowed 1200. Dept Lands are keen to limit the field but currently there is no limit. You would imagine that with 800 last year and year before that we'd be allowed at least 800.

I do know that people who sign up for the spectator bus (non runners) will be given a free cave tour ticket each.

We are still waiting on the final material for the polo shirts before deciding how much to charge.

[JoggerK]

You can do a search of flickr to find photos of the six foot track if you have never seen it before. There are also Six Foot Track Clusters also.

[CWDNN]

Hi Kev - after last years Woodford to Glenbrook postponement which the fat ass situation tomorrow sort of reminded me of - I expect it is obvious somewhere - but what is the situation re postponement should the Parks authorities think fit?

I guess you might say

POSTPONEMENT & CANCELLATION
Although it has never happened before, there maybe certain situations eg bushfire in the Blue Mountains,
where the race needs to be postponed. In this situation, the race would be re-scheduled if possible. As much
notice as possible will be given, but given the nature of such a crisis this may be no more than 48 hours.
Should there be any reason why the race needs to be cancelled, all race entry fees will be returned except for
$20 that will be put towards costs already spent for the race. Clothing orders cannot be cancelled or refunded
and clothing will be posted if the race is cancelled or postponed.
General note: the main bushfire season extends from October to April, but in this area of the Blue Mountains
the critical danger time is December and January.

oh well - (leaving muttering things about why didn't you look it up first
David

This post has been edited by Coolwalker David N N: Feb 8 2008, 05:46 PM

[Barefoot]

Do you need any volunteers on the Friday before the race to hand out race packs. I have arranged to have the day off work like last year to help out.

[JoggerK]

no volunteer is ever turned away - Anyone keen to help please fill out this form with an email address and (pref) a mobile number and our volunteer coordinator (Pauline) will contact you back.

[Beatle]

Hi Kev
I entered online ages ago, ie within a couple of weeks of opening but today received an information letter dated 23 December 2007 and an entry form which included a waiver statement: "Each entrant must sign the waiver before his/her entry will be accepted". Does this mean that all online entrants have to fill this in and send it to you?
Cheers