April 7 Board Meeting Minutes

April 7, 2026

Meeting called to order: 6:06 PM

Attendees: Mary Ann Frevert, Chris Lansdell, Megan Moriarty, Josh McVey, Shari Hicks, John Knepper, Kate Becker, Cara Beth Combs, Nell Bessinger

1. Treasurer’s Report

Balance is $26,227.51. Nothing else to note at this time.

2. Race Reports

Pi Day

Kate reported that the race was held on 3/14/26 with distance options for 5K, Half Marathon, and the Pi Slam.

Weather was great with a strong turnout. 136 runners started out of 146 registered. The race performed well financially and came out ahead of budget. Pi Slam cooler bags did not work out as planned. Kate is exploring replacements and considering a discount for next year’s Pi Slam runners. Volunteers were especially helpful. The new 5K course worked well. Washing machine loops helped keep track of runners in the half marathon.

Lessons learned for next year:

Set up the water stop earlier. Use divide-and-conquer course marking. Check flag colors for better contrast for runners with colorblindness.

3. Upcoming Races & Events

Night Hawk – June 27

Shari and Mary Ann have four people interested in stepping in as future race directors.

For this year’s supported Fat Ass event, tasks include:

Secure insurance Create a Facebook event Rent portable toilets

The Snake – July 25

Two people registered so far on RunSignup.

The Hawk – September 12–13

Cara reported strong early registration numbers:

13 runners in the 100 miler (more than double last year at this time) Strong 50 miler numbers 11 marathoners registered 33 total runners across all distances

Promotion efforts should begin soon.

Haunted Jaunt at the River Trails – October 24

5K/10K after dark.

Chris spoke with Roger from the city. They will review the permit application this week and report any questions or issues.

Chris also drafted a logo that received positive feedback, with suggestions to add more running and Trail Hawks imagery.

Sanders Saunter – November 7

Registration opens Monday, June 1.

Cactus Roulette – January 23–24

Megan reported 41 registered runners so far.

Pi Day – March 14, 2027

Kate suggested moving to Sunday morning next year since 3/14 falls on a Sunday. Daylight Saving Time also begins that day.

Mike Miley is helping get Pi Day back on Garmin’s race discount list.

4. Other Topics

Trails that Connect Us – April 23

5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Free State Bottling facility.

Mary Ann ordered 50 Lawrence Trail Hawks coozies for giveaways. Josh, Megan, and Shari plan to attend. Cara mentioned possibly doing Gal Gallop from the event.

Merch Tent

Mary Ann is working on the next round, expected in the next few weeks.

Requested items:

Tank tops Bright colors Tech materials Soft bandanas Crew-neck sweatshirts Headsweats hats Long-sleeve hooded sunshirts (like Buckleheads group)

Trail Maintenance

Discussed a Trail Hawks group effort on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday.

Chris will check with Jim Day about tools.

Planned Trail Hawks work days:

May 17, 9 AM to 12 PM June 14, 9 AM to 12 PM

LMBC all-day work day:

May 9 at 8:00 AM

Group Runs

Kate reported that Monday night runs have been well attended with several new faces recently.

Recent activities included:

Hoka Speedgoat demo with Kara Baden Attempted ice cream in hydration pouches (did not work well)

Gal Gallop is gaining momentum again with later sunsets and better weather, with a few new faces attending.

RD Guidebook

Mary Ann would like to create a Race Director Guidebook and may seek input from current race directors.

RD Shadowing

Mary Ann would like to create shadowing opportunities for those interested in becoming race directors.

5. Club Newsletter

Megan will send the next newsletter during the week of April 13.

Content ideas:

Share next meeting date/time/location Trails that Connect Us on April 23

Upcoming trail maintenance opportunities:

1st Saturday (Jim Day)

May 17 (LTH-led) Link to RunSignup page for The Snake (registration now open)

6. Next Meeting

May 20 at Lawrence Beer Company East Tasting Room

7. Open Floor

Cara

Shared an idea from Erin Shaw about the Upper Midwest Trail Runners’ Midwest Nice Volunteer Series, where volunteers self-report hours and top volunteers earn awards.

https://umtr.org/Midwest-Nice-Volunteer-series

Chris

Suggested a combined run/ride with the Lawrence Mountain Bike Club.

LMBC faces similar volunteer challenges, and there may be opportunities to build both audiences through crossover events and volunteer recognition.

Meeting adjourned: 7:27 PM