Auburn Endurance Capital of the World Committee Meeting - July 16, 2025

The Auburn Endurance Capital of the World (ECC) Committee held a hybrid meeting on July 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Room 10 and via Zoom. The meeting covered consent items, action items, and informational updates on events, projects, and outreach. The committee approved the agenda, minutes, and treasurer's report, and discussed upcoming events, swag, trail projects, and social media strategies.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the July 16, 2025 meeting agenda unanimously.
• Approved the June 18, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• Treasurer's Report (Action Item): Larry Grilli reported that the previous year's budget of $5,000 was nearly fully spent ($4,995), but a credit posted in May left $209 remaining. The ECC 2025/2026 budget work plan was approved by the City Council. The treasurer's report was approved by the committee.
• 2025 Event Review (Informational): Shannon Weil described the Western States Endurance Run (WSER) as "spectacular" and noted her induction into the Trail Running Hall of Fame. The committee observed that WSER received less media publicity than the Canyons Race in April. A statistic shared: trail running is now a $20 billion per year sport. Kelly Davis' organization provided valet bike parking at WSER. For the Tevis Cup, a global "Virtual Tevis" occurred via Facebook. There were 106 riders this year (down from prior years), and more than 40% finished. The event will rely on junior riders for future growth.
• 2025 Event Schedule: The Festival of Lights Parade is scheduled for December 6.
• Olmstead Tile & Water Bottle Filling Station: The vendor promised installation of the Olmstead tile before September. Discussion included adding a dog water bowl to the fountain. Prices for water bottle filling stations ranged from $2,000 to $4,000. A fundraising form must be submitted to the City Council; Bob Peterson (absent) was expected to fill it out.
• Cycling Report: Cycling advocate Kelly Davis was appointed to the City Council. The City of Auburn proclaimed May as Bike Month (endorsement only, no events sponsored). The ECC may attend cycling events if requested. Management of e-bike safety among youth was identified as a growing community issue.
• Trail Projects: Volunteer opportunities were highlighted: the WSER Top of Mountain overnight camp needs ten more volunteers (details at WSER.org).
• Instagram & Facebook: It was suggested that the ECC post current news on social media rather than the website, as website redirects become obsolete. Erika Thomas (absent) plans to begin a monthly ECC newsletter.
• Roundtable – Additional Discussion: An idea was proposed to direct WSER spectators to park at the fairgrounds and shuttle to the track. On August 22, there will be an Introduction to Burro Racing event. Larry will share the City Council's fundraising form with the committee.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the meeting agenda and minutes unanimously.
• Approved the treasurer's report.
• Agreed to pursue installation of the Olmstead tile and water bottle filling station, with fundraising form to be submitted.
• Directed that current updates be posted on Instagram and Facebook rather than the website.
• Acknowledged the need for more WSER volunteers and e-bike safety management.
• Adjourned at 7:45 PM. Next meeting: August 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM.