Annapolis 10-miler organizers explain why no refunds
To recap, the Annapolis 10-miler was canceled because of Irene, and organizers announced that the race would not be rescheduled this year but that the premiums would be mailed to registrants.
Sounds like the organizers were asked by some why they couldn't reschedule the race and why they weren't offering refunds (some people asked that same question here).
Race organizers have offered their explanation, which is more or less what I guessed -- the race fees have already been spent, so there's nothing to return.
Here's what they sent out:
We thank the many runners who sent us supporting emails, expressing their disappointment and their understanding. Some of you included your ideas, which was thoughtful. Some of the suggestions were quite unique, like having the premiums re-stitched with “finisher” crossed out and “hurricane cancelled” put in its place.
A very, very small number of emails have not been so understanding. Two questions have been raised in a few of those emails. A few asked why the A-10 could not simply be re-scheduled. The fact is that there are no other weekends available to the Striders to hold the race as the Naval Academy Stadium calendar is booked through the winter and the City of Annapolis will not grant us permission for a different weekend as they have other major events.
We were also asked why a refund would not be given. The bulk of the money collected in advance of the race was used to purchase the premiums, secure permits, place down payments on equipment, and rent the Stadium. Many of these payments are not refundable to the club. In addition, our obligation to the Anne Arundel Medical Center and other charities will be met despite cancellation of the race. These financial commitments are the reason that the race was advertised as a "No Refund" event and we must stick to that policy. Along similar lines, a couple of emails question the receipt of a “t-shirt” in exchange for $65 (actually $60, the other $5 was an Active fee). Remember, the premium is NOT a t-shirt, but a high quality technical shirt with ½ zip opening and a zippered pocket. This item would have a retail price of about $60-70 if sold in a store (not including the cost of the logo stitching).
I am disappointed that the race was canceled (I really was looking forward to it, despite my complaints!) but I am happy that the organizers are mailing the premiums. It will be no easy task, I'm sure.
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Comments
I have had the pleasure of running the 10-miler 5-6 times. It started out as one of the finest races anywhere in the country. But a lot has changed since the first time I ran it. Last year's race had total confusion/ disorganization with the timing chips and finishing schute, and the jackets given to the runner's as part of the entry fee took over 6 MONTHS to come in post-race.
This year it was clearly evident that the race organizers were completely unprepared this year for an event such as Irene. The people in charge of the 10-miler are killing this race!!!! Everything about the course, the race atmosphere, the runners, and the fine fans in Annapolis who cheer us on while we run through their neighborhoods is top notch. However, with the way the race has been organized and handled the past couple of years, these positives keep getting by-passed by the event organizers who somehow seem to take the luster out of the funnest and finest races I have had the priveledge of competing in. If they want to keep the prestige and importance of this race at a high-level, the powers that be really need to step their game up. LOVE the race, HATE the hassle that comes with it.
Please fix it.
Posted by: Kyle Reagan | September 8, 2011 3:07 PM
The race organizers didn't have weather insurance for this type of event????
Posted by: Ben | September 9, 2011 8:37 AM
I agree 100% with Kyle's comments. I've ran this race each year for the last 5 years, but last year's poor race management led me to not register again this year. The cavalier pre-hurricane attitudes of the race organizers ("no hurricane will cancel the race") go to show that race organizers still don't get it. I won't register for this race again until they prove their excellence once again...if that ever happens!
Posted by: Chris | September 9, 2011 8:58 PM
What part of "non-refundable" do these idiots not understand?
Posted by: Tom Renda | September 9, 2011 9:50 PM
I ran this race back when it started, was so looking forward to rerunning this race after many years of not racing, running every day , but not racing, disappointed in the race directors cavalier attitudes pre race and noted smarter wisdom prevailed, so question is do I try for next year or learn from this years experience stay away! Hope race directors wise up and give us "pre paid " entry fee for next year, we may come back
Posted by: Pen | September 21, 2011 8:26 PM