Fun run participants want refunds
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Fun runs are all the rage right now with "glow runs" and "mud runs" etc. You name it, there's a race for it.
But a few months ago the Electric Foam run was canceled with no notice and it left runners without a run or their money back. Now, another fun run has been canceled and runners are looking for their money too.
It's called the Run or Dye 5k and it was scheduled to be at Walnut Creek September 27. Participants get doused in colored dye. The race attracted many Triangle residents who were looking to get some exercise and have fun.
But runners who paid anywhere from $30 to $40 for the run are getting the bad news. An email from organizers explains the event was canceled because they don't have the support to make it a viable event. It goes on to say the run is expensive to produce, and without enough participants, it makes it impossible to pay for venue rental, travel, and clean-up.
This isn't the first Run or Dye to be canceled. Recently, events in Daytona Beach, Augusta, Atlanta, and even a Run or Dye in the United Kingdom, were all called off.
In the email Triangle participants were sent, it gives four options, including tickets to another Run or Dye, credit to their online store, a swag bag and donation to a non-profit, or a refund. That's where I'm hearing the problem. Viewers tell me despite requesting a refund two weeks ago they've still seen no money.
The communications director for Run or Dye tells me they're sorry participants are frustrated the event was canceled. She assures me if a refund is requested they will get it. She said it could take up to 4 to 6 weeks and added the refunds are coming from a third party.
The best advice is when you request a refund make sure you get confirmation of that refund. I have heard from one runner who says she kept contacting Run or Dye via Facebook and was finally successful in getting her refund.
The rep with the runs said only about 300 people signed up for the run in Raleigh. She said they need about 3,000 to break even, and with registration so low, that's why they did have to cancel.
