Run Dundee 2009 - Cancellation
Update
John Martindale, Race Director for the Dundee City Half Marathon: "I feel it is only fair to all concerned that I clarify my position regarding the cancellation of the Dundee City Half Marathon. This is unprecedented in my experience and the first time that I have even considered making such a difficult decision. In preparing the website statement and email I consulted with my fellow club mates, other roadrunners and, indeed, other local event organisers. Their views supported the ones I held at the time in that the five options offered were fair, under the circumstances."
FULL REFUND
"In isolation, the last option (partial reimbursement) is clearly the least attractive. Alongside this, an offer to donate the full entry fee to charity can be rightly viewed as inconsistent with a partial refund. It was decided earlier this week, therefore, that full refunds would now be offered to all runners who wish to request that option. This process has already begun."
"So far, over 200 runners have responded. Most (87%) have chosen to transfer, defer, donate to charity or accept the partial refund. I have personally spoken to 23 runners who have expressed the most concerns. Each conversation has ended with a clear understanding of the issues facing us in Dundee and I thank them all for that support. I have more calls to make."
"If runners wish to revisit their decision in light of this change, we will be pleased to hear from them."
"In fact, call me direct on 01383 625225 and leave a message or, please send me an email using the Contact Us form on the website and select the Event Director option."
"I will respond personally to all messages. Thank you for your patience."
Dr John Martindale, Director, Interloq Ltd
Initial Announcement
This year´s Dundee City Half Marathon & Team Relay has been cancelled.
Event Director, Dr John Martindale: "It is very disappointing but we´re definitely not closing the door completely on Dundee. We have invested two years in the development of the half marathon, part of our East Coast Series along with the Chris Hoy Edinburgh Half Marathon, just passed on 5 April, and Dunfermline´s Scottish Championship event still ahead of us on 10 May."
"If circumstances change for the better, we´ll be back. Dundee City Council has been great to work with. They have a highly professional, very supportive team and we have enjoyed working with them. Perhaps we´ll be alongside them again in 2010. Who knows?"
It would have been the third half marathon organised by the company for Dundee and the event was growing in popularity. In 2007 there were 500 entries, last year 850 and 380 people had already signed up for this summer´s race.
As an ongoing challenge to all types of events, there is considerable competition for sponsorship and the economic recession is hitting hard in many sectors.
John Martindale: "You cannot blame companies because they are having to cut back to survive. The reality is that when businesses are shutting down and people losing jobs, then sponsorship is the last thing on their minds."
