Refund on marathon entry due to pregnancy

turtle_feet

Hi,

Back in February I signed up for the Royal Parks Half Marathon. The marathon sells a number of public places which sold out in 3 hours and I was able to secure a place.

The marathon is scheduled for October and I have since found out I am 15 weeks pregnant and will not be able to run.

I contacted them recently as I noticed a new event on the same day was advertised, and was hoping to have my £45 entry for the run transferred to the walk, below is the response I received :-

"As per the event terms and conditions, the entry fee to the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon is non-refundable as there are a great deal of costs involved in staging an event of this proportion, such as paying for staffing, infrastructure, road closures and medical cover which aren’t recoverable.

If you would like to change your entry to The Walk, then we will need to cancel your half marathon registration and you will need to enter The Walk separately."

I tried to contact them to confirm if I was expected to 'loose' my original £45 and pay a further £45 for a new place????? No response...

Another option, if I'm unable to run, then I will find a replacement runner who I guess 'buys' my position from me. On the website, this is what they say about transferring your place to another runner.

"No. Each place in the race is unique and upon registration you will provide medical information and emergency contact details that are specific to you. If you pass on your race number you could be endangering that person as we would have no information on them should there be an accident."

I don't understand how this is an issue, as I have not received any material (race numbers), which I would assume have not been printed.

I was wondering if anyone knew my rights on getting a refunds. I understand the they have strict guidelines on refund. The race is in October.

Thanks
Turtle_Feet

Freddie_Snowbits

Why not do the marathon as a walk, for say part of it and get some sponsorship to do so. That way you do not lose out. They are never going to force you to run anyway are they.

Oh, and seeing as you are expecting, I thinks one of the other sex members may point you in the right direction for info on that too.

turtle_feet

Walking could be an option, but you have to complete the race in 3.5 hours and not sure if I could walk the distance in that time. Also I might be a nuisance to serious runners who have to run around me.

I opted for a public place as I couldnt afford to pledge to raise at least £400+ for a charity. If you can't raise the amount you have to pay the remainder out of your own pocket. I think this is why the public places are so popular, but they only offer a limited number of these places.

Freddie_Snowbits

OK, have you got a sister or work colleague that would love to do it (Ity is an off chance). Other thing is, this post may attract someone who would do the 'race' for you.

Also MSE's, help out this lass with her expected child as well. 9Not my department that!!!_)

fluffnutter

Freddie, I don't think she's asking for pregnancy advice. Just wants her 45 quid back!

KimYeovil

How does being pregnant prevent you from jogging thirteen miles? To do that in three and half hours is less than four miles per hour - walking speed.

Freddie_Snowbits

fluffnutter wrote: »

Freddie, I don't think she's asking for pregnancy advice. Just wants her 45 quid back!

She's a newbie and there are others on here that may help her. No harm in that.

fluffnutter

Freddie_Snowbits wrote: »

She's a newbie and there are others on here that may help her. No harm in that.

Tis true. However, if I asked a specific question on a moneysaving site, I'd expect something along the lines of...

"Have you tried writing to them?...Keep copies of all letters...How did you pay for the service? Credit card?...It's a charitable donation, don't worry about it"

Not...

"You're going to get really fat, never sleep again and, let me tell you, squeezing a kid out of your ladygarden hurts like hell."

pulliptears

Freddie_Snowbits wrote: »

She's a newbie and there are others on here that may help her. No harm in that.

Freddie dont change! The new nice you is a big improvement

fluffnutter wrote: »

Tis true. However, if I asked a specific question on a moneysaving site, I'd expect something along the lines of...

"Have you tried writing to them?...Keep copies of all letters...How did you pay for the service? Credit card?...It's a charitable donation, don't worry about it"

Not...

"You're going to get really fat, never sleep again and, let me tell you, squeezing a kid out of your ladygarden hurts like hell."

I think Freddie was pointing out to a new member who is unfamiliar with the site that there is support and advice here for all aspects of pregnancy. Nothing wrong with that at all IMHO

OP welcome to the forums, as Freddie says there are some great boards here where you can gain advice and tips on your pregnancy as well as getting advice here on your Marathon Problem.

OlliesDad

KimYeovil wrote: »

How does being pregnant prevent you from jogging thirteen miles? To do that in three and half hours is less than four miles per hour - walking speed.

There are many medical conditions that mean a pregnant person should not be doing high impact excercise while pregnant, such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, history of pregnancy problems etc.

In addition some doctors do not advise that a pregnant woman should start doing high impact excercise when they have not been doing it prior to pregnancy.

Freddie_Snowbits

pulliptears wrote: »

Freddie dont change! The new nice you is a big improvement

SWEET!!! I always try to be nice when people are genuine!:kisses::kisses::kisses::kisses: