The organisers of this year's Cardiff 10K run have said no refunds will be given after cancelling the event. Cardiff 10K and 2K Fun Run had been planned for September 4 but will now no longer take place, it was announced on Friday.
Those behind the popular race said delivering the event had "proven far more challenging than anticipated" due to circumstances beyond the control of organisers Front Runner Events. They added that refunds will not be offered to runners who have already paid, but that a virtual event will be held instead.
In response, runners have taken to social media to express their disappointment and demand a refund. One Twitter user said: "@Cardiff10k not happy with this at all. No real explanation and not offering refund or referral is unacceptable! I chose to register for the experience of running in Cardiff with the crowd..not a virtual race. Full refund please!!@FrontRunEvents."
Another said: "This is appalling for all sorts of reasons. Email at 5pm on a Friday announcing that with less than a month to go that this event is cancelled with no refunds or transfers. Certainly doesn’t make me want to enter another race anytime soon #cardiff10k "
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David Martin-Jewell, managing director of Front Runner Events, said: "Since taking over the event in November 2021, we have been looking forward to bringing this race back to the streets of Cardiff. We’ve liaised closely with all event stakeholders but delivery the event has proven far more challenging than anticipated to achieve giving the logistical and operationally situations that we have encountered.
"Despite having explored a number of alternative options and scenarios in an attempt to mitigate the effect of circumstances which are sadly beyond our control, while also maintaining the nature and heritage of this race, we simply have not been able to find a viable solution.
"Front Runner Events have already committed to a number of large orders in relation to the event, which are required due to the lead-in times from suppliers. Unfortunately, therefore, we cannot defer, transfer or offer refunds to runners due to the monies committed or already spent. However, there will be a virtual event to enable runners to make the most of their training and fund raising efforts."
He added: "As frustrating as this is, we were not expecting so many challenges across such a wide range of areas. We are confident that the event will continue to grow when it returns in 2023."
The virtual event will now begin on Sunday, August 7 at 9am and end on 7pm on Sunday, September 11. Full details will be sent to all runners via email.
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