I ́ve just received the feedback from Zurich Marathon regarding the event cancellation. They gave me 2 options:
1. 20% Discount on next year ́s race
2. 30% Refund
I find both options ridiculous. There was no event so I should either get a full refund or a ticket for next year (my preference).
Yes, I know that it ́s a disaster for them but that ́s why there are insurances. I don ́t see any difference between this event and a concert for example where they are giving full refunds.
Does anyone know if there ́s a way to contest these proposed options without going to legal?
I've had all my races cancelled this year so I hear your frustration. However, the reason that they can't give a full refund is that in most cases they would go bankrupt and there would be no event in the future.
Given the unprecedented situation we are in currently, I'm happy to accept whatever discounts/refunds they can afford in the hope that things will get back to normal next year and there will still be some races being organised that I can participate in.
I do not agree. I have had many races cancelled this year and the ridiculous reaction is only in Switzerland...and I heard this from many runners. 30% is ridiculous .Period. But Zurich Marathon organizers are ridiculous and arrogant anyway and this event should not be supported.
The way London handled the event is great but they are focused on runners...not on money. Money will come if you offer good service.
But I had good experiences in CH as well...Swiss Light Marathon or Halwillersee Half...we were told from the very beginning that if it does not take place we have the option to run next year.
Let’s face it. They have spent a lot of the money already. It no longer exists.
If they were to refund 100% to some they would soon be insolvent, meaning that many would get nothing at all.
Have you heard the expression “You can’t get blood from a stone.”? Well you cant get a centime from an insolvent organisation either. And if they are insolvent they are unlikely to be able to organise any future races.
To be fair to the organisational committee, they do have cancellation insurance:
Zurich Marathon holds event cancellation insurance that includes force majeure (storm, terror attack, etc.), however it excludes pandemics.
And, if you book for next year and it is cancelled, they will transfer the entry automatically to the year after that.
Personally, I'd hold off registering for any race at the moment.
There are plenty of opportunities to run a marathon distance for free in this country with a lot more in the way of inspiring scenery than the streets of Zurich.
I work in an professional event organizer (we don't organize sports events, but medical congresses) and believe me - it's been disastrous for us this whole situation. Insurance don't cover cancelation caused by an epidemic - otherwise insurance companines would have gone bankrupt by June already...
Just cancelling the even has a hugh cost - it's not just changing the date and sending a newsletter... It's been a headache and we're just unsure that all the events that got postponed won't be cancelled by then again...
Joining a running event is entirely voluntary and it is a luxury commodity/experience. A lovely experience if you like the thrill of the event, but by no means essential. As Tom pointed out, one can run for free.
Choosing which service-provider to buy from (which running even to register for) depends on all sorts of personal choices. And on whether or not the Terms and Conditions suit one. This includes their refund policy. Typically, one has to click a box to confirm that one has read and agrees with the Terms and Conditions.
The economic fall-out from Corona is huge, and some of it is only now beginning to be noticed. Many people who can afford to do so, are choosing to contribute to businesses they want to try to support, be it their hairdresser or a favourite hotel, just so that that business does not fold completely. The point made so well by GenevaSculler is that the hope that there will, in the future, be a Zurich Marathon - at all - and can help to take some of the sting out of losing a portion of the registration fee.
Not exactly... the terms and conditions when you sign up are normally pretty clear. You are effectively signing a contract when you enter most races that says you don't have any right to anything, whether or not the race goes ahead.
Now obviously the organiser will want to maintain as much goodwill as possible from their "customers" and will try to give partial refunds or allow you to race the following year if at all possible, but I think we can all see the massive impact covid-19 is having on mass participation sporting events. As others have said, most of the money from your entry fee is spent well in advance of race day, so there is literally nothing left to refund people with...
I agree that it seems unfair...but now, we have to be more understanding of the difficult situation many people are facing right now. Various forms of entertainment that have brought us fun & pleasure for years will soon be out of business if we demand a full refund for every cancellation. I've had to cut my loses a few times this year and I'm OK with that.