Rucky Chucky Roundabout Cancelled!
While the race website still has no mention of it, the race directors for Saturday’s Rucky Chucky Roundabout sent out an email on Wednesday canceling the event. The email included the following apology:
We are sorry for the inconvenience that this may cause. We had already received the race shirts and had already shopped at Costco for race food today before we received the call.
The question of refunds has come up, but so-far all that race management is offering is a free entry to another of their races.
We are willing to offer a free entry to another one of our 2011 races(except Rock’n River 50).
I have more than a little sympathy for the race directors in this situation, but this has happened once before. Perhaps it’s a little too early in the season for this race at this particular location.
We are extremely sorry but we cannot control Mother Nature or what the State of California does.
Yes, this is true. But, as race directors, we need to realize that we’re holding a lot of “other people’s money” based on the promise of providing a quality race experience.
On behalf of runners, race directors need to be wary of very real and normal weather and river conditions. Runners may increasingly opt for the risks (and increased cost) of waiting until the last minute, or even race day, to register, making the job more difficult for race directors and volunteers.
On the plus side, Rucky Chucky’s cancellation will give the race directors some extra time to figure out what they’re going to do about next weekend’s River City Marathon, as the finish line is currently underwater in Discovery Park. I sure hope they have an alternate route planned!
What? No refund? Boo! I was gonna signup on race day. I’m glad I didnt register early. I am signed up for the river city marathon though. I’ll bring a fishing pole just in case so I know I’ll have something to do. Come on SUNSHINE!
1Being one that received this letter from the RD. I can understand the issues posed with the weather and decision for parks to pull a use permit. Yet, the overall quality of this individuals RD services and issues he has caused himself make this another nail in the coffin for these RD services.
Perhaps it is just the overwhelming demand for trail events that keep this RD in business. There have been several misteps in race direction, safety and course management at his races. I would pose the question why does he continue to create a sub par product? We in Sacramento area deserve better.
Regards…Tony Lafferty
2I don’t understand, refunds should just be a click of a button for the race directors. There needs to be an explanation as to why there are no refunds.
3Bob Mathis is a schmuck. I’d never in a million years count on him to organize a quality event. Been burned too many times.
4