‘Check backgrounds, event details before signing up’
MIRI: Local runners are strongly advised to run thorough checks on any event before signing up as participants.
This call by Bulatan Park Runners Club ( BPRC) president Tang Swee Ming was made following complaints and enquiries about a running event that was initially scheduled for July this year, but was later postponed and ended up being cancelled in September.
It is learnt that more than 1,000 people had signed up for the run but till today, the majority of them have yet to receive refunds. They could not even contact the person in- charge. These runners then chose to express their anger and frustration through strongworded postings on the event’s Facebook page.
In this regard, Tang disclosed that he was approached by that event’s organiser early this year, requesting collaboration with the BPRC.
“I found it rather suspicious later on, in that they failed to disclose the necessary details of the run, such as the organiser’s name, sponsors and the race kit. Hence, I politely rejected the offer,” he told The Borneo Post
I found it rather suspicious later on, in that they failed to disclose the necessary details of the run, such as the organiser’s name, sponsors and the race kit. Hence, I politely rejected the offer.
when contacted recently.
Tang stressed that when it comes to organising and collaborating with corporate or non- profit organisations in running events, BPRC has always been stringent in the process.
“We take this very seriously – we gather all the details to protect the interest of the participants. Therefore, I can safely say that the participants choose to seek our opinion because they trust us.
“However in this case, I did advise them ( participants) to check the organiser’s background and also that of the event before signing up. I was worried that if I said anything offensive at the time, it could hurt the reputation of the ‘ real’ event organiser, which would be an injustice.”
Tang then pointed out that any event involving BPRC – either by being the organiser or providing the technical support – would be announced on its official Facebook page. For the record, the runners club was established three years ago.
“So far, BPRC has been involved in a total of 15 running events this year. We do not profit from any of these events, except receiving just enough to cover the expenses because BPRC is established by the people who love to run and want to share this passion with others. Other goodies are mainly sponsored and we are thankful for the trust given to us from government and private bodies.”
Asked if the alleged scam might affect future running events, Tang said ‘ undeniably, the damage had been done’.
“But I would not worry about it, because we purely want to promote running events especially to the Miri community, and to promote Miri to outsiders. I guess we would take another promotional initiative in our next running event,” he said.
Bulatan Park Runners Club (BPRC) president Tang Swee Ming