Niagara Falls half marathon cancelled, runners want their money back
It was an event Julie Tanos loved because it felt “empowering.” Now she just feels “ripped off.”
The Niagara Falls mom was looking forward to running in the Niagara Falls Women’s Half Marathon and 5K for the fourth year this June. She wasn’t surprised when the event was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic — what surprised her was the response when she asked about refunds. None. As in, no money back. “We’re kind of shuttered down,” said Tanos, who said she has tried contacting event organizer Ross Robinson to no avail.
“He’s not co-operated, he hasn’t responded to any emails,” she said.
“It’s not the money, really. It’s the principle.”
Tanos said other marathons she registered for have given her the option of deferring the fee toward next year’s event. Even the Boston Marathon, “for the first time ever,” is offering refunds.
But thus far the Niagara Falls event has offered no alternatives, and no money back.
“Being a loyal participant, having good past experiences and encouraging others to take part in this … now my loyalty is not being appreciated,” she said. “Now, I won’t likely participate in it in future years.”
The scenic marathon along Niagara Parkway had about 2,000 participants last year. This year’s event was scheduled for June 7.
Tanos said it cost her $68 plus fees to preregister. Closer to the date, registration is more than $100.
On April 2, participants were emailed a statement from Robinson announcing the marathon was cancelled and — in bold letters — “Refunds are not possible.”
“We will try to organize an empowering event next year,” Robinson wrote. “You will be notified, and the price will be right. We will reach out again at the start of the summer.”
Robinson did not respond to The Niagara Falls Review’s email seeking comment.
Tanos is left wondering where all of the registration money is going. She said she won’t sign up for the event again unless “some type of compensation is offered. Even if it’s not monetary … even if some alternatives are offered. I didn’t want it to get to this, but we’re all just super frustrated. We just want answers.”