Race Directors & Runners

Sadly , I won't be reporting on my race this past Saturday.  Instead I will be reporting on a direct attack on my character that has been transpiring over the past days.

Many of you know that wildfires forced the postponement of Twin Peak this past February.  I have had every intention of the holding the race at a future date.  My registration form clearly states (as most races due) that no refunds are to be given.  Fire has postponed races for an entire year before with no refunds given.  I have given back some of the money to people who have pursued a refund just to try and make nice, but refunds have not been my policy as I need this money to hold the race later this year.  Incidentally, I did find out over the weekend that my course should be open by November and I'm planning on holding the race (and carrying over all entries) on December 13, 2008 (permit pending).

I was also criticized for my first Twin Peaks race in which I turned no profit.  I was to give any profit to the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary and I told them before the race there may be no money leftover and informed them of that fact after the race as well.  I am also being accused of being negligent in my handling of race money by not being able to give them a substantial donation.  If any of you have directed races you know that it's laughable for RD's to make much, if any money off these endevours.  One of the other "great"  attempts to make me look bad is to say that it is "criminal" to collect race funds and not hold a race.  I don't agree.  Maybe if someone is pretending to hold a race they have no intention of having then they take the money and run that is a different story.  My race was postponed by an act beyond my control and money I have received WILL be going back into the race when it happens in December.  Where is the criminal action there?

Some of you may hear lies going around about me.  I removed several members from my trail running group who insist on playing this attack game and accusing me of not answering their questions or providing proof as if I'm some sort of public bank.  Unfortunately some of these ejected members are very high profile.  I think  the attacks on me will probably escalate, however I am in contact with an attorney and may bring a Defamation of Character lawsuit if these claims continue.

It's really sad things had to happen like this and it has been blown way out of proportion.  It's sad that this has to happen in such a small running community.  One in which (apparently) MANY people are dissatisfied with me.  It's no wonder that many people are afraid to hold races or stop doing them.  It is a very thankless job and requires a lot of time and effort.

That's all I have to say for now.  This stuff is literally making me sick and some of the people involved I thought were friends.

Jessica

Comments

[Steve Ansell]

Jessica, I'm sorry to hear what you are going through here. Being an RD certainly is a thankless job. I obviously don't know you that well, but it certainly seems like you did everything possible to handle this situation properly (were clear up front about "no refunds", informed people of the situation and are attempting to re-schedule the race). You will never satisfy everyone and, unfortunately, as trail running becomes more popular we are seeing more and more people approaching it with an attitude that doesn't recognize the uniqueness of our sport. Trail runs are subject to conditions that simply do not occur in road running (strict usage limits, trail closures, weather conditions, etc.) Best of luck in dealing with a difficult situation.

[miki]

Sorry about that Jess. There was a recent thread on Runners World forum about this very same thing. PCTR was attacked by several runners after one of their beach runs was cancelled due to the oil spill and no refunds were given. I'm not sure why trail runners are not clued into the fact of how these races work unless they're just new to the whole thing, which could be the case. But, you're not the only RD to be subjected to attack because of this. Not that that is really comforting, but it happens. Sorry that some of the folks dropped were friends.

[nattie]

what a major bummer. sorry to hear all that. in my humble opinion your first "running" of the twin peaks race was a success. i can't even begin to imagine the amount of work involved in putting on such event. i see it as a selfless act. as the above comment states, you can't please everyone. but don't forget that for many (if not most) it WAS a worthwhile, memorable event.

[Nickie]

Obviously, my opinion is biased because I’m marrying you someday, but that doesn’t negate the necessity for me to say something. I know you have done no wrong here and if anyone would like to question your moral fiber I’d like to personally sit down, face-to-face and educate them.

[angie's pink fuzzy]

so sad to hear :(

[JonR]

As a club president of a different running club, I feel for you and understand all about thankless tasks. Hang in there.

[Sarah]

No much more to add, but to say I'm sorry you have to deal with this. Hang in there! : )

[rainmaker]

Mean people suck. I'm sorry to hear that there are folks out there that are making a undesirable situation worse and trying to fan the flames.

Just remember, what comes around goes around for them. In the end it will all work out and you'll hold a kick-ass race! Hang in there.

[Dan OConnor]

Don't stress. I work for the USFS driving a big green fire truck on the Cleveland NF, and was signed up for my first 50K for the Twin Peaks race. Heard the radio traffic while on another fire that a new fire had started in Silverado Canyon, and knew that the race was toast. Glad that it was postponed, who wants to run in an area that's all black anyway? I'll be there in December...thanks for all your hard work.

[Rob]

Hang in there, Jessica! I have never been a race director, but I have helped at races at a larger capacity and realize the amount of effort and money it takes to put on an event. Don't let others who do not realize your efforts are genuine get you down. They're not worth it.

[Lisa]

Just goes to show what sort of "friends" they were in the first place! Hope everything turns out well.

[Norbert Leinfellner]

So this means that all runners signed up for the (postponed) January race are automatically entered in the December race and don't have to pay again?
I think the main concern was that nobody understands which kind of cost has been already incurred, other than the trail permit fees.
Good luck and let's hope there will be a race this year.
Thanks and greetings
Norbert

hang in there jessica. as a past rd, 15 yrs. and past president of a running club, 14 yrs., i understand what your going thru. i never had to go thru what you are going thur but do know of an rd who had to cancel a race years ago. he did not return anyones fees and did not have the race that year. this rd is still around and doing very well as an rd. it seems there is allways someone out there trying to harm others. hope you are able to have your race in december. i know you will get thru this and not look back. wish i could hlep out in some way.
chris

[neese]

mean people do suck and I know it's hard but try hard not to take it personally, and DO consult your attorney. and for what it's worth i think you're a stand up gal.

[bealtea]

sorry to hear about all your troubles.
keep on chugging...