RW is on the rebound

All 2020 refunds were complete as of January 4, 2020.

The reason we are taking this updated blog post approach is because the enormity of the refunds and the enormity of the email campaigns are both complex and time consuming. You can always email [email protected] for a quick personal response.

Summary

• We have paused all registrations for all 2020 events, and have no current plans to open any registrations for conventional races.
• We don’t have the capacity to send massive batches of highly customized emails, and are resisting the opportunity to bombard participants with information. This page contains the latest info, and we will email with actionable items. Check here if you are uncertain.
• We are waiving our “no refunds” policy for most races to offer refunds. Check specific races for precise info.

Unprecedented times call for unprecedented action. As we experience this together, do our part, and weigh any options carefully, we will continue to put common good first, and make updates here ASAP.

Race updates

Current status of events which have not been processed

None. If you have any questions of concerns about your 2020 race entry, reach out to [email protected]. We are here to help.

Affected events which have since concluded

Laurier Loop (March 14) was cancelled with no refunds. This is a brutal reality of the situation and we hope this is the only time. Most runners took advantage of a hastily organized virtual run, and it was a lot of fun!

ENDURrace (April 25) was cancelled with full refunds. Refunds have been issued, while some participants had their entries deferred to future events. This is complete.

Run4Another (May 10) was virtual.

Baden Duathlon (May 16) was cancelled with full refunds. Refunds have been issued, while some participants had their entries deferred to future events. This is complete.

Rotary Classic Superhero Run (May 24) is cancelled. Participants have been emailed with instructions for selecting a refund, by October 1 at midnight. Refunds will be issued in the first half of November, 2020.

Waterloo 10 KM Classic (June 21) is cancelled with full refunds. A virtual race option was released on June 11, and participants were notified by email with options, including refund, deferral, and virtual run. The refund process is complete.

Qualia’s Steps Forward (June 27) is cancelled with full refunds. The refund process is complete.

ENDURrun is cancelled. Ultimate entries are deferred to 2021, while Relay, Guest, and Sport entries chose between refunds and deferrals. These have been issued and completed.

Runway (August 27) is cancelled with full refunds. Refunds have been completed for those who requested them.

Kitchener Kids with Cancer Run & Walk (September 13) is cancelled with full refunds. Refunds have been issued and this is complete.

Harvest Half (September 19) is cancelled with full refunds. Refunds have been completed for those who requested them. Check out our new Masks for Kenya project.

Fall 5 KM Classic (October 4) is cancelled with full refunds. Participants have been emailed with actionable items and refunds were issued. Participants are able to choose between refund, deferral, or Remote Race entry.

RememberRun (November 7) is cancelled with full refunds. Participants were emailed on November 1 with full info, with options that included joining a virtual run. Refunds have been issued to those who requested them.

Santa Pur-suit (November 21) is cancelled with full refunds. Requested refunds have been completed.

Notes on our refund policy

When all of the entry fees have been spent, we have and will use our registration policy of “no refunds.” This is an active (not a passive) part of the registration form for each and every participant, and is an absolute necessity for a small budget non-profit like Run Waterloo, and is clearly described in the participant waiver.

However, that policy is written for emergency situations that are also last-minute. The COVID-19 pandemic and response is severe, and because of the lead time involved for all future spring events, we have much more flexibility that allows us to circumvent this policy in favour of returning full refunds, net of the Race Roster processing fees. In lieu of the refund, we can also offer deferrals to other Run Waterloo events for up to one year (including the same event in 2021). This deferral option saves three Race Roster processing fees (the one you already paid, the one that would accompany the refund, and the one on the future event).

* Fine print on the value of refunds

Refunds are net of the Race Roster processing fee. In most cases, this means you will pay about $5 for a second time (if and when you sign up for a future race), which makes the deferral a cheaper option in the long run. Since we don’t know when we will be running races again, the deferral is to an uncertain future time, and we encourage everyone to do what is best for them with all of the information.

Other affected programs

RW Eco Event – virtual only
RW Charity Challenge – pushed to 2021
RW 2020 Membership – TBD
RW Boost prizing – will be substantially reduced

Future updates, as available

No registration is available for these events, which have yet to be cancelled.

• none

We are actively exploring ways to do what we’ve always done: use our sport to improve lives. Stay safe, everyone.