Running from Zombies

The asics British 10k I ran in July was a large part of the reason I started this blog. I wanted to have something to show the people that were sponsoring me, increased involvement = larger donations. At least that was the idea. I had deliberately picked a big race in an attempt to create an ‘event’ atmosphere, something to differentiate it from other races I might enter that weren’t fundraisers.

Unfortunately it didn’t live up to my expectations and, even though I was very impressed at how much money had been rasied for charity, I made a mental note not to enter the race again. Admittedly some of the problems weren’t the fault of the organisers – my cabbie not knowing that the roads were closed and getting me to the start line much later than I’d planned, for example – but many were. The lack of water on such a warm day, the lack of toilets, the very poor map they sent out with the starters pack, the rubbish finishers bag (for £30 odd you’d expect better)… Regardless, I wanted to get the t-shirt to commemorate the fact that I’d raised money for Lupus UK and finished my first 10k. I ordered it 3 days after the race, on the 15th July.

Some of you may have noticed that the medal and t-shirt picture on the ‘Races’ page is still missing. This is because my t-shirt is still missing. Having sent a letter to the race organiser (yes, there’s no phone number or e-mail address, you have to send snail mail) on the 11th October, and another 3 weeks ago, I’ve finally heard back from them today.

They’ve run out of t-shirts.

Frankly, I don’t care about the t-shirt now. It was the principle of the matter (and the £18 I sent them). I got my money back and a letter saying that they never received my original letter, though nothing to say why they never sent my t-shirt. By way of apology they’re giving me free entry to the 2010 event. The question now is do I take it? After saying I wouldn’t do the race again it seems a little hypocritical to enter the following year. Saying that, the letter in the application pack has acknowledged the main problems from last year and has a list of improvements including more toilets, extra water, better baggage areas and a quicker lead up to the start (as well as a free t-shirt).

I’m undecided, and at the moment more occupied with the fact that the problem with my feet might stop me running that far next year. So what say you? What do you think?