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Disgruntled runners still chasing organisers of a city run over a month after the event have branded the situation ‘a joke’.
The SPAR City of Preston 10k had already vowed to do better in 2025 after a series of complaints dampened the experience at this year’s event.
Among those complaints was the shortage of t-shirts at the event – which runners pay for upon entry.
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The event was held on 22 September but runners are still pursuing organisers for their t-shirts – with little success and many struggling to get a response in any way.
Gina Biggs, 34 from Ribbleton, told Blog Preston: “At the finish we were handed last year’s medals and told there was no shirts left and to fill out our emails, names and shirt sizes.
“Nothing arrived, no emails or shirt in the mail. I sent them a message which got no response.
“I’m really disappointed in the experience, I look forward to having local races like this and I love to support them. However this one was a joke, and we have all been ignored since the event.”
Organisers Not Really Here Group hosted runners on a City of Preston 10k Facebook group ahead of the event but Blog Preston understands the facility to comment has been removed.
They insisted they are doing their best to fulfil all of their obligations after the September race.
Graeme Hall, 61 from Warton, said: “I contacted the organisers who said a t-shirt would be sent out within a few days and I would get next years race at half price. I’ve since heard or received nothing. No one is responding to my emails.
“I’ve done the Preston 10k since 2012, this one felt like it had been set up for the first time with inexperienced organisers.
“The organisers were honest not long after the race, blaming a lack of marshalls, but they’ve disappeared since. I personally wouldn’t let them near it again, I’d be annoyed if I was SPAR who sponsored it.”
Janet Stocks, who spoke to Blog Preston about her concerns last month, said: “I ran in Peterborough this week and got a fabulous medal, a bag of goodies, all closed roads and brilliant organisation.
“The way this has been handled is pathetic.
“My shirt has arrived today but it shouldn’t take five weeks and it shouldn’t be just me who gets one. They weren’t banking on a crazy pensioner with too much time on her hands.”
She and other runners have told Blog Preston about the issues on the day that included questionable placement of water stations, low numbers of marshals and poor signage on the course given the route had to be changed.
Emma Marsh, CEO of Not Really Here Media, told Blog Preston: “Following the event, our priority has been fulfilling post-race actions, including ensuring that all participants receive their t-shirts. We have processed orders through our race database and email responses, printing t-shirts to order and catering to requests for additional sizes.
“If anyone has not received communication or did not provide complete contact information, we encourage them to reach out to us directly at emma.marsh@notreallyheregroup.com.
“We acknowledge that this year’s race presented challenges, which we have addressed. Moving forward, next year’s event will not only continue to be a great event for the City of Preston, but we will work with a larger team of our own staff to complement our volunteer numbers, ensuring improved event delivery.
“We are also planning expanded community engagement, including healthy activations, as held at Lea Community Primary School leading up to Race Day this year.
“We are committed to delivering excellent events and experiences. The overwhelming support we’ve received following the race, along with constructive feedback, is helping us ensure a better event next year.”
SPAR, who have dealt with some runner complaints directly, confirmed they only operate in a sponsorship role and were not involved in organising the event.
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