Runners' dismay as marathon group stops trading
Ben MorrisRunners have told of their dismay and frustration after a UK ultra marathon events company stopped trading.
Ourea Events, which runs the Dragon's Back Race in Wales and Cape Wrath Ultra in Scotland among others, said it had operated at a loss since the pandemic and could not continue.
But Ben Morris, who was due to run the company's Northern Traverse event across Cumbria and Yorkshire in two weeks, said he felt "like I've been scammed" and did not know if he will get a refund after spending about £900 for the event.
The BBC has contacted Ourea for a response, but a statement from the firm said trying to continue "risks increasing the overall debt owed to creditors, participants and suppliers".
Ourea Events said all of its races were impacted, which included the 186-mile (300km) Northern Traverse, Lakes Traverse, Dales Traverse and Moors Traverse.
The Cape Wrath Ultra, Skyline Scotland and Dragon's Back Race would also be affected.
In a statement, the group said it had a "significantly weakened financial position" following the pandemic and Brexit, "which led to a collapse in international participation".
It said its decision would "allow the business to undergo a reorganisation".
The Northern Traverse, which starts at St Bees in Cumbria and ends in Whitby, North Yorkshire, was due to begin on 28 March.
Morris, 42 and from Ely, said he was "in disbelief" when he received an email that said all of the Traverse races had been cancelled.
"In total I've paid about £900 which includes the deposit, bus transfers and meals," he said.
"I do feel like I've been scammed. It's so close to the event and it feels like they've left the carrot dangling with us not knowing that's going on.
"There has been no mention of refunds so we'll probably not get anything back.
"I was disappointed and sad... however I do feel grateful for the training and adventures I've been fortunate enough to do in the lead up."
Ben MorrisNick Moore and his partner Sophie Hatfield described the announcement as a real shock.
The pair, both in their 30s and from Gloucester, have been training for the Northern Traverse since October in what they called a "huge commitment of time, energy and emotion".
Moore said: "We both paid around £800 each - Sophie even took out insurance but the policy doesn't pay out in the event of the race being cancelled.
"We have had no indication of any plans for refunds and are investigating whether our banks can provide any recompense.
"We're planning on doing the same coast-to -coast route by ourselves, self-supported.
"It will be tougher, but we are determined."
Nick MooreBecky Wightman had paid a deposit and booked annual leave for the Dragons Back Race in September, something which had been on her bucket list for several years.
The 46-year-old, based near Chester, said she hoped something might happen and it could still go ahead or be deferred to next year under a different organiser.
She added: "I had friends signed up to the Northern Traverse, due to take place in just two weeks time, but now also cancelled.
"My immediate thoughts were with them.
"They'd not just paid their money, they'd trained hard through the most disgusting of winter days.
"They'd booked their hotels, arranged their childcare and were now effectively left hanging, all kitted up and no place to go."
In a statement, founder of Ourea Events Shane Ohly said it was a "deeply painful moment" but added the company hoped the events will continue under a different structure or ownership.
He said: "We understand that many participants will be deeply disappointed and frustrated.
"We are especially aware of participants who have already paid race entry fees for our events.
"By opting to cease trading at this stage, our goal is to maximise the likelihood that the events will continue under a different structure or ownership."
