Gephardt: Runner Cancels NYC Race Entry Due To COVID-19 Fears, Fighting For Refund

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah — A Utah runner was being responsible and dropped out of a race in order to stay away from a big crowd. However, that decision left her financially punished.

Carla Pruitt had been preparing for a half marathon in New York City that was supposed to take place this weekend. But as COVID-19 began to spread in New York, Pruitt said she began to worry.

She contacted the racing company asking about a refund. Organizers declared the race was still on and Pruitt was sent a link to the cancellation policy — no refunds.

Pruitt decided traveling wasn’t worth the risk and, Tuesday morning, she canceled her race entry, forfeiting the $150 entry fee.

Then, just a couple hours later, race organizers decided they would cancel the race entirely. An email was sent to everyone that was actively registered to run telling them they could get their entry fees refunded.

The email was not sent to people who had previously canceled, like Pruitt.

Pruitt said she has been trying to reach race organizers to argue for a refund, but the organization has stopped responding.

The race was being put on by an organization called the New York Road Runners. KSL TV reached out to them through an email address designated for members of the media — and heard back.

A spokesperson said, for those who canceled before the race was officially canceled, refunds are being handled on a “case-by-case basis.”

As an example, the spokesperson said someone who broke their leg weeks ago and canceled would be held to the cancellation policy and would not deserve a refund. However, someone who canceled more recently over COVID-19 fears may deserve a refund.

Just like that, some good news for Pruitt. Her case, organizers decided, did warrant a refund and it will be coming in about a week.

NYRR’s spokesman apologized for the issue, adding, “It’s been a difficult week for everyone.”

That is certainly true.

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