It’s every runner’s nightmare – getting injured or being unable to take part after months of training. While we hope this never happens, we want to make sure you know exactly what to do if it does.
Below, we’ve outlined all your options when you can’t run an Events of the North event – whether it’s due to injury, personal or professional commitments, or just wanting to switch distances – and how we can still help you stay part of the action.
Important first thing
Please do not pass your number on to anyone else. This is strictly against UK Athletics rules and, more importantly, puts the other person at medical risk. We hold emergency contact and medical details for every registered runner – and if someone else runs with your number, we won’t have theirs.
What happens if you can’t take part?
As per our official terms and conditions, all entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. The only exception is if you are withdrawing for medical reasons and meet the criteria below.
If you are unable to participate, get in touch as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to support you within the boundaries of our policy.
Medical deferral policy
If you are injured and unable to take part, you may defer your entry to the same event next year – but there are a couple of key requirements:
- You must contact us no later than four weeks before race day
- You must provide an official letter from a doctor or physiotherapist explaining your medical condition
Unfortunately, if you’re within four weeks of race day, bib numbers will already have been produced. So, after this cut-off, we can’t defer entries – unfortunately, you will lose your place and will not receive a refund.
But we do have another option…
Join us as a volunteer and get a free entry
If you’re not fit to run but still want to be part of race day, we’d love to have you join our volunteer team. Volunteers are at the heart of our events – without them, these races simply wouldn’t happen.
And to say thank you, all volunteers receive a free entry, valid for 12 months, to any one of our events.* It’s a brilliant way to soak up the race atmosphere, meet other runners and still be part of the day.
Transferring your place
We don’t allow private transfers or resale of entries, even if it’s to someone you know. However, you can transfer your place to someone else up to six weeks before race day through your original registration link. Simply log into your dashboard via the confirmation email and follow the instructions to transfer to a new participant. They will receive an email from us asking them to complete their registration and pay a transfer fee.
Changing distance at the same event
If your training takes an unexpected turn – for better or worse – you might want to switch to another race at the same event. You can do this up to six weeks before race day by emailing info@eventsofthenorth.com
- Upgrades (e.g. 10K to Half Marathon): You’ll need to pay a transfer fee plus the difference in entry fees.
- Downgrades (e.g. Half Marathon to 10K): We’ll change your entry, but we cannot offer a refund for the difference in price.
Why no refunds?
We understand it’s frustrating – but once your place is booked, your entry fee is immediately invested in the event. We use it to pay contractors, suppliers, admin costs and everything else required to stage a safe and memorable race. For that reason, we can’t offer refunds or changes outside the terms outlined above.
We’re really sorry if an injury or personal situation means you can’t take part in one of our events. We know how disappointing that can be. If that happens, we’ll always do our best to help with a transfer or deferral where possible. Just drop us an email at info@eventsofthenorth.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Please note that during event season, it may take 1-2 working days to receive a response.
Thanks for being part of our running community – whether as a participant or a volunteer – and we hope to see you at a start line very soon!
*Free entry applies to Sunderland City Runs, Durham City Run Festival, Tidal Trails, Worcester City Runs and Kielder Marathon Weekend. Volunteers can instead receive 50% off The Northumbrian and Kielder Gravel Duathlon.
