Google+ Running in Cork, Ireland: Is the Dublin Rock 'n' Roll Half-Marathon cancelled?

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

Is the Dublin Rock 'n' Roll Half-Marathon cancelled?

The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half-Marathon Series are a collection of road running events owned and operated by Competitor Group, Inc. in the USA. In November, they announced that they intended to hold a Half-Marathon in Dublin in August 2012 as part of their European series of races.

Now it seems, there are unconfirmed reports that this event may have been cancelled. This appeared on on their Facebook page a few days ago from someone who was interested in taking part....
"I confirmed the cancellation yesterday with a Competitor Group official via phone. The e-mail I received at midnight on Wed/Thu did not explain the reasons behind the cancellation. Simply that it was being postponed until 2013 and that refunds would be processed for those registered. The rep I spoke with yesterday said that Competitor Group would be releasing a statement in due time when appropriate."

Update......This official statement was posted on the 4th of January....
"Competitor Group, organizer of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, has decided to postpone the 2012 Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin Half Marathon until 2013. We realized with great regret a need for more time to create an entirely new event to meet the high standards established by the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series and expected by our local community partners.

Initial support for the race has been tremendous and reinforces our belief that it will be a great event for the City of Dublin in 2013. We look forward to opening registration for the 2013 event this summer."

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I havent seen any formal comms from AAI.

Anonymous said...

no harm either. sounds like a real old of rubbish. gimmicy and overpriced. the market is way too crowded. no harm if dingle, connemara ,clon and a few others starting coping themselves on and reduce their prices

John Desmond said...

It might be worth pointing out that not all events are the same. For example, Dingle and Connemara have to hire buses that the others don't. Events in towns will need more stewarding, barricades, etc compared to a countryside route.

At the end of the day, it's up to each person to decide if they want to enter or not.

Anonymous said...

there is certainly a expense involved in hiring buses john but prices are very expensive and the finished product in terms of times, t shirts and goody bags do leave bit to be desired. i think the rock and roll concept is a bit gimmicky to say the least

Kevin Gonzalez said...

I am the one who posted on facebook as to being advised of the postponement. As a registered entrant for this Event, I was informed via e-mail from Competitor Group one week ago. Competitor Group released a brief statement today on the Dublin Event Link of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series Website and on the Event Facebook page. The Event is officially postponed until 2013. Registration will likely open this Summer 2012.

John Desmond said...

Thanks for the update Kevin.

Anonymous said...

It always surprises me when I see comments left here about prices of marathons and Connemara, Lonakilty and Dingle generally get a mention. I'm not saying that the price most marathons charge is not on the high side but I do wonder why no one mentions Dublin. It is one of the most expensive to run yet people seem ok to pay for this one. Last year I paid more to run Dublin than any of the others even though I entered it 5 months in advance. Surely with the volume of people running Dublin, it could be a little lower. I have run all 4 of the mentioned races and really enjoyed each. As you have stated before John, it's up to each person to decide if they want to pay the entry fee or not.

Anonymous said...

Some prices are expensive. By far the best value in my opinion is Cork to Cobh 15 mile race organised by that brilliant association, Cork BHAA. €10 entry fee with a goody bag, t-shirt & refreshments at the end. An excellent race as preparation for Dublin marathon. Apart from marathons & ultras & the Athlone 3/4 marathon, I believe it's the longest road race in Ireland.