Brighton Marathon organisers Grounded Events apologise to runners

Runners are supposed to receive prize money for finishing in the top positions of the event, held six months ago.

Organiser Grounded Events were criticised by several runners including this year’s winner of the marathon for its “radio silence” when asked to pay prize money for the marathon, which took place on April 10.

An email on Wednesday seen by The Argus and addressed to prize winners said the organiser wanted to update them on the situation “regarding outstanding monies owed to you by Grounded Events”.

Brighton Marathon this year

The letter read: “We sincerely apologise for a lack of communication recently and recognise that we could have done more to update you on the difficulties and challenges the business is facing.

“We’re extremely disappointed that we’ve not yet processed all the outstanding payments owed and are sorry for any distress that this may have caused.

“We are doing all that we can to continue to process payments while the events industry bounces back.”

The letter said the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic coupled with a lack of insurance support have intensified the effects of Brexit and price increases across its supplier network, making it an “extraordinary hard” situation.

Tom Naylor, left, and Tim Hutchings at Brighton Marathon charity welcome party in 2010. Picture by Terry Applin (Image: Terry Applin)

Grounded Events’ full financial accounts published on April 29 this year for the financial year of 2021, which finishes at the end of April, show that it was £1.2 million in debt.

This is compared with debts of £1.6 million in 2020.

It had debts of £827,943 in 2019 and £725,909 in 2018.

The letter continued: “As part of our way forward, we are currently exploring investment options to support our recovery.

“We understand just how frustrating this is, but we want to reassure all of those who are owed money that we still fully intend to make the remaining payments as soon as possible.

Alix Ramsier, left, won Brighton Marathon but said he has not received his prize money (Image: Simon Dack)

“We thank you and the running community for your continued patience and invaluable support while we work through this difficult time.

“Sincere apologies, Grounded Events.”

Alix Ramsier, 34, won the marathon this year and is yet to receive the £2,000 in prize money for his achievement, he said.

He said: “I feel sorry for them, it is potentially going to ruin Brighton Marathon for a lot of people and the people of Brighton.”

Grounded Events also managed UK operations for Ragnar Relay in the Forest of Dean, Gloucester, which was cancelled on February 11.

It was cancelled due to the UK event being acquired by a different company which decided it would not continue its relays outside the US.

Brighton Marathon at the Palace Pier

Several running teams claim to be waiting for refunds for entering the Forest of Dean event, which they paid to enter.

One man who is in charge of a running team but wished not to be named described the “painful” experience of trying to get responses to his emails.

He had to claim just over £830 through the small claims court for the admission fee for his ten-strong team.

They received their money back on August 30 and the man said he will be going to other marathons.