The road race craze this year is to continue, and it is quickly developing into a multi-functional event and a nation-wide sporting competition. In 2015, more than 600 events were held in various places. However, some of the event organizers had not successfully completed the application for roadway race privileges so that the activities could not be held as scheduled, which resulted in a refund dispute.
In regard to the organizers not being granted the roadway right, the Department of Consumer Protection (the DCP) coordinate with the Sports Administration under the Ministry of Education to revise with greater heed matters regarding the maintenance of safety for and the rights and interests of roadway activities participants. The contents of this plan are summarized below:
1. Before the organizers handle the roadway activities, the implementation plan should be set up and a checklist should be made. The information that is announced on the organizer's website on implementing the plan must begin by opening registration and receiving registration fees.
2. The organizer shall specify the time limit, amount of money, manner and other relevant means for withdrawing from or cancelling activities and refunds.
3. The Sports Administration under the Ministry of Education may inform the pertinent venues and the road management authorities of the circumstances under which organizers violate these provisions or statues and regulations. Consequently, the next time organizers apply for roadway activities permission with the basis of approval room the managing authorities, in the event there is any involvement in criminal liability, the case may be transferred to and handled by the proper judiciary authority.
The DCP appeals to runners who have participated in an event not to forego taking into account their individual rights and interests by being sure to select only those events that are held by fully experienced and widely reputable organizers. Those who participate in special races such as cross country challenges should pay particular attention as to whether or not organizers have obtained legal roadway rights so as to avoid seeing the activities cancelled and the resultant refund disputes. Moreover, runners should also thoroughly understand whether or not organizers have adequately disclosed that an event is covered by insurance or not, and whether the handling of disputes and refund conditions are reasonable. As well, each runner should pay attention to the weight of circumstances of his or her individual stamina so that the running experience is both a healthy and happy one.