2020 CANCELLATION INSTRUCTIONS

As we move forward, we want to thank you again for choosing the NHRMC Wilmington NC Marathon.  On behalf of our staff, volunteers, and non-profit board, we are heartbroken over the cancellation of the 2020 race.  Over the last few weeks we have been doing our best to take the necessary steps to keep runners, spectators, vendors and volunteers safe. With the state mandate and now national emergency we were forced to cancel the event.

At this late stage we are unable to offer runners a refund because we have already incurred the costs of holding our race. We are giving ALL of our runners a FREE entry to next year’s race.

FROM NEW HANOVER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER:

Our title sponsor New Hanover Regional Medical Center understands the extraordinary effort that goes into planning and preparing for marathons and we recognize how difficult this decision is for the many runners and the organizers who prepared for this event. As health providers, we also know the critical need to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus and appreciate all those taking steps to protect our community and its most vulnerable citizens.

2020 OPTION

In the coming weeks, you will receive a reserved entry link to register for 2021 at no additional cost.

FREE DEFERMENT TO 2021 EVENT
COST: FREE
TIME TO DEFER: When registration opens through August 31st, 2020 (We hope to open registration by the end of the month)  This would also be the same time for another runner using your deferred entry.
COST AFTER August 31st, 2020: Full Price
HOW: You will receive a private link to register via www.runsignup.com that you can use or you can pass to a friend to use.   We will get this set up as soon as registration opens for 2021.

The Deferred entry is transferable, meaning, you can give this entry to another person if you cannot race next year.

If you cannot race or give your race entry to someone, we will allow you to defer to a 2021 Virtual option so you can get your bib, medal and shirt in 2021.  You can run your virtual option from this weekend to next year, we will call it a Virtual Year Race.  That way if you want to run it now, you can submit your results and we will mail you your 11th annual gear.

2021 DATE

We are currently working with the City of Wilmington, Town of Wrightsville Beach, the NCDOT and the Wilmington Convention Center to find a date for 2021.  One of the challenges we face in picking a date is March is a very busy month with races both locally and regionally. With this in mind, we are looking at moving a little earlier next year so you all can support the races that were cancelled.  It may not be perfect, but we are weighing our options and will notify you as soon as we solidify a date.

BATTLESHIP HALF MARATHON 10K and 5K FALL OPTION

We also want to give you an amazing opportunity and special discount to the North Carolina Battleship Half Marathon this fall on November 8th, 2020, Veterans Day Weekend. We are offering you a 20% OFF Entry into the 2020 Battleship NC Half Marathon, 10K or 5K. This is a huge discount for a top notch race that loops around the USS North Carolina BB-55, Greenfield Lake, and Downtown Wilmington. This is a great way to explore the North Carolina Battleship as we host packet pickup on the ship deck.  We hope this might be something you consider and another way to show our gratitude for being part of the NHRMC Wilmington Marathon. This event is produced by the those at The NHRMC Wilmington Marathon.  Use the code “battleship20” and register at www.battleshiphalfmarathon.com

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I paid the deferral fee before the race was cancelled, do I get a refund?
Yes, we will refund this fee minus the credit card processing fees lost.  This will show up on your credit card by the end of the week.

I bought a VIP Package, do I get refunded?
Yes, we will issue you a full refund minus the race fee and credit card processing fees.  This will show up on your credit card by the end of the week.

Can I give someone else my deferral?
Yes, you are welcome to give someone else your race entry.  You have from now until August 31st, 2020.  This option expires September 1st, 2020.  Mark your calendar now!  We understand some people may not be able to run either race, so this is why we are allowing you to give it to someone else.

What If I registered for the 5K or the Marathon Relay but I want to defer to the half and the full?
Yes, you can do this, but there will be an upcharge to what the normal price is for the half and full minus your 2020 5K or Relay Fee.

How much time do I have to use my FREE deferral?
Deferral option will last through August 31st, 2020 and expire September 1st.  We are choosing this date so we can plan better for both races and estimate numbers accordingly.  It also gives you time to plan for winter/spring 2021 (5 months).  If you don’t have 2021 plans yet, just register yourself to be 100% and you can always transfer to a friend later.

Why are you not offering a virtual option this year?
We thought about this option, but decided to keep things simple and offer deferrals to all participants.

Why are you not issuing refunds for the race fee?
We have worked tirelessly throughout the year to plan and put on this race.  A great deal of money has been spent on the 2020 event.  Race expenses come prior to race day: permits, staffing, advertising, licenses, promotions, awards, bibs,  and we will still be helping out our charitable partners in 2020. We simply cannot afford to refund everyone at this point.  We are athletes, and are all currently in the same situation with canceled events we planned to participate in.  We will not receive a refund nor do we expect it.  These things happen very infrequently and just know you will receive a top notch event next year. Here is a great article that helps all of us see what is happening in our industry and how we can help races survive.

Once again, I cannot put into words how deeply concerned we are about the impact of the Covid-19 virus and heartbroken on this cancellation. Now is the time to pause and reflect on our lives. We should have gratitude for our health and the ability to be physically able to participate in these events. Run on your own. Run in small groups. Post to social media. Maybe even try running without your watch. Sit on your back porch and count your blessings.

Our team is already working on 2021 to give you a tour of the Cape Fear Coast that you won’t forget. It will be fun, and we will remember to be grateful to run. Good luck with all of your events when they start back up again. Let’s pray and cross our fingers that we are able to lift the COVID-19 warnings soon and run the world!

Sincerely,

Tom Clifford and the NHRMC Wilmington Marathon Staff.