PETALING JAYA: Energizer Malaysia has apologised for the disappointment caused to participants of last Saturday’s Energizer Night Race 2011at the Sepang International Circuit.
The firm which was the title sponsor of the race and had received many complaints from some of the 10,000 participants, said the outcome was “regrettable”.
“We, at Energizer Malaysia, share the disappointment of the race participants and want to express our sincere apologies,” its
managing director Mike Foong said.
Foong said in view of this, Energizer Malaysia had decided to refund the full registration fees of every participant.
“Details will be announced on Friday on the race website
energizernightrace.com.my,” he said.
Event organiser Expose Media which came under severe criticism from the participants on
Facebook, has also apologised.
“We take full responsibility for all our actions, directly and indirectly, leading up to the issues before and on race day,” its group
director Josie Huang said.
The events company also said it would take sole responsibility for the poor organisation of the race.
“We absolve the title sponsor
Energizer Malaysia Sdn Bhd, co-sponsors, and the management of Sepang International Circuit of all liability and responsibility.
“We recognise that safety precautions and logistical details were not up to expectation and we deeply regret all the issues that resulted from the situation. We apologise for our behaviour should any party be offended throughout the course of the event,” she said.
Race participants had said thousands were crammed in an underground tunnel, that connected the SIC pit area to the mall area, because the race organiser had set up counters for participants to collect their headlamps there.
Many race finishers also said they did not receive their finishing medals and certificates.
Participants also claimed that there was a lack of signages, water stops, medical personnel and race marshals.
They had to fork out RM55 for early birds or RM75 to join the marathon.
A Facebook group was started on the night of the race and it attracted more than 3,000 dissatisfied runners