Runners demand answers and refunds after signing up for a Toronto road race that never happened
It was advertised as being a one-of-a-kind event for runners promising to light up Toronto’s night sky. Instead, the GloToronto 5K, 10K and half marathon has left several runners who signed up demanding answers and refunds. Benjamin Khadem signed up for the race back in January when he was looking to expand his running goals. […]
Several runners who signed up for the GloToronto 5K, 10K and half marathon in Toronto have expressed frustration and demanded answers after learning the race never took place. Benjamin Khadem, one of those affected, signed up in January hoping to elevate his running goals. He was drawn to the event's glowing night-time theme and glowing stick runners in the online photos.
After not receiving any communication about the event as it neared, Khadem contacted Toronto's Metro Hall to confirm the registration. When told there was no bib pick-up, Khadem concluded the race was a scam and an internet search confirmed his suspicions. He and others emailed race organizers, but received no response. The website for the event is offering a new date in October, but no permits were filed for that date, indicating the event was canceled.
The race organizers used stolen photos and videos from a legitimate U.S. event for their advertising. Toronto Police are investigating the matter for fraud, but no arrests have been made. CityNews advised runners to be cautious when signing up for races, suggesting to search for reviews, verify the organizer's history, ensure the venue is recognized, and look for sponsor involvement.
Khadem and others are now being refunded by their credit cards and are planning to participate in legitimate races instead.
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