It should have been a wonderful anniversary, after lean years due to the consequences of Corona, 8,000 participants were registered for the 25th Wachau Marathon this year. But the threat of flooding forced organizer Michael Buchleitner to cancel. What remains is great damage and anger at the authorities. But the ex-athlete also has solutions ready.
“We cannot yet quantify the damage precisely because we have not yet received the invoice from the suppliers. But the damage is certainly in the eurozone,” sighs Buchleitner.
“Ultimately, we are faced with a worst-case scenario where all suppliers invoice for all their services and all participants want their registration fees back.”
Because that is what Buchleitner is offering to the approximately 8,000 runners who wanted to start in the Wachau on Sunday. As one of three options: “As a first option, we are offering a refund of the registration fee minus 1.90 euros in administration costs. Option two is to waive the refund, but instead receive a 50 percent discount for the Wachaumathon 2025. The third option is to waive the registration fee, but ten euros goes to the disaster fund for those affected by the flooding.” was about getting things done quickly to create clarity. “People now have until September 30 to decide.”
No insurance against failure
Only then will the full extent of the damage become more tangible. Incidentally, insurance does not help the organizer: “Since Corona, such insurance can no longer be financed. Moreover, it would not have been of any use to us, because there is no official rejection – and that is very difficult to question.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
