QUESTIONS have been raised about the legitimacy of an obstacle course event held at the weekend after participants failed to receive promised merchandise, although the organiser has assured it will be in their hands this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Outback Obstacles, an event for people aged 12 and over, was held in Bendigo on Sunday at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds.
Included in the ticket price – which was $79 for adults and $49 for children, with a $3 booking fee – was a T-shirt, hat, finishing medal and water bottle.
But the Bendigo Advertiser heard from several participants who said they were not given these items and were told inconsistent stories of when and how they would receive them.
Some said they were told when picking up their wristbands ahead of the event that their merchandise packs would be available at the course.
But Brooke Garner said she was told upon completion of the course that the merchandise would be available at 7am Monday.
Another participant said her friends tried to pick it up on Friday and were told the truck was half an hour away, and were told the same thing on Sunday.
Event director Dan Gold said the delay was due to an issue with the courier and attendees could expect the promised merchandise in the mail by Wednesday or Thursday.
He said despite paying for express shipping, the merchandise did not clear customs in time, and he felt “horrible” having to tell people he could not yet deliver on what had been promised.
But it is not the first time people have complained of this issue: on the event’s Facebook page, people have reported this occurred at the Orange event last month.
Participant Sue Willcock said she also held safety concerns about the event, having seen no first aid officers or people monitoring safety around the course.
Mrs Willcock questioned the quality of the obstacles, saying they were unsteady.
Her concerns were echoed by Justine Wilkinson, who said despite being told there were 15 supervisors, she did not see one, and did not see any first aid officers either.
Mr Gold said there were medics at the event until the last four participants were in the final stages of the course, and he and his crew of four were also trained in first aid.
Mr Gold also said the obstacles were “built to handle people”.
He said about 400 people competed in the event on Sunday.
Not all of the feedback was negative.
Miss Garner said she did have a good time with her friends, and another participant reported it as having a great atmosphere.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
