Sheffield Half Marathon is a shambles

[999tigger 10]

Just for those that are interested

 

The water company has been identified. They are called Water Direct. They supplied part of London 2012. they have offered free water next year. I'd still be consulting the lawyers. They say they still dont know why the water didn't get there. Wonder what the driver has to say? They do bottled water as well.

 

Website is here http://www.water-direct.co.uk/

 

Bit in Star here http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/breaking-water-firm-in-sheffield-half-marathon-fiasco-still-probing-causes-1-6546804

 

Water Direct statement in full. (including speil at the end)

 

Water Direct can confirm that the organisers of the Sheffield Half Marathon approached it in February regarding a supply of drinking water for their event on 6th April 2014. We quoted Sheffield Half Marathon for the provision of temporary drinking water tanks, a similar service that we had provided for them last year.

 

We are devastated that this event had to be cancelled and are investigating and liaising closely with the organisers to establish exactly what led to this outcome.

 

Keith Silcock, Managing Director of Water Direct, said; “We appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in organising and taking part in this event, and the people of Sheffield who supported it. As a gesture of goodwill Water Direct shall be offering a free water supply service to next year’s Sheffield Half Marathon. We can certainly assure there will be no problems whatsoever and hope this goes some way to restoring the pleasure and benefits of this event to the people of Sheffield”.

 

Water Direct has specialised in the provision of alternative water supplies since 1996 and we are proud of the quality and absolute reliability of our service. We were the chosen provider of bulk wholesome water to 24 Olympic & Paralympic Games venues, including the Olympic Park, 16 London Venues and 7 others across Great Britain.

 

Water Direct was selected against the critical parameters of capability, quality assurance, reliability and value for money. Without the quality assured drinking water that we delivered being available on time, every time, the events could not have taken place.

[Deerobe 10]

http://www.eventindustrynews.co.uk/2014/04/07/sheffield-half-marathon-statement-water-direct/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+event-industry-news+%28Event+Industry+News+-+An+online+magazine+and+news+blog+for+people+within+the+events+industry%29&utm_content=Event+Indusrty+News&utm_term=Event

 

statement from water company.

[Agent Orange 11]

I never said it was the fault of Sheffield City Council. I merely corrected those who were trying to claim the city coiuncil had no involvement. So now it is established that the council was involved folks can get on with the business of apportioning blame. So whilst you are a few others on here seem to be reverting to smears and insults perhaps you should try acquainting yourselves with the facts rather than blindly trying to distance the council from events.

 

You were saying

 

But then someone allows these chosen folks to, organise a race and close roads. But then there will always be those who feel the need to make sure non of this rubs off on the council.

Edited April 7, 2014 by Agent Orange

[RichK 10]

"Water Direct was selected against the critical parameters of capability, quality assurance, reliability and value for money. Without the quality assured drinking water that we delivered being available on time, every time, the events could not have taken place."

 

 

They can issue a statement like that without blushing?

 

From their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Water-Direct/457970864261294?ref=hl

 

"Water Direct’s logistical expertise was recently proven when we were able to assist a reputable Oil and Gas company, by providing quality assured water to flush a contaminated system on an oil rig.

Rest assured, wherever you need an alternative water supply, we can reach you; even in the North Sea!"

 

I've commented with "Sheffield isn't in the North Sea"; wonder how long before it gets removed?

Edited April 7, 2014 by RichK

[999tigger 10]

"Water Direct was selected against the critical parameters of capability, quality assurance, reliability and value for money. Without the quality assured drinking water that we delivered being available on time, every time, the events could not have taken place."

 

 

They can issue a statement like that without blushing?

 

Yes I was going to miss that out because it made me lol, thought you better have the full text. Offering it for free next year is inadequate. Presumably they have yet to refynd the money already paid? They need to set things right and that means compensation, which the organisers can pass on.

 

Btw I think they do know what went on, but have been advised to say nothing by their insurers because they fear being sued. The truck either set off on time or it did not. If it set off then the driver knows. If it didnt then it goes back down the food chain. Of course they know.

[jemson 10]

Personally, I don`t mind cups but I drink very little during a normal HM race. Bottles are horrendously wasteful environmentally. I asked a race director if they could provide smaller bottles than the 500ml but apparently smaller are more expensive!

 

Anyone encountered water pouches? They had them at a race I did in Lancs and I couldn`t even open it!

[metalman 21]

Water Direct can confirm that the organisers of the Sheffield Half Marathon approached it in February regarding a supply of drinking water for their event on 6th April 2014. We quoted Sheffield Half Marathon for the provision of temporary drinking water tanks, a similar service that we had provided for them last year.

 

That seems to fall some way short of saying that they were actually contracted to supply it.

[No User Name 10]

Water Direct can confirm that the organisers of the Sheffield Half Marathon approached it in February regarding a supply of drinking water for their event on 6th April 2014. We quoted Sheffield Half Marathon for the provision of temporary drinking water tanks, a similar service that we had provided for them last year.

 

That seems to fall some way short of saying that they were actually contracted to supply it.

 

It does, but they must have been - why offer to provide it free next year?

[Mr Clowning 10]

Water Direct can confirm that the organisers of the Sheffield Half Marathon approached it in February regarding a supply of drinking water for their event on 6th April 2014. We quoted Sheffield Half Marathon for the provision of temporary drinking water tanks, a similar service that we had provided for them last year.

 

That seems to fall some way short of saying that they were actually contracted to supply it.

 

That's what I was thinking. I'm betting this is some sort of clerical error, they didn't receive the payment on time or the order was not confirmed.

 

---------- Post added 07-04-2014 at 15:00 ----------

 

It does, but they must have been - why offer to provide it free next year?

 

Because mud sticks and they know their name will get mentioned and even if its not their fault they will be tarred with it.

[999tigger 10]

Water Direct can confirm that the organisers of the Sheffield Half Marathon approached it in February regarding a supply of drinking water for their event on 6th April 2014. We quoted Sheffield Half Marathon for the provision of temporary drinking water tanks, a similar service that we had provided for them last year.

 

That seems to fall some way short of saying that they were actually contracted to supply it.

 

If you read the statement then

 

1. Why are they devastated the event didnt go ahead= they sense a legal claim coming and bad publicity.

2. Why are the offering free water next year?= because its a fob off to avoid legal action.

3. At the end of the statement it says they were selected.

[No User Name 10]

That's what I was thinking. I'm betting this is some sort of clerical error, they didn't receive the payment on time or the order was not confirmed.

 

If they only quoted the organiser a price and the organisers never signed, why agree to provide it free?

 

Sure I read elsewhere that the water eventually did turn up at 11.30am, maybe on this thread somewhere?

[999tigger 10]

Because mud sticks and they know their name will get mentioned and even if its not their fault they will be tarred with it.

 

Rubbish if it wasnt them then they would say it wasnt them.