Superhero Scramble letdown

I've finally been stung by the antics of a poorly run race organization. I suppose it was bound to happen at some point, but I take great pains to avoid bad businesses. The "bad business" in this case is Superhero Scramble (SHS). Rather than attempt to wax poetic about the race, I'll let the esteemed Matt B Davis inform you of some of the history of this race & their recent issues.

http://obstacleracingmedia.com/ocr-news/superhero-unmasked/

Wish I had read that article prior to signing up in November for their Dallas race, originally scheduled for February 22, 2014. On December 27, 2013 we all received word that SHS was rescheduling their inaugural Dallas race for September 2014. Their reasoning behind the reschedule was simply "a couple of longstanding races happening in the area on the same day, which we were unaware of and many people have reached out and pleaded for us to choose a different date." A cursory check of all races in the area revealed nothing of import, however, it has been brought to my attention that the Cowtown Marathon (a Boston Marathon qualifier) is being held February 23 (with some shorter versions being held 21st & 22nd). A further look at the SHS website reveals that (as of today) the Dallas event is only 30% sold. While road, trail & OCR people tend to mingle, I highly doubt the stated tremendous outcry from the marathon community to reschedule SHS. Simply put this feels like a business decision by SHS to push for higher attendance (read: better profit, if any) of the Dallas event. Oh, and the official word took hours to come from SHS, whereas the initial rumblings came from Living Social customers who received an email from LS that morning. Seems to me a race should have more up front communication with their direct paying customers than a third party site has with theirs.

In any case, reschedules are fine....I've had them happen to me with both Warrior Dash & Savage Race. In both cases the companies were quick to issue refunds upon request since I was unable to make their rescheduled races. In this case, however, SHS is being a little less than customer friendly. They have simply transferred everyone to the rescheduled race and offered a free race voucher which can either be used at a different (currently out of state) race or by a friend at the Dallas date (assuming it actually happens). Here's some of the problems with this:
1) I have a schedule conflict & cannot make the new/September date of the race
2) Given that I am unable to make the new date, I don't really have anyone to give the additional free race to for September.
3) I personally can't attend the out of state races due to the additional cost of travel (airfare, lodging, etc)

I immediately emailed SHS the morning of December 27 requesting a refund, but have not heard back. Incidentally, I attempted contact with them several weeks back inquiring on some details for the kid's race...took them a week to get back to me there. They have, however, posted on their Facebook page a refusal to offer refunds for the reschedule race. This has prompted me to both dispute the charge with my bank & file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Incidentally, as of today, SHS has cancelled their March 2014 Southern California event & offered everyone a full refund. Here's hoping my complaints are processed before SHS declares bankruptcy & I never see my money again.

Ultimately, at this time, given the poorly executed customer service by SHS, I cannot in good conscience recommend any of their races to anyone who may read this. Avoid Superhero Scramble like the plague!