Runners planning to participate in the Hero Rush on Aug. 10 in Albrightsville received an email this weekend, notifying them that the event had been canceled and no refunds would be offered.

Recently named one of the best obstacle races by Men's Journal, the Hero Rush was a nationwide obstacle race featuring firefighter-themed challenges, from climbing ladders and sliding down poles to breaking down doors and locating trapped "victims." Proceeds were said to benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.As of Tuesday morning, the company's website served as a notice of the business's folding."We regret to announce that Hero Rush is canceling all future events and will no longer be in business as of August 3, 2013, ceasing operations immediately. We have worked tirelessly these last few weeks to continue producing our events but due to business conditions, we cannot," the website stated.It was noted that the company is filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy this week and will not be able to provide refunds."I was surprised. I got the email Friday afternoon," said Jeff Leslie of Jim Thorpe, who was registered for the Hero Rush along with several friends."It's really a shame. We were looking forward to it," he added.Registration fees ranged from $65-80, with discounts offered to firefighters, EMS, law enforcement and military.Fans of these events, typically called "mud runs" or obstacle races because they incorporate numerous physical obstacles into a distance race, enjoy facing the challenges and having a reason to train for the events."It's a great thing to do if you enjoy being challenged, and it's for a good cause," said Leslie.The cost of attending an event isn't limited to a registration fee when racers come from a distance, they typically have non-refundable hotel fees as well. Leslie counts himself as one of the lucky ones, because the race was fairly close to his home and he is only out the $65 "early bird" registration fee, which he paid last year."It's a couple dollars out of my pocket," he said.He noted that endurance challenges like the Hero Rush can draw thousands of participants and spectators to the area, staying in local hotels and eating at local restaurants."That's thousands of people who won't be coming to Jim Thorpe," he added. "It would have been a nice boost for our area."More than 100 people have already joined the Facebook page "Scammed by Hero Rush," sharing information about the canceled events and speculating about the company's business practices.Several Facebook users noted that if participants paid for registration with a credit card, the card company might refund their registration fee.An online fundraiser for the Hero Rush in late 2012 raised just $2,495 of their $250,000 goal.In addition to the now-canceled Pennsylvania Hero Rush in Albrightsville, there were 13 more Hero Rushs races scheduled for 2013 and 2014, spanning from Texas to New York.Attempts to contact representatives of Hero Rush for further information were unsuccessful.