★ 5

I had no problems with the race. Shoreline Marathon in Ventura. Started on time, well organized.

Source: Google

★ 1

Paid for and ran a virtual race (2020 Turkey 5K). Never received any of the promised race swag (shirt, medal, etc) or a refund. Poor communication. Scam.

Source: Google

★ 5

Races always start on time. They give the best swag, tacos and beer for every runner! Well organized and always a great time, thank you so much!

Source: Google

★ 5

My wife and I have ran dozens of Elite Racing events over the years starting with the very first Camarillo Half Marathon several years ago. The races always start on time and the volunteers are best. The finishers medals, shirts, goody bag and after race food is first rate, especially the races that have taco plates and beer afterwards. I have run over 200 races, mostly half and full marathons and always enjoy Elites courses. I especially like the fact that Elite is one of the few races that will let you defer a race to a future race should you not be able to attend. Elite puts on local Boston Qualifier races saving me from driving hundreds of miles and the expense of hotels. I got my last BQ at the Seaside Marathon two years ago, a beautiful course along the ocean. I highly recommend Elite racing.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love these races. Every one has started on time, and they're so much fun! Mr Escobar is awesome and it's a great atmosphere. Haven't had any issues with medals or shirts, and you have to love the tacos!

Source: Google

★ 1

This is a borderline a scam company. They cancel their races often, they are almost never properly staffed. The course are not clearly marked or measured. The races I have ran often had confused volunteers that pointed people the wrong way. Any swag they offer are also super cheap and not race specific.

Source: Google

★ 1

Oh how I wish I checked reviews on this organization prior to running not one, but 2 races. (Why 2? I believe in second chances.) Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice... Time for a review.

According to their barrage of emails:

Top 5 Reasons to Run with Elite Sports CA
5 - Races always start on time!
4 - Race distances are measured correctly!
3 - Race SWAG including custom finishers medal, event day dry-fit shirt, event day water bottle and MORE!
2 - Race day packet pick up available! Time saver and no hotel to pay for if you are traveling in from out of town! YEAH!!
1 - Have an emergency? Can't make the event you've paid for? No problem we will reschedule you for any Elite Sports CA event within the next 12 months. WHAT?? YES unheard of!!
No more excuses, Register today

Well, let's just break this down:
5) Neither of the 5k's that I raced with them started on time
4) No way were they measured correctly. Between my watch and my friend's fitbit, we were nearly a quarter mile off.
3) Race SWAG... Well, let's just say that we did not receive medals from the first race for over a week, we still haven't received the shirts from BOTH races (I have been very nice about asking Bill Escobar about this and kept getting pushed of until "next week"), there were no event day water bottles (just general ones leftover from a previous race or ones that simply were to promote Elite Sports, nothing race specific)
2) yup, we did get race day pickup, however the people at the tables were EXTREMELY rude to myself and my friends when we were asking about the medals. Sure, we understood that delays can happen, but when we ask if it would be possible to pick them up instead of having the organizer drive all over the county to deliver (thus saving them time and money) getting attitude is uncalled for.
1) Thank goodness, this didn't pertain to us one bit.

So, this all being said, I have tried repeatedly to be nice and work with this company to get the items that my friends and I have paid for. I feel like we have been scammed quite like a lot of other people listed. This is a highly unprofessional organization that can not figure out how to properly put on a race. I truly wish this was not the case as I do really enjoy races, getting out with my friends, family, and a place for my kids to get out of the house and get active. Unfortunately, I will not be returning to Elite Sports for any race. Lesson learned to check yelp before doing another race. Back to OCR races I go, at least they know how to follow through.

I guess all of the emails to "SAVE $10" are to account for all the things you don't get from your registration fees on race day.

Source: Google

★ 5

Been running the races that Elite puts on for last 4 years. Enjoyed the places it's held at and gotta love the tacos and beer. Always a fun time when I run at their races!

Source: Google

★ 4

I enjoyed the 10k run and had a great time .
I would to thank Bill and his crew for making this happen fun for everyone. We hope to return for more events. Thanks again!!!
AL gundayao

Source: Google

★ 1

Had to pursue and receive reimbursement for a canceled race through my credit card's fraud protection. The charge was found to be fraudulent and was credited back to mye by my bank. Beware.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

this guy is a thief. He cancels races the day ior so before they begin and states that he will return the funds...and then does not. Do not run a race with his company.

Source: Google

★ 1

Awful experience with Elite Sports California from a charity's perspective. He's fraudulent and notorious for not giving the proceeds that are due to the charities. He's done this SEVERAL times to charities in Ventura County. His races are unsafe and a simple google search reveals that. We took him to small claims court twice and won both times. He still didn't pay what we were owed. Now we have a lien and wage garnishment against him. I recommend not participating in his races nor hiring him as a race director. There are many reputable races in Ventura County and Elite Sports California/Bill Escobar is not.

Source: Google

★ 1

This program is a scam. You can't believe anything Bill Escobar says. We did the Arroyo run with our Hospice Foundation and he totally scamed us. He used our name and email list and didn't give the foundation one cent. Also he claimed on another run to give to the Boston Marathon for their foundation and didn't give them any money. He lies and cheats and people should know. He's unethical.

Source: Google

★ 5

Elite Sports California puts on quality races with great swag, medals, volunteers and courses. I enjoy large races and small races. Elite does a great job of hosting intimate events with a professional feel. The day of event flows smoothly, logistics are always spot on, and the faces of the race always have smiles. I'll always make room in my schedule for their events.

Source: Google

★ 1

Source: Google

★ 5

I run quite a few of the Elite Sports of CA races each year, and enjoy them very much. For a small organization, they really have their stuff together, and run rather well organized events. I have been to events that have had a snafu of two, but the organizers take comments and learn from them and make things better the next time around.
The courses are well planned, and are accurate with my Garmin, unlike some other organized races that come out as much as 0.2 miles off in a half-marathon. These folks have their act together, and I am pretty sure you will enjoy racing with them.

Source: Google

★ 4

Always enjoy Elite Sport's events.
Generally very well run and organized.
My only criticism is this: I will be 77 soon and I dislike being in a general 70-79 grouping.
It is difficult being competitive with 70-74 year olds.

Other than the above exception, I have enjoyed all my experiences with Elite Sports Events

Source: Google

★ 5

My son and I ran Arroyo Creek 5k and 10k, respectively, organized by Elite Sports California in 2013. Although we're not able to collect the souvenir shirts on the race day, Bill Escobar, the organizer, kept his words and sent us the shirts all the way to Hong Kong one year later. That is certainly the most memorable race I have with my son. We're very grateful to Bill.

Source: Google