Complaint Review: Teddy Sandman - Internet

This man Teddy Sandman and his wife Shastina charged 1,600 participants to participate in a 5K Valentine’s Day themed wine run but now a law suit is being shaped to return consumers’ monies, as this event failed to provide the promised items included in the fee as well as a disastrous, unsafe course to run/walk at. I agree, along with many others, that these people have sold us deceptively and have kept most from profits, instead of giving the consumers an event and items as advertised. I requested a refund or at least a partial refund for participating in the 2/6/16 5K Kiss Wine Run from the director Shastina. I expected that 5KHR would be reasonable in refunding my monies and resolving my request as well as others’. This event had been a complete disappointment is several ways, especially with safety concerns. First, 5KHR did not anticipate registration and parking needs. Random bibs with random names were passed out to everyone without even checking that they were really registered and paid. People paid extra for parking but many were not given a parking space. Second, 5KHR were not able to provide us with clean portable toilets as they were full, therefore, me and many others had to “hold it” for hours until we left elsewhere. Third, 5KHR didn’t have any medical assistance professionals throughout the course for accidents and first aid. NOBODY was available. Fourth, 5KHR did not have an adequate number of volunteers for clear routing and handout of waters. They were in no way prepared to hydrate over 1K+ people. Many people, including myself, were dehydrated and confused as where to run. Fifth, 5KHR did not send out runners in heats for efficiency and spacing, they did not have any organization whatsoever. Sixth, the trail wasn’t marked properly with clear signs and arrows. At the minimum, arrows AND directive people AND flags on hazards are necessary. I saw a lot of people fall and get hurt. Seventh, 5KHR had a band but not a host/announcer staff to tell us updates and crucial information. Djs/hosts should tell us what is happening next and where to line up. Eighth, 5KHR advertised that they would have a wine tasting as a reward for finishing the run. However, there wasn’t any staff taking care of this and there wasn’t even a marked finish line. Ninth, I saw that people were just grabbing the wine glasses but the logos were very poorly done and the quality was defective. Teddy Sandman was seen yelling at people who were taking their glasses. Tenth, 5KHR advertised that the tshirts were special and made for this event. Not everyone received them or their swag bags, as promoted. Unfortunately, it is too late to NOT have wasted my time, money and efforts into this event, but it not too late for 5KHR to apologize and issues refunds to the thousand disappointed folks who paid a considerable amount of money. What exactly did our money cover? I spent 120.94 on 2 registrations for the 5K Kiss Wine Run, but like many others, did not get the items promised. I have spoken up with my truest feelings of dissatisfaction and hope that other participants do the same. Others have spoken up on Facebook and Yelp, but 5KHR has deleted all the comments. 5KHR has been quick to blame the participants instead. 5KHR states that participants were bad behaved and thieves. 5KHR states that Mount Palomar was at fault, even though they just provided the location. 5KHR states that they “spent countless hours mapping out the course” but that the winds and tumble weeds knocked the flags down, and perhaps “farmers ran over picked up the markings.” 5KHR states that “you didn't get your wine but it's just wine” as if it did not matter even though it was a Wine Run. The videos from the well-paid Capture Action Productions are misleading because it only shows the fragments of smiles. It makes it appear that things were under control. Yet, people in the shoot were probably drinking their own personally bought bottles. 5KHR has gone unresponsive and will no longer accept our recounts of grievances because they fear we will continue to point out 5KHR’s failings. 5KHR has a complete lack of leadership and will not take responsibility for this disgrace. The distressed participants want to be heard and understood. 5KHR will need to admit to their failure to plan and organize a smooth, large, enjoyable, and safe event as they had promoted for months prior to the event. Please check out this article on the news http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2016/02/09/some-runners-claim-temecula-5k-failed-to-give-run-for-their-money/