Why Choose a runDisney Race?

Last weekend I attended my 11th runDisney race weekend. In total, I have run 21 runDisney races. After my Mom passed away, I decided to run a half marathon in her memory — what better place to run and honor my Mom than my favorite place, Walt Disney World. 

In February 2015, I ran the Princess 1/2 Marathon and the Castaway Cay Challenge on Disney’s private island. I was hooked! The rest you can say is history.

So what keeps me going back for more? Here are seven reasons to run a runDisney race.

1. runDisney races are great races for beginners.

When I decided to run my first half marathon, the farthest I had ever run was 6.2 miles. I was nervous! I was still a relatively new runner. There were many races at home that required a runner to finish within a certain amount of time. In 2014/2015, I was running about a 12:00 min mile. Based on that, I didn’t bother signing up for races around here. I was afraid I would not finish or come in dead last. With Disney, there is a time limit, but so long as you can maintain a 16:00 minute mile, you are all set. I ran that race while stopping for characters, with plenty of time to spare. This race gave me the confidence to sign up for races back home. I am a bit faster these days and rarely worry about finishing a race or coming in dead last. 

2. You run through the parks.

Ever dream of running down Main Street and through the castle? Or how about running around the World Showcase as the sun rises over the lagoon? These are just two of my favorite things when running a runDisney race. Each race weekend, the courses vary, but for the most part, you will run through at least one park, two parks if you run a half marathon and all four parks, plus ESPN Wide World of Sports if you run the marathon. This past weekend, the 10k course took us through Epcot, and the half marathon took us through the Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot. 

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3. Entertainment along the course.

What would an event be at Disney without entertainment? It is what they do best. At the start of each race is a DJ, corny race announcers, character meet and greets, and fireworks. Along the course, you can find much of the same. For most races, there is plenty of character stops along the way. The lines can be long, but the cast members do an excellent job of moving everyone along.

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4. Costumes and more costumes.

Seriously, where else can you wear a costume and not feel judged? LOL! Hands down, this is one of the best parts of a runDisney event. There are so many talented people out there. The costumes are amazing. I am not gifted when it comes to sewing, so I jump on over to Etsy and buy a costume or two. I have dressed as various princesses, Mrs. Potts, Babette the feather duster from Beauty and the Beast, Rey from Star Wars, and more. I have so much fun with it. For my next couple of races, I am thinking of dressing as villains. What do you think?

5. Photopass photographers

Disney Photo Pass photographers are out there on the course capturing all those moments. Since I have an annual pass, all photos are included, and I never have to worry about capturing a moment or going bankrupt after I want to buy them all!

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6. Friends

Runners are lovely people. However, Disney runners are even nicer! I have met some great people through my runDisney races. I have rekindled old friendships, as well. Wine and Dine race weekend is an annual trip I take with my friends from middle/high school! We had lost touch after college and reconnected after my Mom had passed. One day I posted I was signing up for the Wine and Dine races and asked if I had any takers. Both ladies said yes! This was our 4th weekend together, and we are already looking forward to next year.

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7. Medals

The medals are the best! These are not little tokens of thanks for running. These medals are HUGE! The attention to detail is beautiful.

Have I convinced you yet? Will you be putting a runDisney event on your calendar? I would love to see you down there!