2016 Star Wars Dark Side 5K Race Recap

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The Star Wars Dark Side 5K was an add-on for me.

I wasn’t planning on running it, but when it was still open a day or two after registration, I went ahead and grabbed a bib.

#RunAllTheRaces problem is real, my friends!

I’m glad I did- it gave me this adorable (yes, I think Storm Troopers are ADORABLE) medallion, as well as a heads up on the way the races were set up.

I drove to the race- a runDisney first for me.

Since this was a new thing, I left the hotel a bit earlier than I needed to. This turned out to be in my favor.

We had at least six photo opps to choose from at the family meeting area. Including Captain Phasma, a character opp not currently found in the parks.

SQUEE!

The benefit here? If you are a slower runner, you were able to get some character pictures without worry of being swept. The characters were also out at the end of the race to make sure everyone was able to get the photos they wanted.

My costume is inspired by the SNL skit, Undercover Boss: Star Killer Base.

I had to meet up with a few fellow SNL folks for pictures, because, well, it had to be done!

The race kicked off on time with the usual announcer banter and fireworks.

Our first character all weekend was R2D2. And he always had a long line!

I went ahead and stopped for this one since a) you can’t find him in the parks b) I missed him at Light Side and c) I wouldn’t be able to stop during the other races since timing is stricter.

This is also the first race that had Photo Pass Photogs out on course. 

The pictures are included with my Annual Pass, so, hey, what’s a 15-minute wait, right?

This one was from my phone as the lighting did not come out on my official picture. Good tip: take a backup if you can!

We ran through the World Showcase where I believe we saw the Rebels and Chewbacca on the course.

I did a full stop when I came upon the Storm Troopers in front of Spaceship Earth.

It’s a great photo opp and I lucked out in the timing. I heard they cut the line soon after we left, so that’s something to keep in mind for these races. If you have a must have picture, sometimes you have to pick and choose what is worth a stop.

Crossing the finish line was kinda funny.

Carissa tried to read my card and didn’t get the joke. She said something about, “No, no rain this weekend!” and I just laughed.

No point in stopping to try to explain it, right?

The 5K was a lot of fun, as they always are. At one point they had a trailer with movie scenes playing on the side of it. I foud it cute that a little girl ran up to the movie and made her dad stop and watch the “Luke, I am your father” scene.

Um, spoiler alert!

After the race we hit the parks, where indeed, there was a bit of rain. Sorry Carissa!

The race goes on sale next week for the Annual Passholders and DVC members. If you are looking for bibs, we’ve got ’em! The Dark Side 5K would be a great family race or your first runDisney event.

Did you run the Star Wars Dark Side 5K? What did you think about it?

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