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All the Reasons You Will Ever Need To Love runDisney

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As you may know, I love runDisney. It’s why I started training for my first half marathon and why I keep running to this day. Here are a few of my favorite reasons to love runDisney.

 

 

All the Reasons You Will Ever Need To Love runDisney

Today kicks off Disney’s biggest event weekend: Walt Disney World Marathon weekend. If you’ve never been and it’s a bucket list item, this might be the year you want to watch all the social media and see why it’s such a cool weekend.

It’s the 25th anniversary of the Marathon.

It’s the 5th anniversary of the Minnie 10K.

And it’s the 5th anniversary of the Dopey Challenge. Which everyone seems to be running this year.

Why do I run? Because runDisney exists.

I don’t even love running (hahahahaha- not even CLOSE), but I do love this specific niche of the running community.

It may not be for everyone, but if you are looking for reasons why I love it, here you go.

Oh, and I’m not going to use Magic or Pixie Dust once.

Not. Even. Once. (That sentence obviously doesn’t count!).

When else can you legally run through empty theme parks?

Or meet runDisney spokesperson and Olympian Jeff Galloway & his lovely wife Barbara.

 

When someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more!

 

ChEAR squad on Main Street: amazing experience to hear the roar of the crowd. (Need cheering locations for the marathon this weekend? Here’s a link on how to cheer the Disney World Marathon.)

Running through Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty Castle.

 

When someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more!
My then 10-year old, busting out the 10K like a champ! I’m impressed he noticed the photographers.

 

Bonding with your family through running.

Picture stops with friends.

 

When someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more!

 

Peggy Sue– gone, but not forgotten.

Best. Cheerleader. EVER.

Booze on the course.

 

When someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more! Marathon | Half Marathon | 10K | 5K

 

Of course, there are moments when you realize you really need booze, but it’s 13.1 miles away.

Hang in there, Mikey!

 

Mike walking

 

And then the moment when you realize you can have booze: because it’s only 2 miles away!

Go Mikey, gooooo!

 

 

It’s an excuse to go to Walt Disney World.

Or to go to Disneyland. Oh wait… about that… (runDisney cancels Disneyland races).

Or to go on a Disney Cruise.

 

When someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more! Marathon | Half Marathon | 10K | 5K

 

Or to go to Disneyland Paris.

Or even to go to Disneyland Park Hong Kong.

The people you will meet will change your life.

 

When someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more! Marathon | Half Marathon | 10K | 5K

 

You’ll accomplish goals you never thought possible.

Sunrise running: you will see the sun come up since every dang race starts before dawn.

 

When someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more! Marathon | Half Marathon | 10K | 5K

 

Generous pace requirements. You don’t have to be fast to runDisney.

A race distance for everyone: marathon, half, 10K, 5K and kids races.

 

kid races

 

Kids learning to love running thanks to runDisney races.

Sweet merchandise. (Ebaying later- frowned upon, but hey, it’s your money. Do you.).

Fireworks at the start.

Riding a roller coaster in the middle of your full marathon.

 

When someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more! Marathon | Half Marathon | 10K | 5K

 

Wearing your medals around the parks.

Being congratulated by Cast Members and Guests alike.

Burning #AllTheCalories means #DrinkingAllTheDrinks.

 

When someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more! Marathon | Half Marathon | 10K | 5K

 

There’s plenty to eat and drink on the course provided by Disney.

Water stations, Powerade, bananas, Clif bars- oh my!

And some extras can be found. Like snacks.

 

April snacks

 

And coffee.

 

When someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more! Marathon | Half Marathon | 10K | 5K

 

Donuts. 

Costumes.

All the costumes!

 

When someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more! Marathon | Half Marathon | 10K | 5K

 

Of course, there are group costumes.

 

When someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more! Marathon | Half Marathon | 10K | 5K

 

And Epic group costumes.

 

When someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more! Marathon | Half Marathon | 10K | 5K

 

You’ll appreciate the clean, REAL restrooms on the course.

Take a moment to let that sink in.

 

guide to 10K bathroomsWhen someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more! Marathon | Half Marathon | 10K | 5K bathrooms on the course

 

Proving all the people wrong who say Magic Kingdom and Epcot aren’t within walking distance. (Because it TOTES is!).

More men on the course than a dating service.

 

When someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more! Marathon | Half Marathon | 10K | 5K | Characters

 

Speaking of love, everyone needs a place to get engaged.

So why not at a runDisney race?

 

When someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more! Marathon | Half Marathon | 10K | 5K

 

Entertainment on the course includes characters, high school bands, cheerleaders, cosplayers, and the Red Hat Society. Wait, scratch that. See the Disneylandcancellationss above. Sigh.

Tons to read on the courses.

 

When someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more! Marathon | Half Marathon | 10K | 5K | Race Signs

 

Special moments that happen on the course.

Like when your retired Marine buddy dresses up like Tinker Bell and mugs for the cameras all in the name of good, clean fun.

 

When someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more! Marathon | Half Marathon | 10K | 5K | Tinker Bell

 

And when you cross that finish line of your first marathon with a ton of friends.

And a big ol’ smile on your face!

 

When someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more! Marathon | Half Marathon | 10K | 5K

 

Or when you find your own cheerleaders waiting for you (with Steve Harvey).

 

When someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more! Marathon | Half Marathon | 10K | 5K | Steve Harvey Race Sign
You won the Marathon! Oh, wait… I apologize…

 

Finding your community.

And the joy that comes with spending time with them.

 

When someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more! Marathon | Half Marathon | 10K | 5K

 

And then, of course, there’s the bling.

There is nothing finer than a runDisney race medal. Or Four.

 

When someone says Disney, they don't always think of running. Here are a couple dozen reasons you should runDisney in honor of Global Running Day. Seeing the sunrise, dressing in costumes, fabulous medals, generous pace requirements, and so much more! Marathon | Half Marathon | 10K | 5K

 

You’ll never have an experience quite like a runDisney race.

You may run a faster course; you certainly will run a less crowded one.

You may run in a more scenic locale.

But you will never be able to duplicate the magic of runDisney.

Dammit. I was sooooo close, too!

If you need to run a Disney race or experience a race weekend as a spectator, I’m your girl. I’m a travel planner who runs Disney (and books it too!)  and I’ve got the goods: bibs, rooms, and tickets.

Shoot me an email at [email protected]  if you are looking for a race to run.

 

 

2018 rundisney race calendar

 

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0 Comments

  1. I’ve never even considered running a Disney race …BUT….your post looks awfully fun, festive and quite entertaining! I just may have to reconsider!

  2. This is the first time in ages I haven’t had a RunDisney race on my calendar and now you’ve got my “registering” fingers itching. Other races are fun, but they aren’t Disney.

  3. I’ve honestly never thought about Disney but this post makes.it look so fun. And your friend in the tinker bell costume?? I am going to be laughing about that for a while. Best race photos ever!!

  4. What a great post and shout out to runDisney! There is no other community like the run community and there is nothing like a Disney race. I entered and walked, skipped finished Princess in 2012 and my life has been changed forever! I am hooked! Fun post and loved ALL the pictures!

  5. So many fun running pictures! I have done been to a Disney thing at all… except a movie at the theater I guess 😉 They always look like so much fun!

  6. I love runDisney races! I got hooked back in 2014 after I did the final ToT 10 miler and have been doing Disney events ever since! They’re tons of fun. The California races are fun too- I just did the Star Wars Light side out there as part of my coast to coast and loved it. My next goal one is the Avengers- I think it would be super fun to dress up as Loki 😉

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