Guess what, runDisney Light Side fans? The Star Wars races are back! Err… sorta. You can now choose your side: will you run for the Light Side or the Dark Side at Disney World next year? Happy Star Wars Day- May the 4th Be With You!

So, I’m pumped.  But first… *andalsowithyou* If you’re like me and can’t get enough of the May the 4th memes, check out Patty’s Star Wars memes | May the Fourth Be With You Meme post. Guaranteed to make you laugh, smile, and maybe even groan a little.  

runDisney Star Wars Races | Choose Your Side

Now, moving on. I had the most fun of all time a few weeks ago running in the runDisney Star Wars Dark Side Half Marathon.  We had epic costumes, I had some pretty great race times, and all around it was fun for the whole family. The Star Wars races are LEGIT for the Star Wars fans.     This morning, runDisney made an announcement.

In honor of Star Wars Day, we’re excited to announce that the Star Wars race weekend at Walt Disney World Resort will celebrate epic Star Wars rivalries in 2019. With this new theme comes a new name – Star Wars Rival Run Weekend presented by OtterBox. Starting next year, runners will be able to choose which side of the Force they will run for during the race weekend April 4-7, 2019.

UMMM OKAY YES PLEASE AND THANK YOU!!! The runDisney Star Wars races will allow you to choose the Light or Dark side!  

  I know a lot of folks are actually pretty bummed about this because it kind of puts the last nail in the coffin in regards to the Light Side race weekend at Disneyland. But with the massive construction planned until – like – 2021… we all knew deep down this was coming. Seriously though… picking your side?!?  I kind of love it. 

This race event will feature some favorite Star Wars rivalries from across the saga, with distances geared for all skill levels. In addition to the 5K, 10K, half marathon and the runDisney Kids Races, there will again be two challenges for runners to tackle. There’s the Star Wars Rival Run Challenge, which involves running the 10K and the half marathon during the race weekend, and the runDisney Kessel Run Challenge – completing the Star Wars Rival Run Half Marathon at Walt Disney World Resort and running the Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon at home.

This reminds me of days of runDisney past – way past before my time – where you could select your Princess for your bib during Princess Half Marathon. I’m almost positive they’ll have different bibs for the side you chose, and kind of hope they have different finisher medals. Medals may be a stretch – but at least different lanyards?!  

Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend Race Themes

Each race will have it’s own rival theming, of course!

• Star Wars Rival Run 5K | Finn and Captain Phasma
• Star Wars Rival Run 10K | Han Solo and Boba Fett
• Star Wars Rival Run Half Marathon | Rey and Kylo Ren
• Star Wars Rival Run Challenge | Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader
• runDisney Kids Races | BB-8 and BB-9E

  Regardless of the side you choose – you can secure your spot RIGHT NOW for the 2019 runDisney Star Wars races with your favorite travel agent. You can also sign up to earn your Kessel Run Challenge medal when you book a package with us. You know we have serious FOMO and won’t miss out on this one. The good news is you don’t have to pick a side today, I still have time to convince you to join the Dark Side…     And yes I am fully aware that my weird crush on Kylo Ren is 100% affecting my decision to join the Dark Side. I’m okay with that.    

How To Watch the Star Wars Movies In Order

If you’re loving the idea of running a Star Wars race, but have no idea where a Star Wars is, or who a Star Wars is, or why a Star Wars is… (H/T to my Avengers: Infinity War spoiler fans who get this one) we’ve got some help for you. You have a full year to prepare for the runDisney Star Wars races. Getting in these Star Wars movies in order during a Star Wars movie marathon shouldn’t be too hard! Plus they make for FANTASTIC treadmill material.  

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