Guest Post by: Heidi LaDuca
What could possibly be more exciting than the magical combination of Disney, Running… and KIDS?!?
I have been a runner for over 20 years and recently have become a HUGE fan of all things runDisney.
I did not believe for a moment that my runDisney experiences could be outdone by ANYTHING.
That is, until I registered my 6-year old Princess for the 2013 runDisney kids race during the Tower of Terror 10-Miler weekend. To say it was FABULOUS would be an understatement.
First off, the registration fee is nominal… $20 (typically $25 as the race date approaches) Can you say ‘Disney bargain’? The races are held for even the tiniest of participants. Here is an example of the events and age groups for the upcoming Princess Half Marathon Kids Races:
runDisney Kids Dashes Age Groups
12 months and under – Diaper Dash for crawlers
1-3 years old – 100m dash
4-6 years old – 200m dash
7-8 years old – 400m dash
(credit runDisney.com)
And to top things off the EVERYONE walks away with a goodie bag of wonderful Disney loot along with their very own MEDAL! Here is an example of the loot to be expected at the 2014 Princess Half Marathon runDisney Kids events:
Kids Dashes Race Participants Receive
runDisney Kids Races T-shirt*
Finisher medallion*
Personalized bib (must register by December 1, 2013 for name to appear on bib)*
Post-race refreshments
*The One mile race participants will additionally receive a Mile Run Finisher Certificate and ChronoTrack b-Tag timed race.
(credit: runDisney.com)
The event itself is incredibly well-organized with a lot of exciting pre-race entertainment, (think dancing, singing and fun). When the race itself is ready to begin, the little ones are filled with excitement and take off with tons of Spark! Parents are allowed to run with their little tykes should they wish to do so.
The most exciting moment however is that moment when your little one crosses the finish line. The kids feel an incredible sense of accomplishment and it is so, so incredible to witness! When I watched my daughter cross the finish line last fall, I simply fell in live with the runDisney kids events!
Finally, having personally been a fitness instructor and runner for many, many years, I am a HUGE advocate of teaching exercise, health and wellness to our kids, beginning at a very early age. RunDisney gives families a fun and safe opportunity to let the kids join in the excitement and fun that are always a part of runDisney events.
Thanks Heidi for your awesome write up about the kids races! My children have runDisney as well and I totally agree: it’s fabulous! Princess Ella looks like she had a blast. I hope y’all enjoyed this stop on the Virtual Princess Half Marathon Blog Hop! Be sure to stop by other posts as well by clicking the button below!
Displaying RunDisney Kids.docx.
Patty Holliday has been running Disney since 2011. She knows just about every tip, trick, and hack there is to cover the runDisney Magical Miles at Disney World and Disneyland. She knows every mile isn’t *always* magical- but with training, tips, and a little bit of pixie dust, they can be a lot of fun! You can also find her at noguiltlife.com and noguiltfangirl.com
The kids’ races look so CUTE. I don’t have kids, but if I did, I would definitely encourage them to participate in these events.
There’s nothing like that feeling of “I did it!” when you’re a kid.
It was adorable when my kids ran it! Signed them up again this year! 🙂
I’m seriously addicted!! I would HIGHLY recommend it! For my daughter it was her first experience ‘running’ a race and she cannot wait to do it again!
I have been a spectator at several runDisney Kids Races, and it is beautiful to watch families fall in love with running and runDisney as they cross the magical finish line. I agree, Heidi and Patty- there’s no greater gift you can give your kids than a lifetime love of health and fitness. I bet Princess Ella is on her way to superstar status like her mom!! Thanks so much for sharing and for joining the hop Heidi.
I don’t have any kids but if I did, we would be all over this! Great post! :0)
So cute! The next time I get a chance to volunteer, I totally want to volunteer at the Kid’s races!
Great pictures!! We did the kids races with Eli last year and he wasn’t into it during the race, but still loves to wear his medal around the house! I’m hoping at three now, he’ll want to run at this year’s PHM kids races!