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runDisney with Suzanne

When you runDisney, every mile IS magic!
It may sound crazy to some — but it is true!

I was a non-runner until four years ago. Now, I enjoy it and find a daunting 13.1 exciting — well, at Disney it is!
Running a Disney race is truly special!

Races are run early in the morning, so as not to interfere with regular park hours. Disney provides special race transportation to get you to the race start based on starting corrals. Starting corrals, or groups, are assigned in advance based on estimated finish time or a qualifying time that a runner may provide from a previous race. Races are run through the park(s) and all across the Disney Property! Not all races go through all of the parks — All the more reason to run different runDisney events! It is really interesting to run BEHIND the scenes as well as through the parks that we love so dearly.

Throughout the races, there are character meet and greets, video boards, music, dj's, dancers, bands, COSTUMED runners, and so much to see along the routes! The feeling of support from other runners (who clearly love Disney) is ELECTRIC!

During every race weekend, there is a runDisney Health and Fitness Expo. The runDisney Health and Fitness Expo is where runners go to pick up their packets, enjoy guest speakers, learn about healthy lifestyle and of course, do some shopping to commemorate the weekend! This event provides runners the opportunity to shop for official runDisney gear and also browse items from other vendors that are practically perfect in every way---for the needs of runDisney participants and fans! The Expo is a great way to build excitement for the race. For those that may need a bit of extra “support,” there is also a “taping” station where professionals are on hand to tape you correctly and help you prepare for the run! There are also photo opportunities with runDisney props...and even a photo spot with Mickey and his Pals, if you are so lucky!

There are many different themed races between all of the Disney Parks — from the Princess Race in February, to the Dark Side Star Wars Race in April, to the Wine and Dine race that celebrates Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival in November—and yes, there is a full marathon weekend each year, in January. Check out the runDisney website for their full schedule of events!

As if running long distances is not enough, for those that really want an extra bit of BLING, there are challenge medals for running MORE than one race in a weekend! You may want to try the Dopey Challenge, in which you must complete a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Marathon in just four days! There are even virtual running programs so you can participate from home!

As everything that Disney does, a runDisney event is done in true Disney style! They pride themselves on safety, entertainment, and fun! If running is not an option for you, maybe the ChEAR squad is more your speed! There are special ticket options for runDisney supporters!

My absolute favorite costume I have seen was at this year’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon at Walt Disney World. It was a sweet husband and wife, maybe 75 years young! They were dressed as the "Grey Stuff" from Beauty and the Beast! Their naturally grey hair and magic personalities matched their handmade costumes—truly adorable!

Thus far I have run the Castaway Cay 5K at Disney’s Private Island while on a Disney Cruise, two half marathons at Disneyland in California, and two half marathons at Walt Disney World. (My goal is to do one 13.1 Disney race each calendar year!) I have hopes of running a half marathon at Disneyland Paris! A girl has to DREAM!

If you dream of a runDisney race—
I would be happy to help you plan your race weekend!

Suzanne Clark Sprecher °o°
Suzanne@travelwithontheroad.com
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