Race You To The Castle

​Why RunDisney?

Do you love Disney?  Do you love running? Then there is nothing better than running in Disney.  It is one of the most ultimate racing experiences. Disney hosts 4 races at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida:  The Walt Disney World Marathon in January, Princess Marathon Weekend in February, Star Wars Half Marathon The Dark Side in April and Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend in November. They also host races at Disneyland in both California (currently no races scheduled for 2018) and Paris. 
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Bling, bling, bling. Disney has the best finishing medals you have ever seen. That is actually what started my running journey. A friend’s husband showed me his marathon medal and at that moment I knew I wanted to run at Disney. I started running using the Jeff Galloway method (official RunDisney sponsor) and signed up for the Princess ½ Marathon. Prior to signing up for the race Disney announced a new event called the Glass Slipper Challenge (10K and ½ Marathon). We knew we had to go big or go home, so my girlfriend and I signed up for the challenge. After all we would be getting not 2 medals but 3! 

People from all over the world come out to run these events. I have met so many helpful, friendly people in the 5 years I have been doing the RunDisney races. From losing weight to battling cancer, every person has a story, which has helped inspire me to run these races. 

Races start early, 5:30am to be exact. So if the distance doesn’t get you the early wake up time will.  This year I ran the Dopey Challenge (48.6 magical miles), which is a 5K, 10K, ½ marathon and full marathon on back-to-back days. It was my first full marathon and there is nowhere else in the world that I would rather be than in Disney to run 26.2 miles. Since this year was the 25th Anniversary of the Disney World Marathon we all received special finishing Mickey Ears!

​Running through the parks is absolutely amazing. While not in the parks there is still plenty of entertainment from gospel choirs to character stops to DJs pumping out inspiring music. There are Disney’s Photopass photographers to capture your special memories while on the course. This year I rode Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom while running the marathon and stopped to get a margarita in Mexico for my finish line photo.  

​Unless you are an elite runner, Disney is not the place for you to get a Personal Record (PR), but it certainly is a place for you to have your Best Race Ever and to create magical memories to last a lifetime.

To hear more about Tanya's RunDisney experiences, or to book your next magical vacation with her, feel free to contact her at Tanya@Starstufftravel.com

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