Running races at Disney is
a blast but there are a few things you need to
know.
Heather
Concannon
I never considered myself a runner.
Now, I've run four races at Disney parks and I've
signed up for even more.
It's a great way to get a unique view of the
parks.
It also allows you to get to the parks earlier and meet
characters.
Thousands of people participate
in running races around the world, but in my opinion, nothing
compares to a RunDisney race, where you can run through the
magical surroundings of the Walt Disney World Resort.
Honestly, I never considered
myself much of a runner until I discovered how much fun races can
be with the power of pixie dust.
In the last three years, I’ve had the opportunity to
participate in three 5K races and one 10K and I assure you,
Disney makes every mile magical.
Like every race, the process all
starts with registering months in advanced. Currently, RunDisney
is offering
seven
distinctly-themed race weekends
at different times of the year. You can sign
up for either a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon or Challenge.
Registering for a challenge is
when racers participate in the both the 10K and half marathon
during the same race weekend. This differs from the Walt Disney
World Marathon weekend in which runners have different challenge
options, including running all four races. I know it may some
“goofy” or “dopey" but trust me, many people do it.
Each participant's registration
includes a commemorative shirt, a race bib, and medal. During the
race weekend itself, racers must visit the expo center to receive
their shirt and bib, but also have the opportunity to purchase
exclusive RunDisney merchandise and memorabilia.
I'm always a victim of purchasing an "I Did It!" shirt because
let’s be honest — I'm always shocked to complete a race.
It's all about the
outfit.
Heather
Concannon
Now if there is one thing
you should know while preparing for your race day, it’s this: it
is ALL about the outfit.
Many runners wear outfits that
match the theme or even create costumes. For example, for the
Princess race weekend, many people wear tiaras or tutus
representing their favorite Disney princess. I may not have
gotten as decked out as others, but I definitely made sure to
wear a shirt or something that matches the theme.
Now that you’ve hopefully
trained, have your bib and your costume ready, you’re ready for
the big day. No matter what race you decide to participate in, it
is an early start (typically 5:30-6:30 a.m.), as this allows Walt
Disney World to keep their parks opening regularly.
If you are staying at a Walt
Disney World Resort, complimentary transportation is available to
the start line and from the finish line. Before you join your
corral, you have the option (the first of many) to meet and greet
with some of your favorite characters. I always make sure to make
the most of this opportunity.
It's a great way to meet
characters.
Heather
Concannon
Meeting characters along the course of your race is one
of the staples of Disney races and in my opinion, one of the most
fun aspects that keep people coming back.
Imagine finishing your third mile
and seeing a bunch of stormtroopers cheering you on in front of
EPCOT's Spaceship Earth? Pretty magical.
Speaking of magical, the scenery
and sights along your race are stunning — an empty theme park,
the torches surrounding EPCOT's World Showcase glowing, the sun
rising over Cinderella's castle. Whether you are a serious runner
or a Disney lover, these sights are worth it, so don't forget to
take a moment to enjoy the view.
It give your an
unforgettable view of the park.
Heather Concannon
In addition to characters and
beautiful scenery, Disney Cast Members can be spotted along the
course cheering you on, holding posters, and some even offering
high fives. This kind of support is also seen through your fellow
runners, who will help motivate you through every mile. It is not
only Disney who creates the magic but the people who are with you
along the way that help make the race memorable.
This year, I will be running the
Star Wars 5K and 10K, with my hopes to train for the half
marathon in 2019 and hopefully the Dark Side Challenge in 2020. I
am very excited to race through the parks and see my favorite
characters along the way.
Sign up
here
to get
INSIDER's favorite stories straight to your inbox.
Read the original article on INSIDER. Follow INSIDER on Facebook. Copyright 2018. Follow INSIDER on Twitter.
Source link
No comments:
Post a Comment