RunDisney Virtual Summer 5K Series
While many of my clients’ plans (and my own) were disrupted this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m always looking for ways to stay positive and remain connected to the magic of Disney. This summer I decided to sign up for the runDisney Virtual Summer 5K Series.
There was one 5K for each month this summer — June, July, and August 2020. The races could be completed at anytime during the month, but I picked a specific Saturday each month to run and scheduled it on my calendar. No excuses! Each race was themed around an iconic Magic Kingdom Park attraction and I received a digital bib and finisher’s certificate for each race. Runners could also download a full race kit that included Mile Markers (1-3) plus Start/Finish line. Since I just ran by myself around the neighborhood, I opted not to print these.
The first one was (admittedly one of my favorite themes) Mad Tea Cups. I ran on June 20, 2020 and completed it in about 29:40. My goal was sub-30-minutes so I was happy! I really hadn’t done much running up until then even though I had been working out regularly.
The second one was a classic — Space Mountain themed! I ran on July 18, 2020 and it was incredibly hot and humid even though I ran in the morning. While I didn’t improve my time (29:57) I was still sub-30, tried my best, and had fun.
The third made me feel like a foolish mortal for agreeing to do this in the summer — Haunted Mansion. :) I ran on August 15, 2020 and beat my time at 28:13! I was excited because I had an 8:45 split my first mile and actually did not feel like I was going to make the 1,000th ghoul in the Haunted Mansion. (For those non-Disney Trivia fanatics out there, there are 999 ghosts living in the Haunted Mansion, but those happy haunts are always ready to make room for 1 more if you’re interested in staying...permanently. Muahahaha!)
Once you’ve completed all three virtual events, you’re mailed a finishers’ medal. You could participate in just one 5K and you’d receive a medal for that one; however since I did the full series, I got a medal for each one PLUS a series challenge medal. And let me tell you - runDisney bling is NO JOKE!
In the midst of all this excitement, runDisney announced that the 2020 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend would not be happening in person to ensure the safety and public health of guests and participants. We knew it was coming, but hearing the official announcement always makes it feel real.
I had a lot of clients planning to participate this weekend and we were all super bummed this happened. Many were already well into their training plans and we had previously made dining reservations and other plans for their upcoming magical vacation. I’m so grateful that many of these participants are still planning on going to Walt Disney World for a vacation even though the race has been canceled. (Hello short wait times, low crowds, and magical moments!)
Participants were given the opportunity to turn their race registration to a virtual race, but many of my clients opted to refund their race registration. On the plus side, runDisney briefly opened up the virtual races to the public to sign up, but those sold out very quickly!
If you’re interested in pairing your next Walt Disney World vacation with a runDisney event, please contact us! I’ve participated in the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (Goofy Challenge), Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, Disneyland Half Marathon (no longer happening), and the Disney Cruise Line Castaway Cay 5k.
There is also a Castaway Cay Challenge option with the January WDW Marathon Weekend in case you didn’t get enough miles in that weekend!
“Shannon was amazing when planning for my Dopey Challenge and taking care of the extras for my family while I was running! She took all the stress out of the planning so I could actually enjoy my time. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”
I’ve been fortunate enough to help dozens of runners for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, Princess Half Marathon Weekend, and Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend and would love to help you too! By utilizing a travel agent specializing in runDisney destinations, we can pair your resort reservation package with your runDisney race registration before it opens to the public!
What are you waiting for? Let’s get running… I mean planning!
