runDisney

Neverland 5K Finish Line

Running is not something I ever wanted to do. Or even thought I could do. In fact, when one of my friends started running, I laughed in his face about how that would never be me. Then someone let me in on what was originally kind of a little-known fact. You can run in the happiest place on earth.

Now... I run Disney.

Okay, I'm not one of the amazing folks who run the big races. But, I do run the 5Ks. And I LOVE it.

Right off the bat, I'll tell you: They are more expensive than the usual runs you can participate in. And now, with runs trying to out-do each other with creative twists, like foam or powdered ink or obstacles, you can find fun (yes, actually fun!) runs all over, and many are cheaper.

BUT, they aren't Disney. For runDisney, you are running through the theme parks when they are closed. Not just the areas the normal folk get to go, either. Some of the courses bring you back stage and even underground.

Star Wars 5K Expo Exit

You start off your experience with the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo. This is where you'll go to pick up your race packet and shirt. This expo is also chock-full of booths and panels where you can buy things or learn about racing strategies and food concepts. And, sometimes they have autograph sessions with some of the celebrities that also runDisney.

On your race, you see many sights that you couldn't ordinarily see.

Disneyland Cast Members Lockers

Avengers 5K Logo projected on Radiator Springs

Tea Cups spinning while runners pass

Some of the biggest draws to the Disney races, are the character photo ops. Scattered throughout the course, you'll find characters waiting to pose for photos with the runners. Some of the better characters tend to get longer lines, so, if you are going to do a Disney race, choose the characters you wait for wisely.

Black Widow - Avengers 5K

Goofy & Pluto - Neverland 5K

In true Disney fashion, they celebrate everyone who runs. Not just the fastest. This photo is of the man who was the final finisher of the Star Wars 5K. They shot confetti and had a group of CMs and racers there to cheer him on!

Confetti Cannon for the Final Finisher - Star Wars 5K

There are photo opportunities all along the course. MarathonFoto will be taking pictures you can buy, but pretty much anywhere you go, you can take your own pictures.

Finish Line Photo - Star Wars 5K

The gear you get for a Disney race is pretty amazing. The shirts are always great (5Ks get tees, but all the longer races get tech shirts.) You also have the option to buy limited edition pin trading pins for the events. The pins are usually really great. And, everyone who finishes, gets a medal (rubber medallions for the 5K and Kids Races, metal medals for the longer races).

Race Gear - Star Wars 5K

And, after your races, you should definitely take a trip into the parks (once they open!). The characters really love to see your medals, and people will congratulate you all day.

If you're interested in running with runDisney, I suggest you go to the website and sign up to be notified when race registration goes live. They aren't a secret anymore and some sell out within hours. I'll be signing up for notice for the next race. And this time I'm going to go for a longer one.

I want some metal.