RUNDISNEY
The Dopey Challenge: Runner attempts to win all four Disney Marathon races
ORLANDO, Fla. — In 2014, runDisney added a new challenge to its marathon weekend — The Dopey Challenge. The challenge includes running the 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon races in a four-day span. She’s won the first two races of the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and hopes to become the first to sweep The Dopey Challenge. “For the half marathon, I have a wig and for the full marathon I will be spray painting my hair half black half white, hoping that this humidity holds up,” she said. Seeing different characters at every mile marker and running through the park are all part of the Disney Marathon experience.
wftv.comRunning with Mickey: runDisney announces races will resume this year
runDisney returns In-person running events return to Walt Disney World Resort this fall in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., for the start of the 2021-2022 runDisney race season. (Disney) (Hand-out/Walt Disney World Resort)Runners, get to your marks. >> Read more trending newsThe last in-person races were held in early 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancelations of the 2020-2021 races held in Walt Disney World. Learn more about the 2021- 2022 #runDisney race season: — runDisney (@runDisney) June 30, 2021On Wednesday, runDisney announced that runners will be able to compete in person, running around the Florida theme park starting with the Wine & Dine Marathon Weekend scheduled for Nov. 4 through 7. There will also be events for kids at Walt Disney World, but the former runDisney kid’s races are now being called runDisney Kids Adventures and will be “focused on health, fitness and fun for kids,” the company said.
wftv.comRunners rejoice! runDisney announces return of in-person races
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Big news for runners -- and even bigger news for runners who love all things Disney -- runDisney has announced that in-person races are coming back! The pandemic caused the cancellation of numerous annual racing events held at Walt Disney World, sidelining thousands of runners for more than a year. Learn more about the 2021- 2022 #runDisney race season: — runDisney (@runDisney) June 30, 2021Resort officials note that because COVID-19 guidelines could change before the return of on-site running in November, some adjustments may be made to upcoming race weekends in comparison to previous years. For more information about all upcoming runDisney events, including registration information, click here. And be sure to keep pace with WFTV.com and Eyewitness News for any developments regarding runDisney and Walt Disney World Resort.
wftv.comPlan ahead: Disney releases 2020-21 race calendar
Even though the 2019-20 runDisney events aren't over yet, you can start planning for the next season. Disney released the runDisney 2020-21 race calendar Thursday. Chock full of entertainment, characters and Disney magic at every mile, there's a run for everyone. Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon WeekendNov. 5-8, 2020General on sale March 19, 2020Walt Disney World Marathon WeekendJan. 6-10, 2021General on sale April 7, 2020Disney Princess Half Marathon WeekendFeb. 18-21, 2021General on sale June 9, 2020Star Wars Rival Run WeekendApr. Whether it's your first Disney race or your 50th, there's a lot to look forward to.
Disney Marathon brings in record number of runners; boosts economy
ORLANDO, Fla. – According to officials at Walt Disney World, this year's Marathon Weekend will bring the most runners ever, injecting Central Florida's economy with millions of tourism dollars in a typically slow time. Faron Kelley, of runDisney, says nearly 70,000 runners are participating in the 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon this weekend. Marathon weekend at Disney World is almost triple the size in runners registered. 26,000 people are registered for the marathon, 25,000 for the half marathon and 10,000 each for the 5K and 10K. The half marathon takes place Saturday, while the marathon happens Sunday.