BAY LAKE, Fla. – Calling all joggers!
RunDisney is touting its newest lineup of virtual events that runners can take part in without even having to leave the neighborhood.
Imagine taking part in a runDisney 5K event without having to set that 3 a.m. alarm to get to the starting line. Sounds pretty incredible, right?
Through runDisney’s virtual series, runners can go the distance and take on the challenge by participating at their own time and pace -- and practically anywhere you choose.
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“Virtual races started back in 2016 for runDisney,” said Audra Wason, manager of sports development. “There was a growing popularity of virtual races so we added that to our portfolio and it’s just another way runners can engage with the brand, participate in our races and earn medals -- even when we’re not able to host races here at Walt Disney World.”
According to Running USA’s 2022 Global Runner Survey of 5,000 runners, last year 49% of runners said they had participated in virtual events over the last 12 months. The study showed of those who participated in virtual events the average number of virtual races was 18, with 18% of participants choosing to run in virtual events rather than in-person events.
RunDisney has six virtual series available each year, many of which coincide with in-person races held at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.
The company said the popularity of virtual races continues to grow each year, with more than 50,000 virtual runners from all 50 states running each race season.
When a runner signs up to participate, they get a number of resources, including training plans from Jeff Galloway, a themed playlist, a digital bib and a finisher certificate and printable mile markers. No race would be complete without one of runDisney’s sought-after medals.
“You get a full experience of running a runDisney event -- it just happens to be taking place at home,” Wason said.
This summer, runners are taking part in the Disney100 virtual series.
The series, which honors the centennial of the Walt Disney Animation Studios, features Mickey Mouse through the years, including the Steamboat Willie 5K, the Sorcerer’s Apprentice 5K and the Runaway Railway 5K. Those who participate in all-three 5Ks are eligible to receive the The Disney 100 Challenge medal, which also includes a magnet.
To make each virtual race truly special, the company selects a charity to donate a portion of the proceeds to. During the summer series, runDisney is donating some of the proceeds to A Gift for Teaching, an organization that helps students in Orange and Osceola counties.
All new for this year, runDisney plans to begin a holiday virtual series being called the “12K’s of Christmas.”
“It’s going to take part during the month of December. Runners are going to have the opportunity to train for their Walt Disney World Marathon or Disney Princess Half Marathon Race or use this time to get active with the family during the holidays,” Wason explained. “As part of their amenities for that race, they’re going to get three 4K medals, as well as a challenge medal. The thing that is unique to these medals, which we have never done before, these medals will double as a holiday ornament!”
In addition to getting medals for this race, runners will also get a CORKCICLE holiday mug, hot cocoa kit and hoodie. Runners will not be allowed to sign up for each 4K, but instead will sign up the entire challenge, allowing them to participate in all three 4K races.
Registration for the holiday virtual series opens July 25.
For guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, they can take on a virtual series by running at one of the resort’s 16 running trails. Many of the resorts have signage showing maps around each of the resorts. The next in-person runDisney event is the 2023 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. For those hoping to participate in the race weekend virtually, all races except the 5K are available.
Click here to learn more about a runDisney race and ways to get involved.
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