Why not bring a little magic to your running with Run Disney! 

                                                                                            By: Leslie MacPhee

"So All I have to do is train to run a race and raise

some funds for charity and I will get to

go to Walt Disney World? I'm In!"

Little did I know those words I said to my co-worker back in 2002 would change my life! At the time I was working for a local radio station and we were the media sponsor to a race happening at Walt Disney World. As many people did I grew up watching the Wide World of Disney on Sunday nights. For my sister, four brothers and I it was a great way to end the weekend. I remember one night at the start I looked at the TV and thought to my 5 year old self " I don't know how but I am going to get to Walt Disney World someday" 

Flash forward some twenty four years and I had found my way.  I was heading to Florida for the first time to participate in the Run Disney Marathon Weekend. I had spent months training and fundraising. I was ready. Thankfully my co-worker was smart enough to realize I had no idea what was coming. She suggested we run in the Run For the Cure. It was a beautiful fall day, the music was pumping and there were a lot of people waiting to start. When the gun went off I asked my co-worker if something was wrong. She laughed and explained that because there were so many people it would take awhile to cross the start line. In 2002 Run Disney had the half and full marathons on the same day. These days there are so many participants each race has their own day. Along with a few new races. Your race day starts at 3:30 am. You need to get up and ready and onto the Magical Express and get to the start area. The actual race starts at 5:30 am.  Depending on the time you told Run Disney you expect to finish in they put you in a coral with other runners. At the start of the race fireworks go off.  The mile makers (yes its in miles not Kilometres) are awesome.  The course can take you through the Disney parks, past local stores, along highways and up over overpasses. I remember at one point looking behind me and seeing hundreds of participants then looking forward and seeing hundreds of participants. Well at least I wouldn't get lost. As well all along the race course there are amazing Disney Cast Members cheering you along. Also there are Disney Characters to cheer you on - I once saw Darth Vader..I ran a bit faster that time! 

Since I had registered for the 1/2 marathon I would run through Cinderella's Castle. As I approached Cinderella's Castle the song "It's A Small World" was playing and I remembered telling my 5 year old self that I would get to Walt Disney World.  Well of course the minute I saw the castle in all its glory I started to cry. The next thing I knew people were asking me if I was ok! I was, felt a bit silly, but I was doing just great! It was a amazing race. In 2006 I had planned on running the full marathon at Walt Disney. This was the year Run Disney introduced the "Goofy's Race and a Half" Well that seemed like a logical choice to make. Who wouldn't want to run 39.3 miles in two days. I would go on to run that challenge in 2006 and 2008! I have also run the Wine and Dine. When I did this race in 2012 and 2013 it was at night which was beautiful. Run Disney has done a great job adding new races like the Princess Weekend and the Star Wars Revival weekend. They have also kept the original marathon weekend - adding the Dopey Challenge..48.6 miles over four days! The weather, especially for us Canadians, is awesome. the expos are always jammed packed with great vendors and fun and of course there are the finisher medals!  Run Disney is smart enough to not only have awesome races to run but also they change their...or should I say YOUR medals. This way you get a new gorgeous medal with each race! The best part is when you visit the Disney Parks after your race it is tradition to wear your "bling" proudly! Just remember to tuck your medal (s) away on the rides. 

 Running has become a huge part of my life. As a certified Disney Travel Agent I can plan a great vacation for you. As a runner who has participated in 5 and counting Run Disney events I can guide you through the races. I am excited to say I am taking a small group to the 2021 Walt Disney Marathon Weekend. I will be running the 5k and the 10k. Run Disney races tend to sell out in a very short time. I am lucky enough to have a number of Run Disney packages (5k & 10k in 2021) If you or someone you know would like to join our group all you have to do is contact me. After all Running at Walt Disney World is in one word...Magical!