Last July I got my first taste of runDisney during the ESPN Wide World of Sports Event and I have been hooked ever since. I am itching to get back to Disney to participate in one of their many amazing races such as the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort. Registration opens today, March 4th, for the fifth anniversary of the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon. The fun thing about this years race is runners who sign up will have the chance to earn a one-time-only fifth anniversary medal.
The all-new commemorative medal will be distinctive and unique, a collectors’ item for anyone who completes the 13.1-mile nighttime race on Nov. 9 through Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. The race weekend will also include Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K and runDisney Kids races on Nov. 8.
Immediately following the half marathon, runners and their families will have the opportunity to celebrate until 4 am at the popular Finish Line Party during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival inside Epcot. The Finish Line Party features more than 25 kiosks offering fine cuisine and wine from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, plus Disney characters, musical performances and the opportunity to ride signature Epcot attractions. Oh I hope Test Track is open…that’s my favorite!
There will also be a Disney Wine & Dine Pre-Race Taste on Nov. 7, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This special ticketed evening event offers runners and fans a private reception on the set of Lights, Motor, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, featuring food and beverages from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, music and meet & greets with Disney characters.
The race weekend kicks off with the Disney Health and Fitness Expo on Nov. 7-8, at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World. The expo, which is free and open to the public, offers the latest in running apparel, technology and a speaker series featuring running experts such as runDisney official training consultant Jeff Galloway and runDisney nutritionist Tara Gidus.
To register for the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend races and to purchase tickets for the Disney Wine & Dine Pre-Race Taste and Finish Line Party at Epcot, visit www.runDisney.com. Runners can access specially priced theme park tickets and accommodations after registering for the event by calling 407-939-iRUN.
Schedule of Events:
Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo
Nov. 7 – 8
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Disney Wine & Dine Pre-Race Taste
Nov. 7, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K
Nov. 8, 7 am
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
runDisney Kids Races
Nov. 8, 10 am
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon
Nov. 9, 10 pm
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Finish Line Party
Nov. 9, 10 pm – 4 am
Epcot
This is sure to be one of the best runDisney events of the year! I am REALLY hoping that I can make it this year. With so many amazing activities going on it would be the perfect time to visit Disney World. In the past runDisney events have ran out fast, especially the more popular ones, so if your interested in running I would get your ticket ASAP.
Have you ever ran a runDisney race? I would love to hear what you thought!