First, let me say that I was one of the lucky ones. Not only was I able to secure registration for runDisney's Wine and Dine Half Marathon for the third year in a row, my mom, my dad, and I were all able to get registrations for the Jingle Jungle 5k (the first time running this event for all of us!). We were all working on separate computers and entered the queue right at noon. Each one of us had to wait anywhere from 7-12 minutes to complete our registrations. My mom got through for the 5K first, then I got into the half. I quickly also registered for the 5K and finally my dad got into the 5K as well. It took us all about 15 minutes to all complete our registration processes. I was flabbergasted when the registration filled up in a little over half an hour. I thought my insistence that we all register at noon was my own special brand of runDisney crazy. Nope!
The start line of the Wine and Dine Half Marathon last year
Having participated in runDisney the past couple of years, it definitely is true that "every mile is magic." One of the most special aspects of runDisney is all of the other participants. runDisney events are possibly the most beginner friendly races I have ever seen. runDisney is often the motivation for people to take up running and feel that sense of accomplishment crossing the finish line. Last year, I had to line up in my corral by myself. I was immediately making new friends and talking to other runners. It is just an awesome experience.
Which is why it's so sad to hear all the negative things people have to say on social media. Yes. The registration process was STRESSFUL. Yes, it's awful to only have some family members get in. Yes, it's awful to be shut out entirely. I also recognize that I'm writing from the place of all of us getting into our desired races. HOWEVER...
runDisney is supposed to be fun. It is not a place to complain about others. So what if people walk the races. So what if people run the whole way. I've seen so much complaining from front of the packers about back of the packers and the same from the other way around. First of all, we should be encouraging everyone to get fit and healthy, and if runDisney is the thing that does it, that's fantastic! Second, I really feel if you are running a Disney race for time, you're missing out on the fun. I worked very hard last year for a good proof of time to end up in Corral A, just for the sake of better pictures (foiled of course by Splash 'n' Dash). Finally, I've heard people complain about people that get swept. ANYTHING can happen during the training for a race or during the race itself. You have to respect the distance. How about we show a little compassion and a little kindness to others? Just some food for thought.
Here's some FUN pictures from the past couple of years (last year's recap will be up soon...or at least before this year's Wine and Dine) :)
My dad and I during the Animal Kingdom portion of Wine and Dine in 2013
Hanging out with Buzz & Woody in the Studios (and happy to get out of the rain) at Splash N Dash 2014
