Running a virtual runDisney event was on my 2020 bucket list. Luckily, this was something that I could actually do during these COVID times! RunDisney virtual races are relatively new on the scene, they’ve only been around for 5 years. But with many races being canceled and runDisney fans craving a little magic, this Summer Run Series was perfectly timed. The dates for the virtual races were April 16th – August 31st, you could complete the races any time within that window. The theme was classic Disney attractions. There was a Mad Tea Party 5k, Space Mountain 5K, and Haunted Mansion 5K. If you completed all of the races you qualified for the “challenge” medal, which was shaped like the ticket books used when the parks originally opened. Being Disney park AND running obsessed, this was a must-do for me! Read on for the full runDisney Virtual 5K Race Series recap.
Signing Up with runDisney
The day FINALLY came for the race to be posted on rundisney.com. It had been delayed for weeks, so I made sure to sign up as soon as it went on sale! I signed up for the challenge which was all three 5Ks, plus a bonus medal for completing the challenge. I noticed that everyone who registered that day seemed to get what they wanted, so I don’t think it sold out.
Extra Perks
Part of your registration includes a training program designed by Jeff Galloway, downloadable race bibs, mile signs, and finisher certificate. I didn’t use any of these, but I did save the bibs to make an awesome photo of my race times! They were a fun addition and made the races feel special.
Races 1, 2, 3
I planned my race dates at least a week in advance so I could prepare and push myself during my races. I made sure to give myself one week off between races so I could fully recover. This worked well, though I did go into race 2 with sore legs from hiking the previous week!
Since I wanted to track my progress for the three races, I ran the same course each time. It was a fairly flat loop around a nearby school. This way I could focus on running without any obstacles. I surprised myself by running faster every race. Each 5K I shaved off about 20 seconds! I had a goal time in mind, which I didn’t quite reach, but I was very pleased with my times during a rather hectic period in my life. I was only 30 seconds short of my goal, which wasn’t bad considering I thought I would be training for most of August instead of running my last race at the end of July!
After each race, I celebrated with a small treat and some relaxation. I was even a little sore the following days! I definitely pushed myself to run the fastest I could!
Bling!
The hardest part of the challenge was not the running, it was waiting for my sweet sweet medals! Disney knows how to make amazing bling, and these were no exception. My medals came in the mail mid-August, well after my 5Ks, but I still wore them around my house with pride! I can’t decide which one I like the most, they are all so unique and special. This makes me want to run the Dopey challenge (all the races during marathon weekend) so I can get more beautiful medals! =)
Conclusion
Running the runDisney Virtual Summer series motivated me and gave me goals during the hot summer months. It felt great to push myself and clock some fast miles. While it isn’t the cheapest virtual race you can find (runDisney is always legit EXPENSIVE) it was worth the money for me. I LOVE Disney and running (duh, that’s why I write about it!), so I didn’t mind paying a premium for those amazing medals. I wish I had put more thought into my outfits like I would for an in-person race. On social media I saw so many cute ideas for race-themed outfits, you can really go all out! Maybe next time I will do something special. For now, I’m happy with my races and still loving my bling
For more ideas on how to make your virtual race AMAZING, read this!
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This is so cute! I’m always looking for new ways to motivate myself, and this sounds like something that would work! Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad you enjoyed this. I didn’t think a virtual race sounded quite as good as the real thing….
Awesome! What a great accomplishment! I remember how excited I was to run a Disney race many, many years ago. Keep on running and dreaming!!!
This is such a cool idea and great achievement!! Congrats!
Wow I love the medals! Totally reminds me of when I was younger and I would collect pins at Disney, I used to love that.
I had no idea Disney did virtual runs, how FUN! Especially in times like these. I grew up in Orlando so am familiar with their big races, but will have to look into when they’ll be doing another one of these.