Leave the rat race behind...Run with The Mouse!

"26.2 miles, are you crazy?" and "The only way I run is if someone is chasing me with a butcher knife" are just some of the comments I get when people find out I am currently training for my first marathon.  I run for many reasons:  my health, to be a positive example to my kids, to relieve stress, and to form bonds with other runners.  One other big reason I run is an excuse to go to Disney (as if you need an excuse!).  I have run various road races, and have yet to find one that comes close to a Disney race in terms of quality and overall experience! 

What makes them so much better than other races???
1.  Atmosphere:  On the course in a runDisney race, you encounter entertainment galore.  From bands to acrobats, any character you wish to meet, and huge choirs in full robes; Disney races give you great excuses to stop for a moment during your run to have your picture made with your favorite character, or in front of a wonderful Disney backdrop.

My favorites?  What other race shoots off fireworks as you start your race?  My first race, the Princess Half Marathon, I watched all the videos I could find and saw where they shoot off fireworks at the beginning.  I thought "I'll be in a later group, so I'll get to see them while waiting to start".  Really, why would I doubt Disney.  Much to my delight, as each coral came to the start line, the Fairy Godmother started us off, as fireworks were shot off for each group! 

Goosebumps is the only word to describe running down Main Street towards the castle, as it is lined with supporters cheering you on.  Probably the highlight of my run, I almost cry every time!

With less than a mile left until the finish, there is always a huge choir, in full robes, singing praise songs as you run by towards the finish!

2.  Your Goodies:  As you finish your runDisney race, you immediately get a wonderful medal for finishing.  The race shirts are extremely nice also.  Personally, I'm amazed that the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta still gives cotton T shirts.  runDisney shirts are shirts made in quality material you can actually wear to run in, and also look nice enough to wear when not running!

3.  The Variety of Challenges with runDisney Races:  runDisney offers many different races at different times during the year and different lengths.  Most races are a weekend event, kicking off with a wonderful Expo and including kids' races, Family 5K races, and races during different times of the day.  The Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon takes place at night in October, as does the Tower of Terror 10 milers at Hollywood Studios during September.  

runDisney also offers the Coast to Coast Challenge.  Run one runDisney half or full marathon at Walt Disney World, and one at DisneyLand during the same calendar year, and receive the Coast to Coast Medal.  And for the goofiest of runners:  The Goofy Challenge at Marathon Weekend.  These goofy runners run the half marathon on Saturday, and then the full marathon on Sunday!  
My personal goal (let's see if Billy actually reads my blogs, as this means alot of traveling) is to run all the runDisney races, and the last one on my list is the Goofy Challenge!

 So, leave the rat race behind and run with The Mouse!  It is an experience I guarantee is worth every penny!

Disney SpecialsMy Favorite youtube videoIncluded are links to runDisney website, personal pictures and videos, monthly specials, and one of my favorite youtube videos that I've found!www.runDisney.com