The loss of RunDisney races at The Disneyland Resort has left a big hole in my Disney fandom heart. For several years I’ve completed at least two race weekends a year, and sometimes three 10ks a year! RunDisney at Disneyland was such a big part of my life, and I was really crushed when races were halted due to upcoming construction for the new Disneyland Resort hotel.
Back in January 2018, RunDisney announced their first virtual half marathon. The virtual races make it easy to complete a race anywhere and still receive the same rewards as everyone else. Since the Star Wars races were one of my favorites, I happily signed up for the first Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon.
Completing a virtual race is super easy – just pay your registration fee, complete the race wherever and whenever you want during the race open period, then submit your results to the RunDisney website. You’ll then receive your finisher medal in the mail once the racing period closes.
On race day I kept my running “costume” low key so I wouldn’t scare the neighbors. Thank you to Raw Threads for providing me with a fun top for this race! Shop this shirt here.
Just like any other RunDisney race, I did a few weeks of training before setting out to complete the half marathon. I mapped out a 13.1 mile course in my town of Burbank, which was pretty easy for me to do since I just completed several long training runs for my marathon training. I even included a stop by the Walt Disney Studios, and visited some duck friends in our “river.”
My legs were still a little wobbly from completing the marathon in January so I was pretty slow. One of the perks of a virtual race is there are no time limits! No pacing requirements and no balloon ladies chasing you. I ended up walking most of this race because I was having a tough time with leg cramps.
One of the downsides of a virtual race is that it can feel kind of lonely out there on the course. If at all possible, do your virtual race with a running buddy! Or do what I did, which was chat with my friends via Instagram Stories.
Another downside of completing a virtual race is Mickey is not there to cheer for you at the finish line. There are no announcers and no confetti cannons. BUT my husband and my cat were waiting for me in the front yard when I arrived home, and that’s pretty good, too.
My official “finish line” photo.
Have you completed any of the RunDisney virtual races? Registration is currently open for the Virtual Running Shorts featuring The Incredibles! It’s a series of three 5ks you complete at home over the summer. You can choose any 5k, or register for all three! Visit RunDisney to register.
