The popularity of runDisney events at Walt Disney World and Disneyland has soared over the last few years. Numerous events seem to sell out on registration day in the blink of an eye.
Sometimes the cost of the race itself can be prohibitive, but often the real price tag is all that comes along with getting to and staying at Disney Parks for the races and the corresponding expo.
Perhaps this is what has brought this little gem to light.
Anyone who has trained for a distance race in this internet age has likely seen various “Virtual Races” where you complete a distance at your own time and place, but still get the coveted bling at the end.
From the looks of the runDisney website, Disney may have caught on to this virtual hype!
According to the site, starting on May 15, 2016, your 3.1 miles at home can earn you some special bling—a Mickey-themed medal!
You can even sign up for a challenge series, in good runDisney fashion, and earn four medals for three runs!
The runDisney Blog has posted a sneak peak of the first medal– the yellow shoes. The following medals will be the iconic red pants and white gloves of Mickey Mouse himself.
Registration is still completed through Active, just as you would in-park versions of runDisney races, and registration is open NOW!
What do you think? Is a Virtual 5k the same? Or does it lose the Disney magic without the time in the parks?
Is this a great idea to enable those who can’t afford the whole trip to still “run Disney”? Or is it just another way to get more money into the Disney pockets?
Is it a reaction to lower registrations now that runDisney prices continue to go up, while course time in the parks goes down with all the construction?
Either way, I know at least one Disney runner who would still like these medals. It might even be the only thing that convinces me to check out those trails and paths by so many of the hotels on my next trip so that the miles can still be done Disney-style.
And since so many virtual 5ks out there already cost $30 each, a runDisney offering for $39 that is benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, doesn’t sound too terrible.
Photos courtesy of runDisney.
