If You Register a Runner for a RunDisney Race- A Magical Miles Story
They’ll ask you for some running shoes.
RunDisney races are chalked full of little moments that add up to create truly magical miles. If you’ve ever run a RunDisney race, you know—the excitement, the chaos, the pre-dawn delirium, and the absolute pixie-dusted perfection of it all.
So, for your entertainment (and my nostalgia), I present my picture book debut:
If You Register a Runner for a RunDisney Race…
they are going to ask you for some running shoes.
Once they have their running shoes
they’ll want you to take them on a training run.
While on the training run
you’ll realize they’re definitely going to need some mid-run fuel—so you’ll hand them an energy gel packet.
After taking their energy gel
they’ll remember that they need to start crafting their RunDisney race costume.
While finishing their costume
they’ll realize that it’s time to head to the RunDisney Health & Fitness Expo!
Once they get to the Expo
they’ll immediately beeline for their race bib pickup and check their corral placement.
You’ll See Their Corral Assignment
and will need to set a 2:30 AM race day alarm for them.
When their 2:30 AM alarm goes off
they’ll briefly reconsider all of their life choices—before jumping out of bed and heading to the pre-race staging area.
While at the Pre-Race events
they’ll see the port-o-potties and decide to go while they’re clean.
In the port-a-potty (not pictured)
they’ll check the time and realize—it’s corral o’clock!
Once in their corral
they’ll suddenly realize it’s actually pretty stinkin cold even though it’s Florida, so they’ll wrap up in their mylar blanket
While wrapped up toasty warm in their mylar blanket
they’ll notice that the crowd is slowly shuffling towards the starting line.
As they near the starting line
RunDisney fireworks will go off, signaling the start of the race.
While running
they’ll spot a Disney character photo op and jump in line (because pics or it didn’t happen.)
Standing in line will remind them
them that they actually need to get going because…
The Balloon Ladies are coming!
Seeing the Balloon Ladies will send them sprinting ahead
and somewhere along the way, a lovely volunteer will hand them a packet of Jelly Belly Sport Beans.
The Sport Beans provide just enough energy
to push through the final stretch to the finish line, where they will claim the coveted RunDisney finisher medal.
And chances are…
If you give a runner a RunDisney finisher medal…
They’ll ask for another RunDisney race registration to go with it.
(…Probably while still wearing their medal from this one.)
And there you have it.
These are just some of the motifs surrounding RunDisney that you will hear all about if you register for a race.
They are also found in my Magical Miles collection— check it out!
From the pre-race jitters to the character stops, the crazy early mornings, and the pure post-race euphoria, RunDisney races are an experience like no other. Whether you're running for the bling, the parks, or just the bragging rights, you’ll find yourself hooked.
Have you experienced the fairytale of the RunDisney finish line?
Drop your favorite RunDisney race moment in the comments!
And if you’re thinking about signing up for your first RunDisney race, just know… it won’t be your last.
xoxo
-A
