The RunDisney Races are exclusive Disney experiences, that take you behind the scenes of the parks and even through the parks, with crowds galore cheering you on (even sometimes the animals *nods* to Animal Kingdom when I ran the marathon). It is a one of a kind exclusive behind the scenes race that is well produced and organized by the cast.  These races all started in 1994 with the inaugural MARATHON, and they grow more and more every year.

I posed the question of WHY on reddit with the marathon coming up, to see the reasons why everyone wants to run these races, and the results vary with –

• It’s a chance to run a race just for fun (not competitively), it’s Disney so it’s relaxing.  It brings back the love of running.
• The supportive atmosphere
• And you can see the parks NOT busy with backstage experiences.
• Health – running of course is very healthy
• It’s a challenge that makes you want to do it more
• Smaller distances can be done with your kids
• Excuse to take a vacation
• Wear your medals (and most cases you don’t after other races)
• Can run in costumes
• Entertainment on the course
• It’s Disney!

After reviewing all the answers above from reddit, I fully agree with ALL of the responses to my question.  I have ran the marathon for my first RunDisney experience and I still remember the DJ’s on the course, the crowd support, Animal Kingdom bringing out some of the animals for photo ops and support, and the entrance to Epcot realizing I had 1.2 miles left.   I have also ran the Disneyland Half (right before their hiatus), it was another great experience, at that I met one of my running hero’s Jeff Galloway and we discussed his Mental Health training book. Which, if you think about is the RunDisney races are very good for mental racing, it gets you out of your head and enjoying the experiences around you. Overall, I think it’s great for all to have novice or experience runners.

So to those running this weekend, GOOD LUCK and enjoy the experience.