It's only fitting that the OC Register would use a picture of Richard in their article... He was always a staple at these events! |
runDisney announced on Wednesday of last week that it would be canceling its race events at Disneyland Resort starting in 2018. Races at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris will remain in place. The reason given for the cancellation was they believe the new Star Wars Land and Disney hotel construction will greatly impact the races.
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Let's just say that runDisney runners are a passionate group, which can be seen not only in their costume creation but also in the outrage that surfaced once the announcement was made. I saw folks claiming they deserve not only refunds (which they will be given) but refunds PLUS INTEREST for the registration fees they had paid. #Ouch
Source These people be CRAY-CRAY! |
You know I gotta keep it real, so here goes... When I first heard the news I was relieved {and a gasp broke out over the crowd}... Hear me out... The 2012 Disneyland Half Marathon was my first half marathon and the reason I got into running from the get-go. I returned to the Disneyland Half every year as a way to celebrate my running anniversary.
Crossing the finish line at the 2017 Disneyland Half (my sixth year running it and my fifth year running the Dumbo Double Dare Challenge) |
Well, let's just say that over the years the races have lost a little of their magic in my opinion. Maybe it was me, maybe it was the sense of corporate money grabbing, maybe it was a little of everything... Whatever the case, I knew that when registration opened for the 2018 race that I would have a hard decision on my hands (which I alluded to in my recap).
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With the canceling of the Disneyland races I no longer have to make that call. It's done and the verdict is in.
Not only was I relieved to have the decision made for me, but we will save upwards of $750 for ONE race weekend (registration for Dumbo Double Dare {which included a 10K on Saturday and Half Marathon on Sunday} was $350, the hubby usually ran one of the races which was another $200, and hotel was at least $200 for two nights). runDisney prices were always steep, but in the past I paid them happily... recently I struggled to justify the enormous price tags.
Source I used to throw my money freely at runDisney events... but now think of all the races we could run or the adventures we could take... |
But runDisney events are not only about the miles and medals, they're about the people. Although my wallet may not be mad, my heart is super sad. I have a ton of friends who come into town to run the runDisney events and the thought of seeing them less makes me want to cry. I know I've said it a billion and a half times, but the running community truly ROCKS MY SOCKS and I'll definitely miss seeing everyone during those four race weekends throughout the year.
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My heart may be torn, but like the saying goes "it is what it is". Until they decide to bring races back to Disneyland (their announcement didn't make it sound like they would be returning, but we can always hope), I'll keep on keepin' on.
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I will be forever grateful that runDisney helped me find my passion, helped me find my people, helped me find my pleasure. Thank you, runDisney, for the magic and for the memories - they (and you) will not soon be forgotten!
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What are your thoughts on the runDisney announcement?
1 comment:
thank u
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