Has the Omission of Tower of Terror 10 Miler from runDisney Schedule Confirmed DHS Construction?

Tower of Terror 10 Miler

runDisney has confirmed their 2015/2016 event calendar and what is notable by its absence is the Tower of Terror 10 Miler. The Tower of Terror 10 miler has previously been held in early October.

This immensely  popular 10 mile race at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has sold out every year that it’s been run, so its omission may very well point to something else taking place at the Studios preventing the race from being staged.

Do we wonder what that something else could be? With the recent closure of the Studio Backlot Tour, the possible expansion of Toy Story Mania, and the continual speculation of Star Wars land and a new Pixar area – all signs seem to point to a large redevelopment of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The dropping of the Tower of Terror 10 Miler from the schedule appears to be the first official, yet indirect, confirmation that something is indeed going to be happening during the next couple of years.

 

runDisney Announces Goofy Giveback

Goofy Giveback

Last week millions of viewers across the country witnessed an amazing transformation. They tuned into ABC’s hit summer series “Extreme Weight Loss” and watched as show hosts Chris and Heidi Powell guided a father/daughter team through a reward challenge at the 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna.

The social media response to Jeff and Juliana’s story was incredible. Viewers shared how they were inspired and motivated by the father / daughter story. Many pledged to make changes and adopt a healthy active lifestyle. And several people expressed that they would like to take participate in the 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, but it was sold out.

Well Disney has good news for you.

Based on the overwhelming guest response runDisney is pleased to announce the “Goofy Giveback”, a unique opportunity for you to participate in the 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon.

Want more details? Take a look at this announcement video.

runDisney Releases Images of Tower of Terror 10 Miler Weekend Medals

runDisney ToT

If you are one of the more than 16,000 runners ‘dropping in’ to participate in The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend, October 3-4, at Walt Disney World Resort, then we have a little motivation to help you with your training.

From the youngest runners in the runDisney Kids Races to the most experienced runners in the Disney Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and the 10-Miler, we often hear, “it’s all about the ‘bling’.” With that in mind, we are excited to share what waits for you at the finish lines of this year’s events.

There will be no tricks, just treats when kids receive the Halloween-inspired Donald Duck medallion for participating in the diaper dash, 100m, 200m 400m and 1-Mile races.

Be careful of hitchhiking ghosts if you are participating in the Disney Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run. New this year, the medallion glows in the dark!

And nothing can be more fitting than the 2014 The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler medal, featuring The Hollywood Tower Hotel. Not only does this medal glow in the dark, the elevator moves up and down.

 

runDisney Announces All-New Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend at the Disneyland® Resort

star-wars-events-media

May the Force be with you during the all-new Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend at the Disneyland® Resort. It’s a weekend journey to a galaxy far, far away featuring various runs, special events, Disney entertainment, your favoriteStar Wars and Disney characters to cheer you along the course, and much, much more!

Choose your Destiny!  There’s a run for Jedi Knights and Padawans of every age and skill level including the Star WarsHalf Marathon, Star Wars 10K and Star Wars 5K, and the runDisney Kid Races.  Put yourself to the ultimate test and join the Star Wars Rebel Challenge combining the Star Wars 10K and Half Marathon for an out-of-this-world running adventure.  As Jedi Master Yoda says, “Do or do not. There is no try!”  So DO be a part of the inaugural 2015 Star WarsHalf Marathon Weekend, January 15-18, 2015.

Registration for the Inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend opens at Noon EDT on June 10, 2014. Sign up here for an email reminder.

Weekend events will include:

Star Wars Half Marathon

Sunday, January 18, 2015

5:30 a.m.

Start/Finish: Disneyland® Resort

The Power of the Force meets the Magic of Disney!

Jump into hyperspace and feel the power of the Force during the first-ever Star Wars Half Marathon run at theDisneyland® Resort.  It’s a 13.1 mile intergalactic adventure in the most magical place on Earth. Your course takes you through Disney California Adventure® Park, past Disneyland® Park, and then on to the terrestrial streets of surrounding areas.  Follow the path to the Light Side with your Star Wars favorites cheering you on your galactic journey.   Never underestimate the power of the Dark Side. Darth Vader and the Forces of the Dark Side are not far behind!

The Star Wars Half Marathon Highlights

  • Timed Half Marathon race
  • 13.1-mile course through Disneyland® Resort and the surrounding areas
  • Star Wars Characters, Disney Characters and Entertainment on-course
  • Family Reunion Area with live entertainment and characters at the Finish Line
  • Race within walking distance when you stay at a Disneyland® Resort Hotel
  • Event transportation included when you stay at select Anaheim Area Hotels

Star Wars Half Marathon Race Participants Receive

  • Commemorative Finisher Medal*
  • Champion® Long-Sleeved Tech Shirt in Women’s or Men’s Cut*
  • Official Digital Event Guide*
  • iGiftBag
  • Personalized bib (Must register before October 10, 2014 for name to appear on bib)*
  • On-course and post-race refreshments
  • ChronoTrack B-tag timed race with live runner tracking signup for friends and family
  • Personalized results website

To receive the Star Wars Rebel Challenge Finisher Medal, you must register for the Star Wars Rebel Challenge. Registering for the 10K and Half Marathon individually will not make you eligible to receive the Star Wars Rebel Challenge Finisher Medal.

Dates, times, prices and inclusions subject to change. All races are subject to capacity limits and may close at any time before the percentage can be updated. Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

*Participants must attend Packet Pick-up at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo to receive their race packet, bib, and tech shirt. Finisher medals will be distributed to finishers during the race. None of these items will be mailed to registrants.

Star Wars Rebel Challenge

Saturday, January 17 & Sunday, January 18, 2015

Start/Finish: Disneyland® Resort

The Ultimate Test for a Star Wars rebel!

Welcome to the rebel alliance! Now you can use the Force to amplify your strength and endurance in the ultimate test of your running skills during the Star Wars Rebel Challenge combining the Star Wars 10K on Saturday with the Star WarsHalf Marathon on Sunday. You’ll need all the power of the Force for this 2-day, 19.3-mile run. Rebels who finish both races are awarded the Star Wars Rebel Challenge Finisher Medal in addition to the Half Marathon and 10K Finisher Medals.

You must register for the Star Wars Rebel Challenge to receive the Star Wars Rebel Challenge medal upon completion of both races within the pacing requirements.

Star Wars Rebel Challenge Highlights

  • Two courses through Disneyland® Resort and the surrounding areas totaling 19.3 miles
  • Star Wars Characters, Disney Characters and Entertainment on-course
  • Family Reunion Area with live entertainment and characters
  • Race within walking distance when you stay at a Disneyland®Resort Hotel
  • Event transportation included when you stay at select Anaheim Area Hotels

Star Wars Rebel Challenge Participants Receive:

  • Champion® Long-Sleeved Tech Shirt in Women’s or Men’s Cut for the Half Marathon, 10K and Star Wars Rebel Challenge*
  • Special Star Wars Rebel Challenge Finisher Medal, along with Star Wars Half Marathon and Star Wars 10K Finisher Medals for completing the Half Marathon and 10K*
  • Official Digital Event Guide*
  • iGiftBag
  • Personalized bib (Must register by October 10, 2014 for name to appear on bib)*
  • On-course and post-race refreshments
  • ChronoTrack B-tag timed races, with live runner tracking signup for friends and family
  • Personalized Half Marathon results website

To receive the Star Wars Rebel Challenge Finisher Medal, you must register for the Star Wars Rebel Challenge. Registering for the 10K and Half Marathon individually will not make you eligible to receive the Star Wars Rebel Challenge Finisher Medal.

Dates, times, prices and inclusions subject to change. All races are subject to capacity limits and may close at any time before the percentage can be updated. Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

* Participants must attend Packet Pick-up at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo to receive their race packet, bib, and tech shirt. Finisher medals will be distributed to finishers during the race. None of these items will be mailed to registrants.

Star Wars 10K

Saturday, January 17, 2015

5:30 a.m.

Start/Finish: Disneyland® Resort

Feel the power of the Force!

The Star Wars 10K race begins on Disneyland Drive where you’ll pass under the Downtown Disney® District on your way into Disney California Adventure® Park.  There you’ll make your way through all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood Blvd, race down Route 66, and past breathtaking Paradise Bay.  The race will travel down turn-of-the-century Main Street U.S.A., before it makes its way around the Rivers of America. After Disneyland®Park, the race will cut through Downtown Disney® by the Disneyland® Hotel continuing on to the City of Anaheim.  You’ll race through the enchanting, historic neighborhoods of downtown Anaheim, down the Anaheim Center Street Promenade and past Anaheim Ice on your way towards City Hall. Before returning to the Disneyland® Resort, you’ll make your way past the Anaheim GardenWalk and then it’s on to a spectacular finish near Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel.

Star Wars 10K Race Highlights

  • Timed 10K race
  • 10K course through the Disneyland® Resort
  • Star Wars Characters, Disney Characters and Entertainment on-course
  • Race within walking distance when you stay at a Disneyland® Resort Hotel
  • Event transportation included when you stay at select Anaheim Area Hotels

Star Wars 10K Race Participants Receive:

  • Champion® Long-Sleeved Tech Shirt in Women’s or Men’s Cut**
  • 10K Finisher medal
  • Official Digital Event Guide**
  • iGiftBag
  • Personalized bib (Must register by October 10, 2014 for name to appear on bib)*
  • On-course and post-race refreshments
  • ChronoTrack B-tag timed race with live runner tracking signup for friends and family

To receive the Star Wars Rebel Challenge Finisher Medal, you must register for the Star Wars Rebel Challenge.  Registering for the 10K and Half Marathon individually will not make you eligible to receive the Star Wars Rebel Challenge Finisher Medal.

Dates, times, prices and inclusions subject to change. All races are subject to capacity limits and may close at any time before the percentage can be updated. Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

*Participants must attend Packet Pick-up at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo to receive their race packet, bib, and tech shirt. Finisher medals will be distributed to finishers during the race. None of these items will be mailed to registrants.

Star Wars 5K

Friday, January 16, 2015

5:30 a.m.

Start/Finish: Disneyland® Resort

Make it a Jedi Adventure!

Make it a Jedi event and bring out the whole gang Friday morning for the Star Wars 5K. May the force be with you as you make your way through the thrilling Disney California Adventure® Park, followed by a run along magical Main Street U.S.A. and past Star Tours in Disneyland® Park. It’s an intergalactic adventure for adults, teens, and tweens.

Star Wars 5K Run Highlights

  • 5K course through the Disneyland® Resort
  • Star Wars Characters, Disney Characters and Entertainment on-course
  • Race within walking distance when you stay at a Disneyland® Resort Hotel
  • Event transportation included when you stay at select Anaheim Area Hotels

Star Wars 5K Run Participants Receive:

  • 5K Unisex T-shirt*
  • 5K Finisher medallion*
  • Official Digital Event Guide*
  • iGiftBag
  • Personalized bib (Must register by October 10, 2014 for name to appear on bib)*
  • Post-race refreshments

Dates, times, prices and inclusions subject to change. All races are subject to capacity limits and may close at any time before the percentage can be updated. Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

* Participants must attend Packet Pick-up at runDisney Health & Fitness Expo to receive their race packet, bib, and t-shirt. Finisher medallions will be distributed to finishers during the race. None of these items will be mailed to registrants.

runDisney Kids Races

Saturday, January 17, 2015  

Location: Simba Parking Lot near Downtown Disney® District

Jedi training for the tiniest Padawans!

It’s never too early to start your Jedi training! Every child eight and younger is invited to join the fun and participate in the runDisney Kids Races during the Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend. Encourage your child to be a part of the excitement and sign up for any of the Kids Dashes. There’s even a Diaper Dash for crawlers! Space is limited. Each participant goes home a winner with a Finisher Medallion to remember all the magic.

Parents are allowed to run with their children, but only registered children will receive a finisher medallion. The event will follow a rolling start beginning with the 100m dash followed by the 200m, 400m and Diaper Dash.

runDisney Kids Races Age Groups

  • 12 months and under – Diaper Dash for crawlers
  • 1-3 years old – 100m dash
  • 4-6 years old – 200m dash
  • 7-8 years old – 400m dash

runDisney Kids Races Participants Receive

  • runDisney Kids Races T-shirt*
  • Kids Race Finisher medallion*
  • Personalized race bib (Must register by October 10, 2014 for name to appear on bib)*
  • Post-race refreshments

Dates, times and prices subject to change. Some Kids Races event categories may fill up before others. All races are subject to capacity limits and may close at any time before the percentage can be updated. Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

*Participants must attend Packet Pick-up at runDisney Health & Fitness Expo to receive their race packet, bib, and t-shirt. Finisher medallions will be distributed to finishers at the conclusion of the race. None of these items will be mailed to registrants.

Star Wars Wookiee Welcome Party

Thursday, January 15, 2015

9:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Location: Disneyland® Park

Kick off your Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend with your fellow Jedi’s at the Star WarsWookiee Welcome Party!

The Star Wars Wookiee Welcome Party features:

  • Private Party in Tommorrowland
  • Character Meet & Greets with Star Wars Characters and Classic Disney Characters in Star Wars Outfits
  • Entertainment
  • Dessert Reception
  • Select Attractions open including Space Mountain and Star Tours – The Adventures Continues, Astro Orbitor, and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster*

*attractions subject to change

Dates, times and prices subject to change. Welcome Party subject to capacity limits and may close at any time before the percentage can be updated. Tickets are non-refundable, non-deferrable, and non-transferable.

runDisney Health & Fitness Expo

Thursday, January 15
Friday, January 16
Saturday, January 17

Location: Disneyland® Hotel Exhibit Hall

One-stop headquarters for all your Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend needs!

Headquarters for everything you need to prepare for race weekend is at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo in theDisneyland® Hotel Exhibit Hall. All runners must attend the Expo for race bib and packet pick-up. During this three-day Expo celebration, you’ll also be able to check out the latest Merchandise, and get a sneak peek at the latest in fitness apparel, footwear, sunglasses, high-tech gadgets, and nutritional products.

runDisney Health & Fitness Expo Highlights

  • Packet Pick-Up (see Event Detail page for more info)
  • Official Race Merchandise
  • Latest in apparel and fitness equipment
  • High-tech gadgets and nutritional products
  • Speaker Series

Exhibitor Information

If you are interested in becoming an exhibitor at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo, please visit our runDisney Expo page.

Official Race Merchandise

A variety of Official Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend merchandise will be available for purchase at the Expo.

All event information is subject to change.

runDisney Announces Inaugural Castaway Cay Challege

Castaway Challege

Today runDisney announced a brand new event that I think many of you Disney cruisers will be thrilled to hear about! For the first time ever, you have the chance to complete the Disney Castaway Cay Challenge, an exclusive to Disney Cruise Line guests who are participating in the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

The inaugural challenge, which takes place in January 2015, combines our Castaway Cay 5K with any Walt Disney World Marathon race with a distance of 5K or longer. Following the completion of an eligible race at Walt Disney World Resort, cruisers on the January 12 Disney Dream voyage from Port Canaveral, Florida can then take part in the second half of the challenge – the Castaway Cay 5K – when the ship stops at our private island in the Bahamas.

If you complete both races within the pacing requirements, you’ll earn the Inaugural Disney Castaway Cay Challenge Medal in addition to your Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and Castaway Cay 5K finisher medals.

What’s more, just for this cruise we’ll have exclusive activities designed for those of you participating in this challenge, plus featured menu items and special merchandise.

More details, including registration information and booking procedures, are available now on runDisney.com.

Adventures by Disney Announces Disneyland Trip for runDisney’s Avengers Weekend

ABD - Avengers Half

Disney and Marvel fans Assemble! Adventures by Disney just announced an exclusive, special departure that will propel you on a power-packed vacation of a lifetime. From November 10 – 16 of this year, the Adventures by Disney Southern California: Disney Backstage itinerary is packing extra might by providing you access to the inaugural runDisney Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend.

Not only will this trip include a rare, behind-the-magic private tour of The Walt Disney Studios, but you and your family can receive access to the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon and 5K (currently sold out!), including two group pre-race runs and access to the nighttime ‘Pasta in the Park’ party. The trip will also take you on a tour of Walt Disney Imagineering and The Jim Henson Company, which are not regularly open to the public.

Let your Disney Side show with a two-day, VIP experience at the Disneyland Resort, with special FASTPASS service to multiple rides at Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park. You will also get a private tour ofWalt Disney’s Disneyland apartment and the Disneyland Dream Suite.

This mighty seven-day, six-night itinerary will unleash your inner super hero for a magical family vacation of a lifetime. For more information on the other iconic and glamorous activities included in this trip, please click here, or call 1-800-543-0865 for dates, availability and to make reservations.

runDisney Reveals New Anniversary Medals

As runners start to plan their fall and winter race schedules, we thought it would be fun to provide some extra motivation and reveal a little “bling.” Disney Yellow Shoes Art Director David Brotherton has been busy designing two amazing finisher medals to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Wine and Dine Half Marathon and the 10th anniversary of the Goofy Race and a Half Challenge.

Wine & Dine Half Front       Wine & Dine Half Back

The Wine and Dine anniversary medal captures the essence of the race with color and design, and features a spinner at the heart of the medal. One side represents the tradition of past medals and is inspired by Spaceship Earth, while the other side showcases chef Mickey on the run. A fitting reward to those taking on the sold-out half marathon in November.

Goofy Front    Goofy Back

Registration for the 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon presented by Cigna opens on April 22 and we are thinking this Goofy Challenge anniversary medal might be just enough to get some people thinking a little, well, Goofy. After all, running a half marathon on Saturday and a marathon on Sunday puts you in a unique category. Looking at the medal there is no doubt we are celebrating the 10th anniversary. Featuring traditional Goofy colors, this medal also has a spinner in the middle. One side celebrates the accomplishment of the half marathon, and when you spin it, Goofy turns upside down and lets you know you added on another 26.2 miles, a grand total of 39.3 miles over two days. Goofy.

 

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