For three days, thousands of Star Wars fans gather at Walt Disney World for runDisney’s Star Wars weekend. The experience, not the running, was the real draw.
Many people find running enjoyable, a great form of exercise and crave that runner’s high. I, on other the hand, run so I can drink more wine, eat dessert and feel better about myself. Even though I’ve run my fair share of 5Ks, those runs are more about the fundraiser, the cool medal or the finisher beers. When I had the opportunity to participate in the runDisney’s Star Wars Weekend, I couldn’t turn down the chance.
Fans run to the Dark Side: runDisney’s Star Wars Weekend is a fan’s dream, photo by Cristine Struble
First, to the dismay of many Culturess fans, I am not the most knowledgeable Star Wars fans. Sure, I’ve seen the movies, but I can’t quote lines, recite pinnacle movie scenes or speculate on the next series of films. Still, I’m a fan. And even a non-fan would have a great time at runDisney’s Star Wars Weekend.
From the moment runners pick up their bibs and shirts, the Star Wars excitement begins. Throughout ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, the excitement is huge. Participants are posing for photos, like with Jabba the Hut. Also, the extra gifts commemorating the event are everywhere. The fun and excitement for the weekend was definitely high.
Star Wars Weekend, photo by Cristine Struble
The hardest part about participating in the runDisney events is the start time. The races start at 5:30 a.m., which means that runners need to be on Disney property in the corrals by 5:00 a.m. In my case, I left my hotel by 4:15 a.m. Sleep comes later in the afternoon.
All that tiredness disappears once you walk into the staging area. Music is playing, movie clips are on the big screen and Star Wars characters are on stage. All the sleepiness is gone and everyone is ready to run.
Star Wars Weekend, photo by Cristine Struble
Looking through the crowds, some people wear elaborate costumes. I saw many Han Solos, Jedi, Chewbaccas and more. Also, many people (like myself) had special shirts made. Some people went totally out of the box with outfits (still don’t know why there were a bunch of bananas running). All of it, outfits and all, show that this event is about the experience, not the personal best time.
As the fireworks launch each wave of runners, running is a relative term. The runDisney Star Wars Weekend is a series of runs, but it is more than that. It’s about the experiences during the run. Throughout the run, Disney has set up photo ops with Star Wars characters. From Stormtroopers to R2D2, you run from photo op to photo op.
While the photo ops are fun, they do have lines. Basically, I ran a mile to stand in line for 15 minutes in a photo op line. But, who would skip the photo ops? Those special moments are the main part of participating in this runDisney event.
Star Wars Weekend, photo by Cristine Struble
All of the events run through the Disney Parks. For example, the 5K ran through Epcot. There was something surreal running through the World Showcase at dawn. All the countries were illuminated, and I kept thinking how I was just at Epcot only a few hours before watching fireworks. Even some of the countries had cast members out cheering runners.
While everyone has their phones out to capture the moments, the Disney staff has photographers on the course. From the photo ops to locations on the course, every moment (good and bad) can be captured for posterity.
One of the best parts of running the race was watching the families and non-runners participating. Parents had their young kids running or walking along the 5K course. Many people walked the course in its entirety. Again, the race wasn’t about fast running. It was about building a connection to Star Wars. From the characters to fellow fans, it was a special Star Wars experience.
Of course, everyone wants a souvenir from the experience. Sure, photos and memories are great, but the bling is better. The Star Wars medals are definitely worth the entry fee. I haven’t received this nice of a running medal in a long time.
Star Wars Weekend, photo by Cristine Struble
While I only did one race this weekend, many people participated in all three events, a 5K, 10K and half-marathon. That trifecta is considered the Darth Vader Challenge. While I doubt that I could do all three (three days in a row), I definitely will do another runDisney Star Wars Weekend.
Like any event at Disney World, there is definitely some magic and pixie dust to this event. Even non-runners who are Star Wars fans should consider one of these events. It’s a great way to get closer to the characters that you love.
Next: Animal Kingdom's 20th anniversary celebration
Yes, I ran the galaxy to the Dark Side and survived. Next year, I might consider the Darth Vader Challenge. Who’s willing to join me?