Confirmed runDisney Virtual race series

[mickeyfanachey1999]

I don't get virtual races & don't plan on doing them either. I guess if it gets rid of people taking up real race spots who just want medals then I guess that's good.

I thought to get the medal you had to finish in the allotted time. So wouldn't all of those getting medals be real race spots?

 

[ZellyB]

That surprises me a lot. I've never done a virtual race and don't have much reason to consider one, but like others said, the appeal for me of Disney races (and why I pay the exorbitant race fees) is the fun of running through the parks and all the entertainment that goes along with that. That said, if it has no impact on the actual races (or at least no negative impact) then I see no problem in offering it to people who would want to participate.

 

[Ariel484]

That surprises me a lot. I've never done a virtual race and don't have much reason to consider one, but like others said, the appeal for me of Disney races (and why I pay the exorbitant race fees) is the fun of running through the parks and all the entertainment that goes along with that. That said, if it has no impact on the actual races (or at least no negative impact) then I see no problem in offering it to people who would want to participate.

Yeah, I definitely have no problem with it being an option, but I don't see ever actually wanting to do it.

 

[Princess_Nikki]

Ooooooh, interesting!

I do like a few virtual races, and if Run Disney offered them, I'm quite certain I would be suckered in!

 

[Anisum]

I thought to get the medal you had to finish in the allotted time. So wouldn't all of those getting medals be real race spots?

Disney gives medals to people who fail to complete the race as well. It's kind of a point of controversy. Some (perhaps most?) of this controversy stems from the fact that some people register for the race with no intention of even trying to complete it so they can get the medal, usually to sell it. If the medals were the same those individuals could sign up for the virtual race, not have to show up the day of and still get their medal which in turn leaves more spots in Disney for those who actually intend to complete the race or at least make a fair go at it.

 

[mickeyfanachey1999]

Disney gives medals to people who fail to complete the race as well. It's kind of a point of controversy. Some (perhaps most?) of this controversy stems from the fact that some people register for the race with no intention of even trying to complete it so they can get the medal, usually to sell it. If the medals were the same those individuals could sign up for the virtual race, not have to show up the day of and still get their medal which in turn leaves more spots in Disney for those who actually intend to complete the race or at least make a fair go at it.

OH! I didn't realize that. I recently did my first runDisney race (first of any kind for that matter) and there is no way I would take a medal without finishing. My son registered and bailed out and I wouldn't even let him go get his shirt. Anyone that doesn't run shouldn't get a medal. I'm with you on that one. Sorry I misunderstood. I thought you were separating people like me (who only hope to finish) versus people who are actually skilled runners

 

[CherieFran]

I don't really "get" virtual races either. I think they only way I would be interested in doing it is if the theme was particularly compelling (just a virtual version of an existing race weekend wouldn't do it for me) and there was a strong charity component associated with it.

 

[wilkeliza]

If they go this route hopefully it will keep some people who only want the medal and not to actually do the distance from buying regular bibs. I've only done a virtual race that was to raise money for GKTW and you had to send your Garmin data. Sure you could have cheated but since there was no time limit to complete the distance and you are who chose the distance based on what medal you wanted I didn't see why people would cheat.

 

[wilkeliza]

Disney gives medals to people who fail to complete the race as well. It's kind of a point of controversy. Some (perhaps most?) of this controversy stems from the fact that some people register for the race with no intention of even trying to complete it so they can get the medal, usually to sell it. If the medals were the same those individuals could sign up for the virtual race, not have to show up the day of and still get their medal which in turn leaves more spots in Disney for those who actually intend to complete the race or at least make a fair go at it.

OH! I didn't realize that. I recently did my first runDisney race (first of any kind for that matter) and there is no way I would take a medal without finishing. My son registered and bailed out and I wouldn't even let him go get his shirt. Anyone that doesn't run shouldn't get a medal. I'm with you on that one. Sorry I misunderstood. I thought you were separating people like me (who only hope to finish) versus people who are actually skilled runners

This is why we need a finishers ribbon. If you get swept and want to get the medal then fine get the darn participation ribbon. If you complete the distance then you get the finishers ribbon. Medal is the same so no complaints about what you paid for.

I do feel bad for some that are stricter races. I had a friend run his 2nd Iron Man and missed the qualifying finishers time by 30 seconds so he can't actually say he completed 2 Iron Mans. It was 30 seconds!

 

[bumbershoot]

This is why we need a finishers ribbon. If you get swept and want to get the medal then fine get the darn participation ribbon. If you complete the distance then you get the finishers ribbon. Medal is the same so no complaints about what you paid for.

Now THAT is the best idea I've heard!!! Wow, that is thinking outside the box. You should submit that to RunDisney. I love that idea.


I love virtual runs. Not sure if I'd do a Disney one. Knowing them they would charge more than for an IRL run lol.

(Anyone who likes virtuals and likes Harry Potter, join the Hogwarts Running Club online!)

 

[wilkeliza]

Now THAT is the best idea I've heard!!! Wow, that is thinking outside the box. You should submit that to RunDisney. I love that idea.


I love virtual runs. Not sure if I'd do a Disney one. Knowing them they would charge more than for an IRL run lol.

(Anyone who likes virtuals and likes Harry Potter, join the Hogwarts Running Club online!)

I'm not the first to come up with it and I think it has been submitted. They usually get the stock email back.

 

[dburg30]

Same - NO JUDGEMENT to anyone that likes them, but I've never understood the appeal. I know most of the money goes to charity, but I have causes that I donate to that are near and dear to me and are unrelated to virtual races...and the thought that I "earn" a medal by doing a long run I would have had on my schedule anyway is a little silly to me.

Umm... pretty sure when you register for a real race, it winds up being a long run that you had on your schedule anyway ;D (please read this as a joke )

 

[pigletliz]

I think the big draw of the Disney races is running through the parks and the overall experience. runDisney already seems overwhelmed without adding a virtual component.

 

[roxymama]

I'd rather Disney comes out with a line of running themed Christmas ornaments. Satisfy runners need for shiny Disney things, but at the same time not being a race medal. The appeal for a Disney race is running on Disney property (for me.)

Now if Disney wanted to come to Chicago and host a Disney themed half marathon or something, I'd be the first to sign up. As long as there was Disney elements to the run (like character stops.) oooh, I like that idea...I hope Disney is reading this thread.

For virtual races...I have done one...it was so my sister and I could do a race together and for charity. It didn't feel as special to receive it a few weeks later though.

 

[roxymama]

Do you think Virtual races will just sell out as fast as a regular race...especially if they do "limited editions" similar to pin-trading? Will it be more of a collector's market than a runners? I honestly don't know, just wondering.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Do you think Virtual races will just sell out as fast as a regular race...especially if they do "limited editions" similar to pin-trading? Will it be more of a collector's market than a runners? I honestly don't know, just wondering.

Too many options, good and bad, that would impact popularity to even guess.

 

[Madame]

(Anyone who likes virtuals and likes Harry Potter, join the Hogwarts Running Club online!)

I had to check this out. This is seriously cool!

 

[wilkeliza]

I'd rather Disney comes out with a line of running themed Christmas ornaments. Satisfy runners need for shiny Disney things, but at the same time not being a race medal. The appeal for a Disney race is running on Disney property (for me.)

Now if Disney wanted to come to Chicago and host a Disney themed half marathon or something, I'd be the first to sign up. As long as there was Disney elements to the run (like character stops.) oooh, I like that idea...I hope Disney is reading this thread.

For virtual races...I have done one...it was so my sister and I could do a race together and for charity. It didn't feel as special to receive it a few weeks later though.

Interestingly the did a test of runDisney on the road and then it was never heard of again. They had a small "race" in Atlanta where you went out and ran with Jeff Galloway. I'm shocked it didn't go anywhere.

 

[*DisneyDreamer]

Add me to the little interest in this group. It's a good idea for people who want Disney related medals without having to travel to Disney, but to me it wouldn't mean anything. Running through the parks with the characters and atmosphere is what makes RunDisney special (the medals are awesome, and I long to have more of them but earning them virtually would not be the same).

I'd rather Disney comes out with a line of running themed Christmas ornaments. Satisfy runners need for shiny Disney things, but at the same time not being a race medal. The appeal for a Disney race is running on Disney property (for me.)

Now if Disney wanted to come to Chicago and host a Disney themed half marathon or something, I'd be the first to sign up. As long as there was Disney elements to the run (like character stops.) oooh, I like that idea...I hope Disney is reading this thread.

For virtual races...I have done one...it was so my sister and I could do a race together and for charity. It didn't feel as special to receive it a few weeks later though.

While there's probably about a 1% chance of that ever happening, I have to say that I love that idea! It wouldn't completely replace the experience of actual runs in Disney (obviously), but it would be pretty cool. The RunDisney traveling tour!

 

[*DisneyDreamer]

Now THAT is the best idea I've heard!!! Wow, that is thinking outside the box. You should submit that to RunDisney. I love that idea.


I love virtual runs. Not sure if I'd do a Disney one. Knowing them they would charge more than for an IRL run lol.

(Anyone who likes virtuals and likes Harry Potter, join the Hogwarts Running Club online!)

I haven't signed up for one yet, but someone I know introduced me to Hogwarts Running Club and it is pretty amazing. I do want to do one of those at some point (huge Harry Potter fan here).