Does Universal have anything similar to runDisney?

[escriven75]

I know it wouldn't probably be on as grand a scale, but does Universal have anything similar to runDisney races? I'm a member of the Hogwarts Running Club but those are virtual races. The thought of running through Diagon Alley in the middle of the night while it is empty of regular park guests sound pretty darn awesome!

 

[bumbershoot]

Sadly, no.

As cool as what you describe would be, I do have to say from rundisney experience, that would be dangerous and crowded. Just running through AK for W&D last year got scary. And AK is big an expansive. DA is narrow.

Now, an overall Uni run, with an after-party (W&D or TOT-style) in DA/Hogsmeade, now THAT would be cool.

 

[escriven75]

I'm thinking of doing the 2016 W&D 1/2......but now you're scaring me! I've never done a runDis event, that would be my first. But I still think an HP type would be cooler!!! Maybe someday.
What do you mean by 'it got scary'....the dark, the crowds, the late hours, all of the above?? :\

 

[bumbershoot]

It was SO dark in AK, and they were doing construction so it all got narrow. During the daytime the blacktop you walk on inside the park seems smooth and nice, but when it's dark (and last year's W&D was ridiculously RAINY, just the whole time) you realize that there are bumps and upraises everywhere. I don't have great nighttime vision so it was a challenge while inside of AK. It was scary because I'm very afraid of falling.

But the run isn't all inside of AK, that's just a very short part.

It just really highlighted to me that running events should keep their paths broad. Diagon would be super-crowded and you'd just end up walking through. Which would be fun for many, but for others it would be frustrating.

I am still partially planning on W&D again next year, because even though I was utterly DRENCHED by the end, and cold and shivering, and my best friend and I skipped the afterparty b/c it was still raining and we were just soooo cold...well, I skipped the afterparty, and I want to participate in it! Also, it was a very decent race that I liked a good deal. (rundisney and I have a weird relationship; I keep signing up, but I haven't LOVED a race yet, but W&D came close)

So don't be afraid just b/c I said that. Just be careful inside of AK. And wear smartwool running socks if it's going to be rainy.



All that said, if they created RunUniversal I would be the FIRST to sign up for just about ANY race they would care to create.

 

[johde]

In the past, they have done a few charity 5K around Universal property. Unfortunately, since they don't sponsor the race it's tough to find them.

 

[Jessica0711]

There is a charity 5k through the Universal parks this month for the Special Olympics - https://specialolympicsflorida.org/get-involved/fundraise/universal-5k/