Let's share our memorable moments from any runDisney event

[AB6876]

I thought it would be fun to share our memorable moments from any runDisney event we participated, volunteered or spectated. I flashback to moments of my marathon experience in 2013 from time to time and thought it would be interesting to read other experiences.

I will start.....
One of my favorite memories was when I was running the marathon in 2013 (part of the 2013 goofy challenge) and it was hot.... Real hot..... And right before mile 23 you enter the tunnel in Hollywood Studios where the back lot tour takes you (I think). It was such a relief to be out of the sun and there was a cool breeze coming through the tunnel... It was like heaven lol... I can still remember the feeling my body had.. It was a mixture of relief from the sun as well as knowing I was almost done. I was going to finish even if I had to crawl through Epcot.. This memory still sends chills up my spine..


So...do you have a memory, you would like to share? I thought it would be fun to read through everyone's individual experiences and to share our own.

 

[John VN]

My 2013 unofficial Dopey was memorable because I acted like a little kid at the race track by going up and down the banked turns with my arms stretched out like wings on an airplane while revving my engine. In th last turn I went up to the wall, slapped the top of it and flew back down. Next, before mile 15, I left the course and went down to McDonald's to get my M&M McFlurry. The cops made sure traffic let me cross the road and the people already in line to order let me go before them. IT WAS COOL.

McFlurry John

 

[AB6876]

My 2013 unofficial Dopey was memorable because I acted like a little kid at the race track by going up and down the banked turns with my arms stretched out like wings on an airplane while revving my engine. In th last turn I went up to the wall, slapped the top of it and flew back down. Next, before mile 15, I left the course and went down to McDonald's to get my M&M McFlurry. The cops made sure traffic let me cross the road and the people already in line to order let me go before them. IT WAS COOL.

McFlurry John

I am pretty sure I was on the race track with you... I remember seeing you flying around... How fun!!!!

 

[TMcDwyer]

My most memorable moment from the 2012 Princess 1/2 was running through the castle. I had tears in my eyes and it is a moment I will NEVER forget.

 

[AB6876]

My most memorable moment from the 2012 Princess 1/2 was running through the castle. I had tears in my eyes and it is a moment I will NEVER forget.

That is such a great memory.. I know when I was running the half they were playing the trumpets as we all ran in the castle.. What an experience!!!
Thanks for sharing!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Mine would have to be my first RunDisney event when I crossed the finish line of the Princess Half (which was also my very first half). I still can't explain to feeling of accomplishment and all the emotions that went along with it...the tears were definitely falling! It was for sure my most memorable moment!

 

[AB6876]

Mine would have to be my first RunDisney event when I crossed the finish line of the Princess Half (which was also my very first half). I still can't explain to feeling of accomplishment and all the emotions that went along with it...the tears were definitely falling! It was for sure my most memorable moment!

That finish line after your first half is so emotional.. And for some reason it is even more so if it is a runDisney event..
Thanks for sharing

 

[steph0808]

The 2013 Marathon was my first runDisney event. My favorite memories:

-Due to bus issues, my family didn't get to see me out on the course. But at mile 25, right by England in Epcot, I spotted my brother and sister-in-law on the side of the course. I was so tired and hot and exhausted and so excited to see someone I knew that I almost cried. I was just so happy. After seeing them, it gave me the energy to run to the end!

-I got the flu on my flight down to Florida on Thursday (puking on the plane, yay) and seriously doubted if I would be able to even start the marathon, let alone finish. (I kept hydrated, but my food intake on Saturday consisted of half a Mickey waffle, a Super Pretzel, and a little bit of chicken and pasta). Once I got to the starting line and crossed it, I knew there was no way I was quitting. It took me 2 hours longer than expected but I had a great experience and was so glad that I decided to have that as my first (and so far only, but hopefully not for long) marathon!

 

[regul8ter18]

Mine is the 2011 wine and dine half. It was my first half and didn't know what to expect but had a time in mind and mile 12 I realized I was going to hit my target and was so happy. My target time didn't factor in photo ops so that made it better knowing that if I hadn't stopped I would have blown my goal time out of the water.

 

[TMcDwyer]

I am loving these stories. Thanks for starting this thread!

 

[AB6876]

The 2013 Marathon was my first runDisney event. My favorite memories:

-Due to bus issues, my family didn't get to see me out on the course. But at mile 25, right by England in Epcot, I spotted my brother and sister-in-law on the side of the course. I was so tired and hot and exhausted and so excited to see someone I knew that I almost cried. I was just so happy. After seeing them, it gave me the energy to run to the end!

-I got the flu on my flight down to Florida on Thursday (puking on the plane, yay) and seriously doubted if I would be able to even start the marathon, let alone finish. (I kept hydrated, but my food intake on Saturday consisted of half a Mickey waffle, a Super Pretzel, and a little bit of chicken and pasta). Once I got to the starting line and crossed it, I knew there was no way I was quitting. It took me 2 hours longer than expected but I had a great experience and was so glad that I decided to have that as my first (and so far only, but hopefully not for long) marathon!

So glad you finished strong after sickness.. The spectator support is awesome..

 

[AB6876]

Mine is the 2011 wine and dine half. It was my first half and didn't know what to expect but had a time in mind and mile 12 I realized I was going to hit my target and was so happy. My target time didn't factor in photo ops so that made it better knowing that if I hadn't stopped I would have blown my goal time out of the water.

Such a great feeling when you surpass a target time... Thanks for sharing!

 

[timmac]

For me, it was the 2010 Goofy (still my only runDisney event to date). A few memorable things. Aside from the fairly obvious, like meeting a lot of new people, and the fun that came with that, it actually snowed a bit before the race started. It's the only time I've ever seen snow at Disney, and remains to this day the only race I've ever run when I've been snowed on (and I lived in NH at the time, now live in MA).

A more unique experience came waiting in line to get through bag check and head over to the starting line. A gentleman in front of me opened a pouch of something that was larger than a Gu packet, and thinner as well. Never having seen it before, I asked what it was, and he said it was like a supplement enriched version of gatorade, designed to be less volume, but easier to take than things like Gu. When I commented that I had never seen or even heard of it before he explained that's because they haven't yet started selling it. After my next (obvious) question of how he got it, he told me he works for them. Finally, when I asked "does it work?" he sort of shrugged and said, "We're gonna find out."

 

[AB6876]

For me, it was the 2010 Goofy (still my only runDisney event to date). A few memorable things. Aside from the fairly obvious, like meeting a lot of new people, and the fun that came with that, it actually snowed a bit before the race started. It's the only time I've ever seen snow at Disney, and remains to this day the only race I've ever run when I've been snowed on (and I lived in NH at the time, now live in MA).

A more unique experience came waiting in line to get through bag check and head over to the starting line. A gentleman in front of me opened a pouch of something that was larger than a Gu packet, and thinner as well. Never having seen it before, I asked what it was, and he said it was like a supplement enriched version of gatorade, designed to be less volume, but easier to take than things like Gu. When I commented that I had never seen or even heard of it before he explained that's because they haven't yet started selling it. After my next (obvious) question of how he got it, he told me he works for them. Finally, when I asked "does it work?" he sort of shrugged and said, "We're gonna find out."

That is so cool... Have you seem the product yet?

 

[timmac]

That is so cool... Have you seem the product yet?

I did... not sure if it ever really caught on, as I don't recall seeing it recently, but I did have one for my fall marathon that year

 

[SuperHappyFunTimes]

What a great idea! Mine was the Princess Half, running down Main Street and seeing hundreds of cheering people who all got up crazy early and dealt with transportation logistics to cheer on their friends and family. The positive energy plus Disney magic made me tear up big time. It still makes me a little emotional to think about all that love and how proud everyone was of the runners.

 

[AB6876]

What a great idea! Mine was the Princess Half, running down Main Street and seeing hundreds of cheering people who all got up crazy early and dealt with transportation logistics to cheer on their friends and family. The positive energy plus Disney magic made me tear up big time. It still makes me a little emotional to think about all that love and how proud everyone was of the runners.

I loved Main Street and all the spectators.. I got misty eyed too!!

I loved all the awesome signs they had. I remember the funny signs like "who needs toenails" and "worst parade ever"

Another great memory is when I was walking the 5k with my mother and pushing my brother in a wheelchair. There were so many families in costumes. I remember one family who were dressed as bees. There were families with 3 and 4 generations walking together. There was one family that had 4 small children and the youngest was maybe 1.5 he was out of the stroller just toddling along with his dad.. It was adorable.

 

[fashionista311]

Mine isn't actually from when I was running, but from my mom's first marathon. I remember waiting with my sister to catch my mom by the globe in epcot by mile 26 to cheer her on as she finished up the race. My sister runs up to my mom with her digital camera, and goes "mommy, mommy, mommy you just finished a marathon!!!" my mom response "I still have .2 left..I'm NOT done" in a grumpy, cranky voice, that only a marathoner would understand

 

[AB6876]

Mine isn't actually from when I was running, but from my mom's first marathon. I remember waiting with my sister to catch my mom by the globe in epcot by mile 26 to cheer her on as she finished up the race. My sister runs up to my mom with her digital camera, and goes "mommy, mommy, mommy you just finished a marathon!!!" my mom response "I still have .2 left..I'm NOT done" in a grumpy, cranky voice, that only a marathoner would understand

Hahaha you are so right.. I hated when people said you are almost there at mile 24 or 25...
I love hearing spectator stories keep them coming!

 

[robynslp]

My favorite memory was in the 2013 Mickey marathon. After having read about riding EE during previous races, I wondered if it could be done with the course change. As we ran up to it my BIL noted that the que was only 5 minutes so we decided to go for it. A CM immediately stopped us and sent us through the fast pass lane! Several runners followed us so we had a train full of runners! I added "Rode EE" into the list on the back of my "I did it" shirt! Telling everyone after we finished that we stopped to ride a ride was priceless.