Star Wars Race Weekend at walt Disney world

I am so excited I get to share with all of you about a Run Disney Race weekend, Star Wars!  Bringing together two things I love most in the world, fitness and Disney has been one of the greatest joys of my life and my family’s! 

We have been running Disney Races for 4 years now as a family!  I can’t believe it, but really it’s one of the most fun experiences as a family.  I’m really happy to share with you some information and things we love about Run Disney Races and Star Wars Race Weekend!

The first thing we love about Run Disney Races is the atmosphere….well Disney atmosphere is the best anyway, so why wouldn’t the races be amazing too? ;)  We LOVE the race vibes at Disney.  The excitement from the Expo where you get your race bibs, t-shirts and can shop the best running and Disney stuff out there to crossing that finish line and after parties is out of this world.  YES there will be crowds, it’s Disney, but there will be more magic than you can handle :)

When you go to the Expo to get your race bib and t-shirt(s) take your time to look around at all of the running gear and the fun Disney themed gifts.  It’s a great place to look at a lot of things in person before you decide to buy.  You can often have your legs massaged, try out something new, sign up for your runner tracking if any of your family is not racing and wants to keep up with where you are during your race.  I’ve even had my nails done and of course….the Run Disney shopping apparel and souvenirs will pull you in every time!  Something we always purchase is a race magnet and either put it on our cars or on our fridge.  It’s an inexpensive way to remember your race weekend.
 
This is just my suggestion, but I would highly recommend staying on Disney property for race weekend.  The ease of being able to walk to the bus and ride straight to the drop off is so nice.  You don’t have to deal with traffic at 2:30am…yes that’s right, the middle of the night you will be getting up to get to the starting line.  It’s helpful to get on the bus, rest and then be dropped off with thousands of other people instead of fighting the crowds driving in.  When you get off the bus, be prepared to walk A GOOD DISTANCE to get to the pre-race area. 
 
For Star Wars Race weekend there were characters like Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Jabba the Hut and more were there for photo ops before the races began.  You can wait in line for the photos, but keep in mind you will be waiting for a WHILE and I would suggest going to the bathroom before and getting to your corral early since they fill up quickly.  There will be no shortage or good music, dancing and fun before the races since you wait around for a couple of hours.  I always bring a light blanket that I can sit on and rest or wrap up in if it’s chilly and then leave it in my starting corral to be donated.
 
If you didn’t get a chance to get character photos before the race, there are plenty of places along the race route to grab some shots.  Just keep in mind that if you are running for time, most of the lines are long and will add a bunch of time to your race.  The most fun for me was during the half marathon there were places where it was like we were immersed in a battle.  Lights, shooting, voices…and then some amazing character stops.   For the 10K our group of girls moved into the last corral to be with a friend, so we were basically focused on not running into the Balloon Ladies the whole time!  It was fun, but stressful…well if you can get stressed at Disney ;)  For those that don’t know, the 16 minute mile pace markers are the Balloon Ladies.  If you cannot keep a 16 minute mile pace, you will be swept off the course.  Carefully consider that with your character stops if your time is typically near this per mile.
 
The people you meet at the Disney races are the best in my opinion.  The volunteers are kind, encouraging and they get dressed up too!   They theme signs along the course for the race!  There were some fun Star Wars signs.  The volunteers, cast members and the other runners at Disney are the best!  I’ve met some of my closest friends through Disney running! 
 
And you know what one of my favorite things about Star Wars weekend was?  The costumes!  Yes, Disney races are known for their amazing costumes, but if you’re a Star Wars fanatic you will fit right in this weekend.  There was every kind of character and even a mixture of 2 characters in one!  The creative and fun time of a Disney race is one that keeps giving my family the best memories and makes racing at Disney something we do EVERY YEAR NOW.  It has been the best way to come together and be active as a family, be silly, have fun and connect. 
 
So, while this blog is about Star Wars Race Weekend, I know I talked a lot about general Disney races, but that’s because they are all so magical and worth every penny, and every sacrifice to get there.  The courses may change a bit, the characters and time of year, but each Disney Race is full of magic, memories and fun.  I would encourage you if you love Star Wars to run this race weekend.  Go all out and dress up, have fun, make a girls trip, do a family vacation to race, and take in every part of what makes Disney the most wonderful place on earth.
 
What better place to cross the finish line and feel accomplished than Disney?  Then you get to go play after!!!  If you have any specific race questions about Star Wars weekend, I’m happy to answer them!

As always - We would love to help plan your next Disney vacation. 
Kristin
We are inspired by your smiles and committed to your adventures!
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