Looking at my Twitter and Facebook feeds over the Labor Day Weekend, I was very proud of my friends. Many of them were posting updates on their participation in Disneyland’s Half-Marathon Weekend festivities. Some did the 5k, some the 10k, many the half, and even some the Dumbo Double Dare.
The runDisney phenomenon is not one that I would have predicted. Let’s face it, Disney fans are not known for their healthy lifestyles as a whole. But what started as a marathon to get some attendance in the dead of January at Walt Disney World, has turned into a Disney sub-culture that is encouraging many to live a healthier lifestyle.
With 7 separate events between California and Florida, you can’t be a Disney fan and ignore runDisney’s presence. The events sell-out quickly and seem to get bigger every year. I can’t help but wonder, how many of the participants would be running if it was not part of Disney’s offerings.
I know many Disney fans and Cast Members that use these events as a gateway to a lifestyle change. They start with preparing and participating in a Disney event, which leads them to other events and an overall healthier life. I can’t help but wonder if this does more good than a lot of Disney’s Magic of Healthy Living offerings.
Please note that a distance-running event is not something you should get in to in a whim, but if Disney is inspiring you to try accomplish this goal through proper preparation and training, that is a good thing.
So with that, congratulations to all that have participated in a runDisney event or are working toward that goal. You inspire me to be healthier and for that I thank you.