Today is the day to register for the Wine and Dine 1/2 marathon!
Registration opens at 12:00pm EST.
During Wine and Dine weekend there are several race options; The Wine and Dine 1/2 Marathon, Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5k, and Disney’s Kid Races. Below are the prices for the races-
Visit http://www.RunDisney.com to register for the race.
This is the only RunDisney 1/2 marathon that takes place in the evening. And another perk is that it takes place during Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival!
While I myself have run quite a few of RunDisney’s events, I have never run the Wine and Dine Half Marathon! My friend Teresa has run this race, so here are some questions that I asked her and her responses-
Q) This is Disney’s only night time 1/2 marathon- are there as many characters out as there are during the morning 1/2?
A) “Yes! Mickey and Minnie are at the finish line dressed in their “chef” clothing. There is some sort of entertainment or character throughout the race just like in the morning races. Last year most of them were still out during the pouring rain, they just positioned them under cover.”
Q) What is your favorite part of the W&D half?
A) “Wine & Dine has a special place in my heart. It was the very first half marathon I ever ran, and I went back last year for the 5th anniversary to celebrate MY 4 years of running longer races. I am not a morning runner, so having the 10pm start is much easier for me. The wait for the start doesn’t seem as long as it does at 4am. **My favorite part is getting to Hollywood Studios and the Osborne Family Lights. When I turn that corner, I stop in my tracks (off to one side per runner etiquette, of course… :-))”
Q) Other than it being a night race, are there any other major differences?
A) “There seems to be more space than the other races. I think there is a smaller number of participants allowed – so not as many bottleneck areas. They also have a limited number of host resorts – so be sure to know ahead of time for booking hotel rooms.”
“Then there is the party after the race until 4am? (I think that’s when it ends.) I was so exhausted after both races that I just wanted to go back to my room, get a shower and go to bed.”
“Plus, you get to see 3 parks instead of the usual 2 parks for morning 1/2 marathon races. It is nice to have a different route to see.”
Q) Why would you recommend this 1/2 marathon
A) “I would recommend this race because it is a night race. The parks are lit up and everything sparkles. There is just as much Disney Magic as any other race – and if you can stay up until 4am, you can also enjoy Epcot included in the race fee.
I also recommend the 5k that morning – Mickey’s Jingle Jungle. It is all at Animal Kingdom and has a Christmas theme. They pump out the snow!!!”
Are you now registered and need help planning your trip? Contact Ashley at Charming Travels LLC – ashley@charmingtravelsllc.com