Running can the essence of an entire person. Physically, running can improve overall health. Emotionally, sadness and pain can give way to satisfaction and joy. Mentally, you can stretch yourself to goals and achievements you never thought were possible to obtain. Spiritually, running allows you to spend time with the Creator and His Creation. Just seems as though there is one key ingredient missing – Magic. And that’s where our article brings us today…
Welcome to Believe Vacations’ Weekly Post where today, we are going to give you runners some insights on the RunDisney 2022 schedule. Meet Tiffany Bigelow. Tiffany has been with Believe Vacations almost as long as I have and makes no apologies for her love of running and RunDisney. As soon as the announcement for the return of this event popped up in late June 2021, we knew we had to do an article. For more about RunDisney and the actual experience, check out the article/interview from Agent Ashley Oldham earlier this year. But for specifics on the 2022 edition, Tiffany was kind enough to sit down and answer a few questions about the event:
How did you get started running?
In 2013, I started running in the summer with the Couch to 5k App. I was active but running was something I never thought I could do. It was easy to do with my schedule and I had a friend ask me to run a 5k in November of 2013. The spark was born!
What distances did you run?
I had no idea at first about RunDisney and I lived in Orlando at the time! I remember the registration day for the January 2015 half-marathon. It was months prior and at the time, I could only do 5 miles. When I pushed enter, it was scary thinking I was signed up to do 13 miles. So I paid the money, pushed my faith over my fear, trained and I’ve been going every year since!
Why is RunDisney so special?
I love the community and running itself. Everyone is very encouraging and not as competitive as you think. This community wants each other to succeed. Plus, you get to do it in a Disney bubble! These are not races just down the road. Wearing Disney attire, seeing the sights, hearing the music are all apart of the excitement.
How do we register for RunDisney 2022?
All dates are out at https://www.rundisney.com/know-before-you-go/. That includes Wine N Dine in November and a “spring time surprise!” Registration happens a few months prior to each race so you’ll want to go ahead and have your dates and plans set quickly.
Can agents assist in booking like they have in years past?
In the past, agents could help their runner clients get their race bib. This is not the case for 2022. It’s a big change. But agents can still help with tickets, rooms and packages. Obtaining a bib is on the runner but our agents at Believe have run multiple races over multiple years so reach out to us! You’ll need a RunDisney account or go to the RunDisney website before 10AM EST on registration day. Once you click the link, you’ll join a virtual waiting queue and follow instructions from there. It’s also important to note that there is no early registration for annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members anymore. Early registration is only for those in Club RunDisney- Gold or Platinum membership.
Are there virtual opportunities for 2022?
Virtual will stay for 2022 for the four main races. They have the same distance options and pricing will be slightly different for virtual races. But if you can do it in the parks, it’s much more fun as you can imagine! Especially if you do ALL the races on consecutive days (AKA Dopey Challenge)!
What race are you most excited about?
Princess (10K) was my first and it is special. For this year, Dopey is the goal and the dream. I’ve been waiting for this for 2 years. And that’s also why RunDisney is very special – improve your times, run at different times of the year, run at Disney Paris, you name it!
If you had one piece of advice for anyone considering RunDisney 2022, what would it be?
Create your own plan and that includes both pre-race and during the race week. Picture yourself at the finish line, set a healthy timeline of distances in the months leading up to the event but also, plan accordingly for race weekend. Budget for recovery and rest time and not just park time and race time. But most of all, have fun and dream of your success!
