2024 Dopey Challenge Race Report Part 1: 5K

• Race Name: WDW 2024 5K
• Location: Disney World
• Date: Thursday, January 4, 2024 @ 5am

Pre-Race Prep:

Leading up to the race, I followed the runDisney Dopey Challenge training plan. I feel like it definitely prepared me for going the distance. In addition to the training plan, I really focused on the idea of preserving my energy for Sunday (marathon day). The night before, I laid out my flat Crystal and went to bed early.

Race Day:

Being in the last corral didn’t really bother me on 5K day. The 5K isn’t timed, so I didn’t feel the sense of urgency I know I’d feel on the other runs. That morning, I got on the bus around 3:20 and was getting off at EPCOT about 10 minutes later. My corral wasn’t too crowded when I got there. In fact, I could’ve rope dropped my corral had I chosen the right spot to wait. And wait. I. did. It wasn’t too bad though. I spent most of the time making small talk with a lady who sat near me. It also helped that the DJ was entertaining.

The Start:

Despite the run starting at 5, I didn’t actually start until 5:52 since I was in the last corral and the 2nd wave of my corral. It was pretty cool that morning so I was eager to start and warm myself up!

Nutrition and Hydration:

With it being the 5K, I kept it pretty low-key as far as fueling and staying hydrated. I didn’t bring any water with me, but I could’ve easily gotten some at the water stop if needed. There weren’t food stops like you typically see for longer distances, but I knew there was a banana with my name on it at the finish line.

Support and Crowd Interaction:

Although my husband came along for the trip to Florida, I told him not to bother coming out to see me for the 5K. In fact, I was finished and back at the resort before he even woke up. Similarly, the time that I finished didn’t leave much room for any memorable moments with the crowds.

Highlights/Challenges:

My highlight of the 5K was seeing Mickey! Now, I fully understand that it’s a person in a costume. I get that friends. But in that moment? You forget. And you’re a kid again, happy and giddy because oh em gee IT’S MICKEY MOUSE!

Finish and Post-Race:

After getting my medal, snack box, and precious banana, I was on the hunt for Pluto for a picture. This is the part where I could kick myself. After finishing a runDisney race, there are a bunch of employees whose job it is to keep the pathways clear. Needless to say, there’s a lot of “you can’t stand here” and “please keep moving” which can be overwhelming to a little rule follower like myself. So, instead of sticking around for post-race pictures, I did what I was told and kept moving until I was herded onto my resort bus. No picture with Pluto for me.

Results:

I ended up finishing the 5K in a little under an hour. Nothing to write home about but you have to remember that one: I was in preservation mode, two: the 5K was super congested at times, and most importantly three: runDisney’s whole vibe isn’t necessarily about finishing first, but having fun along the way. Why else would there be live entertainment and character stops? I don’t know, maybe I’m in the minority, but I’d much rather PR in fun over time at a runDisney race. *Kanye shrug*

Conclusion:

Overall, the 5K went well. I can’t say that I’d do it again though. 5Ks in general seem to be the most family/kid friendly distance, as well as the most popular bucket list distance. So with that you get a lot of participants who aren’t familiar with race etiquette, which can be frustrating to deal with. Add that to the fact that you’re at the Most Magical Place on Earth where people already lose all sense of self-awareness?? No thank you.