The 2024 Walt Disney World Marathon weekend encountered some unforeseen hurdles during its Saturday events, causing a bit of disappointment among participants and fans alike. Late the night before the Walt Disney World Half Marathon on Saturday, an announcement was made that the race course would undergo a modification due to the anticipated arrival of severe weather conditions. Although the course had to be shortened to ensure the safety of the participants, it unfortunately resulted in some dissatisfaction among eager runners.
Fans Devastated by News of Shortened Course
In light of the adjustments made to the race course, some participants and spectators voiced their concerns regarding the impact on their overall race experience. Understandably, there were hopes for a full-length course that traverses the iconic and immersive surroundings of Walt Disney World Resort, allowing participants to witness the magic and charm of the theme park as they conquer the half marathon challenge. However, Mother Nature’s unpredictable temperament necessitated the shortened course to ensure the well-being of all involved.
While the modification to the race course may have disappointed many, it’s important to note that the experience of participating in the Walt Disney World Half Marathon goes beyond the distance covered. The event offers a unique opportunity for avid runners and Disney enthusiasts to come together and embrace the spirit of perseverance, camaraderie, and achieving personal goals. The atmosphere of excitement and anticipation fills the air as runners prepare to embark on their exhilarating journey.
Related: RunDisney Reveals the Themes for 2024 WDW Marathon Weekend
https://twitter.com/AshleyLCarter1/status/1743426321496375682
The modified route still allowed participants to pass through some beloved areas, immersing themselves in the Disney theme park magic that makes this event so special. The iconic landmarks and breathtaking sights within Walt Disney World Resort continued to serve as a backdrop, providing participants with an unforgettable experience. Still, many fans feel that since they were not able to run a full marathon, they should receive a refund.
Could Ron DeSantis Help?
One fan even went as far as to mention that perhaps Ron DeSantis could offer a solution by intervening in the runDisney race issue. They posted:
“Anyone think Ron Desantis could step in and do something here? He would definitely have my vote if he was able to do something for all of us.”
Many fans found this response to be comical due to all the drama between The Walt Disney Company and Ron DeSantis this year.
While there may have been initial disappointment surrounding the course modification, it’s important to recognize the complexities involved in organizing such a large-scale event and the compounding challenges when it comes to weather conditions. The safety of participants and Disney Resort spectators is of paramount importance, and the decision to modify the course was made with their well-being in mind.
Regarding the issue of refunds, it’s understandable that some participants may have expected reimbursement for the runDisney event due to the course alteration. However, it’s important to remember that the registration fees cover not only the race itself but also a range of associated run Disney benefits and resources provided to participants. These include essential race logistics, medical support, on-course entertainment, commemorative medals, and other perks that contribute to the overall race experience.
As of now, Disney race fans will be patiently waiting to see if the Marathon Weekend customers will receive a refund after the conclusion of this race weekend.
Unbelievable that someone thinks a politician’s intervention is appropriate in an event where weather is a factor.
Devastated? Are you being a bit overdramatic?
Anyone that participates in an outdoor sports knows that severe weather will always win. It is a chance you take when you schedule a trip to an event. They were still given a similar competition and everyone participating was provided the same experience. Humans continue to create major problems over situations that are just disappointing. This is why we continue to see events disappear off that calendar after years. No matter what event you put on it is never good enough. The runners paid a fee to run and received everything they were promised but a distance of blacktop to run on. Disney bills for the event did not change what money needs to be returned.
Most people I was chatting with understood why it was happening and while disappointed in the decision tried to make the most of it. Some of the earlier finishers ended up doing the last half around their hotels (Hourglass Lake comes to mind for some of them staying at Pop & AoA). I was monitoring the storm just as Disney was and was messaging runners I was tracking to pick it up as the lightning was within the 20mi window. I did hear some of the stragglers got their course cut even more once it got within the 15mi bubble.
And remember, you signed the waiver that gives them the right to adjust as needed. Anyone recall the night runs that were cut in half during Wine & Dine due to thunderstorms?