You can earn a Star Wars medal for running a Disney half-marathon—without leaving your home
If running a half marathon is one of your New Year’s resolutions or a fitness goal for 2018, you’re in luck. Disney’s awesome new half-marathon will motivate even the most stubborn couch potatoes to get moving.
Part of the famous runDisney race series, the Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon is unlike any other. True to its name, it is completely virtual. Participants can run the 13.1 miles absolutely anywhere and still earn the finisher’s medal. Think of it as a “choose your own adventure” race.
Hypothetically, you could watch Star Wars movies while running on a treadmill for every mile. The hardest part might be choosing which movie to watch. A half-marathon never breezed by so easily!
Whether you’re in a galaxy near or far, far away, join us starting NOW for the first-ever @starwars Virtual Half Marathon! Click to learn details on the all-new #runDisney event: https://t.co/TH24vekWkP pic.twitter.com/z5M92HFHFl
— runDisney (@runDisney) January 3, 2018
Participants can even break up the mileage into more manageable chunks. They can run a few miles here and a few miles there if they prefer.
This race is all on the honor system. Runners track their own times and submit their results online. Then, they can download their finisher certificates and wait for their medals to arrive in the mail.
While the race is virtual, the medal is something you can touch and feel—and quite spectacular. Take a look for yourself in the photo below. The Virtual Half Marathon medal is on the far left. In order to earn the other two medals, runners must also register for the Kessel Run Challenge and complete the Dark Side Half Marathon within pacing limits. This separate race is planned for mid-April.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bdffuefnvfp/
It’s harder to come up with an excuse not to run than it is to finish this race. Registration is open now through Feb. 28, and runners must complete their 13.1 miles before March 31. It only costs $59 to enter the budget-friendly race.
During registration, runners can add a donation to Starlight Children’s Foundation on behalf of Star Wars: Force for Change. The organization helps hospitalized children and their families. It provides programs at children’s hospitals around the world.
Runners can share their experiences using the hashtag #StarWarsVirtualHalf. Already thrilled about the race, many people are sharing their excitement on Twitter and Instagram.
I'm in! #ihaveaproblem #StarWarsVirtualHalf #rundisney #halfmarathon @rundisney https://t.co/xVpeQSRTKA
— Stephanie Reid (@smileysteph) January 3, 2018
Thanks to your tweet, some buddies and I are building up our 13.1 miles for that Poe Dameron medal. Had no idea virtual races existed! Thanks for sharing! #StarWarsVirtualHalf pic.twitter.com/COaH8GucdW
— Andrew Hutcheson (@altrockaudio) January 10, 2018
Registered! I want that medal, not excuses! So hyped for this! #StarWarsVirtualHalf
— Mike-EL (@JediMike1128) January 3, 2018
This runner already has her bib and is logging her miles (even with snow on the ground!).
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bdg3rKLgrwX/?tagged=starwarsvirtualhalf
And some runners made the leap to hyperspace right away and have already completed their race! Check out Kathryn’s stats that she posted on Twitter! And, she actually finished her half marathon while at Walt Disney World. Bonus!
Finished the virtual half marathon last weekend in Walt Disney World! #StarWarsVirtualHalf #runDisney pic.twitter.com/iRBT1mb77Z
— Kathryn Kirby (@KitKatKK89) January 13, 2018
For overachievers, there are standard race options in a range of distances coming up, too. The Star Wars Dark Side 5K, 10K and Half Marathon take place April 20 to 22 at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
No need to run to a galaxy far, far away to earn your own Millennium Falcon!
RELATED: When he was left alone with his baby for the day, this father took the opportunity to dress his baby up like R2-D2 from Star Wars:
More Virtual Races Where You Can Earn A Medal
Virtual races are a growing trend among walkers and runners. Not everyone can travel to races (whether due to time or financial constraints.) So, companies have bridged the gap for those looking for a challenge—and a little bling to go with it.
If you’re looking for other opportunities to get those steps in and earn yourself a well-deserved award for your hard work.
Will Run For Bling (And Charity)
Will Run for Bling not only rewards runners and walkers with their own bling, but it also gives a portion of its race fees to charity. Organizations they contribute to include Make a Wish, No Kid Hungry, the American Heart Association, the Wounded Warrior Project and more.
One of their upcoming races is the Puppy Love Virtual Race, which can be done as a 5K, 10K or half marathon. A portion of the proceeds from the race fees will go to the American Humane Associations.
Yes.Fit
With more than 65 virtual races on its roster, Yes.Fit has a race for everyone. Fans of fairy tales might love to participate in the Cinderella 18.5 mile-virtual race. Or how about a “Dirty Dancing” race where you virtually run through 30 miles in the Catskills to win this cool bling?
It’s fun and it will help you keep your fitness goals for the new year. A win-win!