Last year, I ran my first Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World. If you’re not familiar with the Dopey Challenge, it’s four races over four days, for a total of 48.6 miles. It starts with a 5K, then progresses each day with a 10k, half marathon, and full marathon. It’s often said that the hardest part of the challenge is waking up so early (buses begin running as early as 3:00 am for certain races!), and I can agree that getting up in the middle of the night was a huge challenge. This year, freezing temperatures added another level of difficulty!
Last year was an incredible experience – from running at my resort when the Half was canceled to the triumph of completing the entire challenge (read all about my adventures last year here). I couldn’t wait to do it all again! This year would be a very different trip for me, because I’d be traveling solo and my family would be cheering me on from home. I went into the weekend slightly apprehensive about undertaking such a big event without my usual support team.
I arrived in Orlando on Tuesday night and hit the expo first thing on Wednesday morning. It was cold and rainy, and the expo was quickly filled to capacity with lots of runners waiting in a miserable outdoor queue. I was able to get in and out, and the sun was shining by the time I left. Due to a combination of cold weather and crowded parks, I was back in my room early and ready to start my Dopey adventure.
Day 1: 5k!
The morning of the 5k was cold. And I don’t just mean Florida-cold, I mean COLD! It was in the low 30’s, which meant lots of costume adjustments! I had planned on a tank top and skirt, but put on several layers instead, and took a mylar blanket, gloves, and a hat.
On the way to the pre-race area, I ran into my friend and Team Shenanigans teammate, Laurie, who was volunteering. HUGE thanks to all those volunteers who got up even earlier than the runners, were out in the cold, and weren’t earning a medal for it! Once inside the pre-race area, I met up with some other teammates before heading to the corrals. I like to be early to my corral so I can be toward the front, and relax before the start of the race. Usually I don’t mind the wait, but it was so cold that I felt like time was standing still. I finally put in my headphones and turned on an audiobook to pass the time.
At last, the race began! We started in the parking lot of Epcot, and the first characters on the course were Chip and Dale. I didn’t stop for them, since they can easily be found in the parks. Around mile 1 (right when I could finally feel my toes again), we entered the park backstage. When we entered World Showcase, the Vikings were out in Norway. There wasn’t much of a line, so I stopped. Next up was Jiminy Cricket, then Vacation Genie in Morocco (another skip since he’s a frequent race course character), and Koda and Kanai in Canada. As is my tradition, I also stopped to take a few scenic pictures and soak up the magic of running through World Showcase.
After leaving World Showcase, the course continued around past The Land (with a quick stop to see Horace Horsecollar) and then back around to Spaceship Earth, out of the park, and to the finish line!
I was happy to find another teammate at the finish line! Anita presented me with my medal, and just like that, the first three point one miles of the Dopey challenge were done. It was so cold that I didn’t want to stand in any character lines (which is extremely rare for me!). I headed straight for the bus and back to my room, where I took a nap and waited for the temperature to rise a little. Due to another cold and crowded day at the parks, I once again found myself back in the room and ready for bed earlier than expected.
Day Two: 10k!
Friday morning was another cold one that required adding (unflattering) layers underneath my Peter Pan costume. I huddled together with teammates again to stay warm before heading to the corrals. After another chilly wait, we were off! This race begins in the Epcot parking lot, and the first three miles are on the highway.
The first character stop was Pocahontas and Meeko, with a fun backdrop. The line was already long, but I figured I’d wait since she had on her cold weather outfit and I don’t have a picture of the two together.
Next up was Flik and Atta from A Bug’s Life. I’d gotten a picture of them at a previous race, and their line was long, so I kept on running. A little further down the highway was the Old Hag from Snow White. Yes, please! Just let me warm my hands on your cauldron for a minute…
One of my favorite things about Disney races is running into friends on the course. From friends that I’ve met in various Disney facebook groups to more of my Team Shenanigans teammates, it’s great to see friendly faces out there!
Before I knew it, we were entering Epcot and were halfway through the race. Running into World Showcase in the dark, with torches lit and music playing, really is one of the most magical feelings. All of the pavilions in World Showcase are lit up, and it’s just beautiful.
Pinnochio was out in Italy (I didn’t stop – his line was long and I’ve gotten a picture with him before), and Rapunzel and Flynn were in Germany. I was excited and immediately got in line, only to be told by a Cast Member that it was about a 30-minute wait. There was no way I could justify stopping that long in the middle of a race, so off I went. I ran by Marie in France, and then headed down the International Gateway and around the boardwalk.
Then it was time to run back into Epcot, past Spaceship Earth, and to the finish line where another teammate, Kenny, gave me my medal!
I was freezing by the time I walked through the post-race area, so once again I headed straight for the bus and back to my warm room. There was a team breakfast at Trail’s End (check out my previous review here – it’s delicious!), followed by park time with some teammates, and then it was back to the resort to meet up with Jessica.
Jessica is a friend that I originally met online, but who has now become a “real life” friend, as well. When some things with school changed and I posted about being bummed that my family wasn’t going to get to come, she quickly decided to fly down for the weekend to cheer for me. I was extremely grateful, and excited to spend some time together! We had an early dinner at Disney Springs, followed by drinks at the Contemporary, and then back the room to get ready for early wake-up #3.
Day 3 – Half Marathon!
Another cold, early morning. Today’s costume (little green alien from Toy Story, a Team Shenanigans group costume) got some additional layers added, but I was still happy with the end result. After more meet-ups, hugs, and laughter, I headed off alone to my corral.
I don’t know what came over me on this race. It was the first time I’d ever run this particular race, since last year’s was canceled and I ran the miles at my resort. I was particularly excited about running down Main Street, and the Disney magic had started to take hold. I decided to just enjoy myself – to stop for all the characters that I wanted, to take my time and have fun. That’s something my runner’s brain has struggled with while running at Disney. Today, it happened. I was in rare form, and I was having SO. MUCH. FUN!
The race began on Epcot Center Drive, and we ran down the highway and through the gates of the Magic Kingdom. The first character was along Mile 3, and it was Mater and Lightning McQueen. I didn’t stop, but the next characters weren’t far off, and I couldn’t resist stopping for them. Vanellope and Wreck-It Ralph, followed shortly by Jack Skellington and the lovely Sally!
From there, it was on to the Magic Kingdom! We received a warm welcome as we ran through the entrance (a great change from entering backstage!) and headed down Main Street.
This moment is one that makes all the training miles, the cold mornings, the early wake-ups, ALL OF IT, so worth it. It’s still dark, Main Street is lined with cheering spectators, and the castle is lit up straight ahead. It’s pure magic.
The course passes by the castle (don’t worry, we’ll be back!) and heads into Tomorrowland, where I ran past Sully near the Laugh Floor. There were even more characters as we crossed into Fantasyland – the Queen of Hearts and the White Rabbit were near the Teacups, and Circus Goofy was by Storybook Circus. And…SEBASTIAN was greeting runners by Under the Sea! I wasn’t going to pass up this opportunity, and the line was somehow fairly short.
After that, the course took us back toward the Castle. Suzy and Perla were off to the side, but I was too anxious to run through the castle to stop. I always stop for a photo in front, and then it was back through Liberty Square and into Frontierland!
My costume absolutely mandated that I stop for a picture with Bullseye and Woody, and this turned into a longer wait because Bullseye had to go check on his pals backstage.
Exiting the Magic Kingdom, there were photo ops with the train and with Cinderella, Aurora, and their princes. The penguins from Mary Poppins were near the Grand Floridian, and the singing princes (Bachelors? Groomsmen? I’m honestly not sure what they are!) were out a little further down the road. I didn’t stop, because I was now focused on getting to one place – my friends who were cheering near the Poly! Finally I saw them, and went sprinting across the grass to greet them. After hugs, selfies, and some much-appreciated cookies from the Chicken Hat Cheerer, Laura, I was back on my way.
My energy was still running high, and I was feeling great! I passed by Vacation Genie, but couldn’t resist stopping by to say hello to Mr. and Mrs. Incredible. And then Captain Jack Sparrow and Barbossa.
As we ran up the hill after mile 10, Sarge (the green army man) ran up to me and told me “I want to see REAL running up this hill, Little Green Man!”. So I dug deep and showed him some real running!
Before I knew it, we were heading back into Epcot. I didn’t stop for the next two characters – Tink’s fairy friends or Stitch. I just kept running until I heard that sweet gospel choir singing “We are the Champions”! What a perfect finish.
This was my slowest half EVER. And yet, I was thrilled with how it had gone. I had so much fun, and I PR’d in characters! I call that a win. The weather was finally feeling warmer, so I decided to hit some character lines. I made up for lost time on previous days – I met four characters (Pluto, Goofy, Dopey, and Mickey) and even saw a proposal!
My fabulous day continued with an early dinner at ‘Ohana with some friends. A view of the castle, a pineapple drink, and a lot of laughs. I was in bed by 7:30 and managed to get an entire 6 hours of sleep!
Day 4: Marathon!
Today was the day! My fourth full marathon and my first “official” Dopey! I was excited, but not nearly as nervous as I’d expected to be. The weather was slightly warmer and I had taken an extra mylar blanket, so I was feeling great. I hung out with a new teammate, Joe, in the corrals, and the time passed quickly as we chatted.
Before I knew it, I was off and running. The first few miles of this course are the same as the half, so I knew what to expect. I didn’t plan to stop nearly as much as I had the day before, and I also suspected I’d see some repeat characters. I ran into teammates early on the course – both running and cheering – and it was great to see friendly faces!
I couldn’t resist stopping for a double character opportunity – Maleficent (!!!) and the Queen of Hearts.
From there, it was straight on to the Magic Kingdom, for another emotional run down Main Street. It may sound cliche, but I never want to take this for granted. I feel insanely lucky to get to do this!
Exiting the Magic Kingdom, I stopped for a quick pic with Maleficent in dragon form from the Festival of Fantasy parade. I LOVE this photo op!
From here, we ran past the resorts just like yesterday, but then spent a few miles out on the road until we entered Animal Kingdom around mile 12. But there were some pretty epic character stops in those miles! I was ecstatic to get a picture with the entire Up gang, including Mr. Fredrickson! He’s at the top of my character wish list!
I couldn’t resist a quick stop for some retired ride vehicles. Last year there was a Cast Member here taking photos, but this year we just had to rely on the kindness of fellow runners.
The next character stop was another must-do: Hades with Pain and Panic! Eeek!
On the out-and-back that was mile 11, I ran into my buddy, Mark – the two of us usually cross paths somewhere along the race course!
Then it was time to head into Animal Kingdom! I had to stop and greet the animals that were out.
I had hoped to ride Everest this year, but unfortunately, I had entered the park too early. The good news was that I was now halfway done with this race, and I was still feeling awesome!
We exited Animal Kingdom and headed into the dreaded slog through the parking lot. This time it wasn’t so bad because I knew I had friends ahead! I was thrilled to see them, and they had snacks! Seeing your people on a race course is incredibly invigorating – I hope that spectators know how important they are.
Directly across from where they were cheering was the Haunted Mansion gravediggers. I couldn’t resist this fun photo op!
After this is when the race really becomes a mental game. You know that you have a lot of boring road miles to log before you hit another park, including those at the Wide World of Sports. Luckily, another teammate came along just when I needed him! Taylor and I spent the next few miles running together, and I was surprised several times to look down at my watch and realize that we were running faster than I had expected to run at this point in the race. The miles passed quickly, and before I knew it, we were heading into Hollywood Studios. We happily accepted the candy that was being handed out – M&M’s, Snickers, and Skittles. I’m always grateful for ANY kind of small snack at this point.
We had hoped to ride Tower of Terror, but the CM at the gate told us that they couldn’t let us in the Fastpass (which we expected) OR the regular line, since we hadn’t entered the park with tickets. I know that other people were successful in going on several different rides, so it is possible (2019 goals!)! Taylor’s family was cheering in DHS, so he stopped to see them and I headed on to finish alone.
We ran out of Hollywood Studios (and I passed Jeff Galloway during mile 23, which gave me a little boost!) and down the path that leads to the Epcot resorts. There were lots of people cheering there, which was awesome! We headed into Epcot and there was a special Mile Marker at 25, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the race.
From there, it was through World Showcase, and I didn’t stop for any characters (except a quick hello to my friends serving as Team Margarita!). Then past Spaceship Earth, and the sweet sounds of the gospel choir singing me home! There may have been some happy tears at this point – it’s impossible to run 26.2 miles and not have emotions run high! And even though this was my fourth marathon, I am still slightly incredulous every time that I’ve accomplished this.
I got a finish line shoutout for my Team Shenanigans shirt, which is always awesome! And there was another great surprise at the finish line – each runner was gifted an ear hat commemorating the 25th anniversary.
As proud as I was of my own accomplishment, I was even more proud of two of my teammates (Sandy and Dale, I’m looking at you!) who were completing their first marathons. There were more happy tears when I saw the video of a large group crossing the finish line together.
I will warn you: the excitement of Marathon weekend is contagious. Before the weekend was over, I was making plans with a group of friends for next year! Until next year, Dopey…
