runDisney Hosts Most Magical Meet-Up Yet for 20th Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

Filed in: runDisney, Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

Star-studded meet-up featured celebrities Drew Carey and Joey Fatone, former NFL player Eddie Mason and running legends including Joan Benoit Samuelson, Bill Rodgers, Desiree Davila, Bart Yasso, Jeff Galloway and Dick Beardsley

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Jan. 11, 2013) – In celebration of the 20th Walt Disney World Marathon presented by Cigna, runDisney hosted its biggest social media meet-up yet Friday at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort.

After a magical welcome from Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy, who each have a marathon medal designed after them, the group embarked on a 2.5-mile run through Hollywood Studios. The group got a unique look at Hollywood Studios during sunrise as they passed iconic attractions such as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster before finishing at the Lights! Motors! Action! Extreme Stunt Show. Along the run, Disney characters such as Pluto, Minnie Mouse and Toy Story’s Woody and Buzz Lightyear, surprised the group for photo opportunities.

On set at Lights! Motors! Action! meet-up guests had the opportunity to interact with celebrities and athletes. Drew Carey and Joey Fatone entertained the guests with stories about their running experiences, and Carey also spoke about his passion for runDisney races. The group was treated to running tips from a special panel of running legends including Joan Benoit Samuelson, Bill Rodgers, Desiree Davila, Bart Yasso, Jeff Galloway and Dick Beardsley. The meet-up also featured special guests from New Balance who spoke about the specially-designed runDisney shoe and former NFL player Eddie Mason, who is working with Cigna, the marathon’s presenting sponsor, to promote health and wellness.

Afterward, the Fab Five – Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto – surprised the group once again and joined everyone for photos.

Participants were also invited to a special screening of America’s Funniest Home Videos.

Participants were selected via the Disney Parks Blog.

For more information on the Walt Disney World Marathon or to sign up for a future runDisney race, visit www.rundisney.com. Also follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest runDisney race information and for behind-the-scenes access to all things runDisney.