More than 16,000 runners from Florida are expected to be among the 43,500 runners participating in race weekend events

Runners will get a chance to embrace their ‘’dark side’’ this weekend when more than 43,500 runners participate in the third annual Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side presented by OtterBox at Walt Disney World Resort.

The runners, including 16,000 from Florida, are putting down their light sabers and lacing up their running shoes during the galactic April 19-22 race weekend, which includes runDisney Kids Races, 5K, 10K and half marathon races. There is also the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo, where runners can check out the latest official runDisney race merchandise, fitness apparel, footwear, high-tech gadgets and nutritional products.

More than 17,000 runners will participate in the half-marathon, 12,000 in the 10K and 12,500 in the 5K, while 2,000 will take part in the kid’s races.  During the four-day race weekend, runners from 52 countries will have the rare opportunity to come face-to-face with Captain Phasma, the Dark Enforcer Kylo Ren and First Order stormtroopers, as well as other favorite Star Wars characters.

Media interested in covering the weekend events must contact Disney Sports Public Relations a day in advance to arrange for credentials. See table below for coverage opportunities: