The next runDisney race isn’t until September, but summer is a great time to begin training for upcoming races. runDisney race weekends are not only a great opportunity to accomplish personal goals. but also to celebrate significant milestones with family.  This past spring, one dad literally went the extra mile for his son when the two participated in the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side presented by OtterBox here Walt Disney World Resort, April 19-22.

Timothy Spicer ran alongside his son Hunter as part of Hunter’s recovery from a car accident six years ago that required him to relearn everyday activities, such as walking and eating. As Hunter continued to regain his strength, he and his dad participated in local 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons together. In April 2016, they signed up for the inaugural Star Wars Dark Side Challenge, aiming to conquer the power of the Dark Side.

But for the father-son duo, the race weekend was about more than running the 19.3-mile challenge.

After completing the 10K and half marathon races in 2016, Hunter told his father, “Dad, this is going to be our race to run together,” as a triumph over his accident. Since then, Hunter and Timothy have participated in all the Star Wars Dark Side race weekends, and the entire Spicer family joins them at Walt Disney World Resort to celebrate Hunter’s recovery.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of runners like Hunter and his dad line up for runDisney races, experiencing the uniquely themed courses that take runners throughout Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Paris.

For more information about upcoming runDisney races, such as the Disneyland Paris Magic Run Weekend, September 20-23, and the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, Nov. 1-4, please visit www.rundisney.com. For updates, follow runDisney on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.