Last Updated on June 30, 2021 by Kimberly Stroh
2015 will be my first year running the Wine and Dine Half Marathon and the Jingle Jungle 5k. This year’s event sold out in record time with thousands of runners looking forward to the November Run Disney tradition. This year already feels like it will be a fantastic event, making it unique from past years.
Here are my top my 5 reasons to be excited about this year’s race weekend:
1) It’s the 20th anniversary of Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival
Epcot is outdoing itself this year for their anniversary edition of the popular festival. Over 15 countries are represented in food & beverage stations at the World Showcase. Enjoy the post-race delights at the finish line party!
The 20th anniversary food will be epic!
2) Osbourne’s Family Lights
Sadly, this is the final year for the infamous Christmas lights that adorn Hollywood Studios. This will be the final chance for Run Disney runners to experience them on the course. I’m looking forward to this most, since I’ve yet to see them.
I can’t wait to run through these!
3) It’s the ONLY Run Disney night race now
Since Run Disney has dropped Tower of Terror 10 Miler, the Wine & Dine Half has become the only night time race they offer. Runners will experience 3 parks after close, in the dark, which is an experience not many can have. Get those cameras ready!
4) The Jingle Jungle 5k is the perfect warm up to the holiday season
The 5k, which runs through Animal Kingdom Park, is Christmas themed! Enjoy this festive run in your best holiday running attire. It’ll be a great way to get excited about the upcoming holiday season.
Love the holiday theme of the Jungle Jingle 5k. Photo Credit: Run Disney.
5) The NEW Welcome Reception
Run Disney is hosting a new welcome reception on November 5th from 7-9pm to kick off the race weekend. It’s $199, which is a steep price tag, but you can wine & dine with Jeff Galloway. Run Disney has also promised early packet pick up and official merchandise for sale. It’s like an Expo Fast Pass!
Registration is available HERE.
With a month to go, Wine & Dine race weekend 2015 looks like it’ll be a memorable one!
What are you most excited about? What do you think of the new welcome reception event?
Sonya
Thursday 8th of October 2015
This will be my 1st 1/2 marathon and I'm excited and nervous but I'm following The Galloway training program so I should be OK! I would like to go to the welcome event but I'm arriving on Friday hopefully the expo won't be to crowded. I enjoyed reading your blog!