What is the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo?
Article by Guest Disney Nerd, Heather Bedor:
Are you participating in a runDisney event? Aspire to be the next Katherine Switzer? Just like to go for free swag? Each year, the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo takes place at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. It’s the official race headquarters, on Walt Disney World property. There are four different race weekends, totaling 26 individual races, fully themed out. Each Expo starts the day before the first 5k takes place and continues throughout the weekend.
What exactly is the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo? Continue reading to see what you definitely don’t want to miss out on!
The most recent Expo was for the Disney Princess Half Marathon presented by CORKCICLE. This was held this past weekend February 24th-26th. Consider the expo to be a small, and mandatory, convention. This is where you can grab your race bibs, exclusive merchandise, and meet other participants. Don’t forget all of the themed photo ops too! This event is open to the public too, and best of all, it’s free.
The most recent Expo features some of our favorite Disney Princesses. This year featured Moana, Mulan, Cinderella, and Tiana. One of the most popular photo ops is taking a picture with Cinderella’s famous coach as you celebrate what Disney calls your “runcation”! As someone who was once training to run this event, before spraining my ACL, I still enjoy going to bond with my fellow participants and onlookers. I personally enjoy being able to stop by the merchandise tent where you can buy event exclusive items featuring the princesses on all different types of merchandise, from the coveted event specific Spirit Jerseys and Pandora Charms to MagicBands and wine glasses.
Inside the AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World of Sports, the area is broken down into a few different sections.
Runners can pick up pre-ordered merchandise bundles (when available), shop the exclusive merchandise (including Passholder exclusive merchandise), take photos in front of their respective race signs (5k, 10k, 19.3, or 13.1) or a beautiful replica of the front to Cinderella Castle.
The wait to get in on Day 1 was well over an hour, but well worth it! Once inside, the buzz of excited runners and their families filled the air-conditioned arena. The mobile shopping option which rolled out last year in a few shops (like the Creations Shop in EPCOT) was available inside the expo. Most people had chosen this option, through My Disney Experience, for merchandise so they didn’t have to wait in line to buy the items they had carefully chosen. There were plenty of Cast Members to assist guests and honestly, the wait to check out was less than 5 minutes.
My next destination was the Visa Center Expo, the more Fitness and Health centric side of the Expo, next door. This is where the real action is. Attendees can shop for everything from themed running outfits (Disney encourages runners to dress in “costume” for the race), and the latest and greatest in post-run therapy with items such as air-compression leg sleeves, massage guns, and KT Tape (where they will happily tape you up for free). You also can’t miss the Pandora castle right in the middle of the floor. You can also sign up for virtual races, other non-Disney marathons, try healthy alternative snacks and drinks, or just people watch.
I never miss an Expo.
Although I’m still in the healing process, being around participants gives me that extra encouragement to keep getting better. I saw some very young runners and some seasoned as well. If they can do it, so can I! It also doesn’t hurt that the Cast Members wish me a good race, if only they knew! So, run, don’t walk (well if you must) to the Expo next time a race is happening. Maybe you too will be inspired to runDisney!
