On your marks, get set, go! In this episode of 90s Disney, AJ, Mike, and Chris are racing through the magical history of runDisney, Disney’s official long-distance running series. Chris takes the lead with a look back at how Disney’s first road races began in the 1980s with “Jog with Jiminy,” evolved into the Disney Endurance Series, and finally transformed into the runDisney events we know today. From humble beginnings to marathons through the theme parks, we explore how these events reshaped the Disney calendar, filled hotel rooms in the off-season, and inspired thousands of costumed runners to race for the medals, the memories—and the merch.
Plus, we hear all about Chris’s firsthand experience running the Star Wars Half Marathon, complete with 4 AM start times, stormtrooper photo ops, and the joys and hazards of a 13.1-mile journey through Disney property. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a seasoned churro fan, this episode is your victory lap.
Topics Covered
- The origins of runDisney: Jog with Jiminy and the Disney Endurance Series
- The first Walt Disney World Marathon in 1994
- Why Disney World is uniquely suited for racing events
- Themed races: Princess, Star Wars, Castaway Cay, Dopey Challenge, and more
- The short-lived Disneyland Marathon and its infamous wrong turn
- runDisney today: massive scale, high demand, and big medals
- Chris’s personal Star Wars Half Marathon experience
- AJ and Mike’s aspirations (and hesitations) to get on the course
- Balloon ladies, cosplay runners, and surprise rides along the way
Follow Us
📬 Email us at 90sdisneypodcast@gmail.com with questions or comments!
