Greater than 9,000 keen runners anticipating a magical expertise on the “Happiest Place on Earth” (Walt Disney World) discovered their expectations dashed on Saturday as runDisney was compelled to change the course for the 2024 Walt Disney World Half Marathon on account of an incoming storm. The announcement got here simply hours earlier than the beginning, leaving members disillusioned and questioning the choice.
The race was scheduled to kick off at 5 a.m. however was bumped quarter-hour earlier in response to the forecast predicting extreme climate situations round 9 a.m. (4 hours into the half-marathon.) RunDisney’s major concern was to make sure the security of all members, which prompted them to regulate the course to seven miles (11.26 km) to have everybody safely off the course by 8 a.m.
Late Friday, RunDisney despatched a notification outlining the alterations to the race. The adjustment concerned a discount within the race’s distance and a change to the route. The route was now an out-and-back loop to and from Epcot, not operating by way of the Magic Kingdom. Moreover, the beginning time was shifted to 4:45 a.m. Regardless of understanding the need of the choice for security causes, many runners expressed disappointment, with some questioning why Walt Disney World didn’t shut all parks given the storm situations.
A participant voiced considerations, stating that every one parks remained open regardless of the incoming storm. “So it’s not secure for the half marathon, however tremendous secure for park exercise—cash issues, clearly,” one annoyed runner wrote.
The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend consists of 4 races, beginning with a 5K on Thursday, adopted by a 10K on Friday, the half-marathon on Saturday, and concluding with the marathon on Sunday. Hundreds of runners flock to Walt Disney World annually to take part on this magical occasion that takes them by way of the 4 iconic parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.
Some runners additionally questioned the that means of a half-marathon by way of Walt Disney World if it doesn’t traverse the parks and isn’t really the half-marathon distance. RunDisney acknowledged their announcement introduced frustration however remained silent on whether or not there can be refunds or compensation.
