We knew it was coming, but it still stings to read the latest development from runDisney. You can find the full statement at this link, but, in short, the races – like most others around the world in 2020 – are off. Runners are given the choice between a full refund and a virtual race.
In the words of runDisney,
“With circumstances surrounding COVID-19 continuing to change around the globe, we continue to make timely decisions about our operations after considering guidance from local and national health authorities. As we have shared before, we are basing our decisions on the safety and well-being of our Cast Members, athletes and our Guests, since there is nothing more important than that.
With that in mind, we are transitioning the 2020 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort to a virtual race. All registered Guests for the onsite event have the option of receiving a full refund for the race, and registered Guests with a U.S. mailing address may convert their existing registration to the new virtual event that can be completed from home, a local running track or favorite running trail.
Eligible runners who select to participate in the virtual race will receive a race shirt and medal for each distance they complete, in addition to the satisfaction of completing the race they’ve been training for. Registered participants will receive an email beginning July 23 with instructions on how to make their registration selection before August 5, 2020. If a selection is not made, registered Guests automatically will be refunded.
Refunds are expected to process in six to eight weeks.
Offering a virtual option is a great way to support runners who have worked hard to cover these distances and still want a way to participate and earn their medals. Runners opting for the virtual will receive:
- Race distance medal(s)
- Runner long sleeve shirt(s) and kids short sleeve shirt(s)
- Digital Bib and finisher certificate
- Digital Toolkit including start/finish line and mile markers
- Digital Goody Bag
- Virtual playlist
- A Disney Gift Card for select races in the following amounts:
- Two Course Challenge – $100
- Half Marathon – $90
- 10K – $30
- 5K – $10
The gift card seems to be a sort of rebate to account for the fact that the race would be virtual rather than in person.
Guests with a U.S. mailing address who already have received a refund for their registration may still register to participate in the virtual race option by contacting runDisney by August 5, 2020.
As for future races, runDisney reports that they are looking at every aspect of the runDisney experience and making decisions with the safety and well-being of our athletes, volunteers, Cast Members and Guests at the forefront of their planning. At this time, they plan to host the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend as scheduled and will share more details at a later date.
What are your thoughts on this news? If you were registered for Wine & Dine, will you be asking for a refund or choosing the virtual option?
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