“Off to a Running Start” – An Inside Look at the runDisney Team

Whether it’s running through the Battle of Endor or racing through Cinderella Castle, each detail of a runDisney race is methodically planned to create one-of-a-kind experiences for thousands of runners.

These events wouldn’t be possible without the thoughtful planning of the runDisney team. After months of extensive preparations, the team spends several sleepless nights setting up an event’s race course across property to guarantee everything is race-ready. Paul Morris, sports event manager, is part of the early planning process. He helps design each race course and figure out logistics, working with Security and law enforcement to chart a route that is safe for runners while also allowing Guests to begin their day at Walt Disney World on time.

“It’s challenging because we don’t have much margin for error,” Paul said. “When we have a race, we’re taking a normal operation and throwing a curve ball at it. We partner a lot with many areas across Parks and Resorts to determine how to ensure the daily operation can run smoothly while we have a race.” Once the course starts coming to life, Paul passes the baton to David Young, sports event manager, and Pablo Baez, event changeover support.

David collaborates with vendors to procure equipment, such as tents, fencing and vehicles. Timing is integral to the success of David’s tasks – everything must be set up in an orderly fashion so Pablo can accept the baton for the final leg. Pablo and his team then take over. Pablo helps fill box trucks full of essentials like water and Powerade, and he and his team do the leg work, distributing supplies to each of the water stops set up along the course. Their work makes a huge difference to runners looking for hydration to push through the next few miles.

“It’s not just the runDisney team – it’s an undertaking to make a race of this magnitude possible,” David said. “When we see the runners come across and have the best experience, that is what makes this worthwhile.” Pablo echoed David’s thought: “runDisney event set-ups are a major task, but seeing the final product – runners on the course, it’s such an amazing feeling to know I helped with that.”

For more runDisney stories plus news and updates, stay tuned to the runDisney Blog and follow @runDisney in social on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.