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A lot of people use runDisney races to achieve some pretty amazing accomplishments. We have seen some pretty amazing athletes, and this next one made runDisney history.
runDisney
I love watching everyone share in their excitement for return to in-person running! I (Heather) was out there too! I ran in the Half Marathon during Marathon Weekend. I think Disney did an amazing job putting on this event. Be sure to check out my review on return to in-person running, HERE.
Were you scheduled to participate and not able to due to COVID? Disney has been issuing some participants refunds in the form of a gift card. Read all about that HERE.
Prepping for your next runDisney race? Be sure to check out my other posts regarding helpful runDisney tips! Next year’s race season dates have been released, check them out HERE. Also be sure to check out what every runDisney runner should know. You can read that HERE.
Not sure what to pack for your runDisney race-cation? Check out my five must-pack items. Planning on getting in some warm-up or shake-out runs or even just getting a run in while on vacation? Check out my where to run guide when visiting Walt Disney World.
runDisney Dopey History Made
Recently, we shared one athletes amazing accomplishment. For the first time in history, a runner won all four Disney races over the course of Marathon Weekend. Brittany Charboneau swept the Dopey Challenge! She is a 33 year-old from Denver who is an aspiring Olympian! What an amazing accomplishment!
Photo Credit: Disney
You can read all about the Dopey Challenge and Brittany’s amazing accomplishment HERE
Six CHEARS For This Athlete
Let’s give SIX “CHEARS” for Brian Siemann. He has swept the Dopey Challenge in his division for the sixth straight time! Siemann has been part of the Team USA for the Paralympic Track & Field team for the 2012, 2016 and 2020 games! He also has been participating in runDisney events since 2014.
Siemann told runDisney, “I completed my first runDisney race back in 2014 and was hooked after that. There is something special about runDisney races – the entire experience is so much fun. Not only do you get to race through the parks, but you can see your favorite characters along the course,” Siemann said.
“I think the highlight for the 2022 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend was just having the opportunity to race in person with the entire runDisney community. I’ve met so many people through runDisney races, so having the chance to reconnect and run through the most magical place on earth was the perfect way to start the new year.”
Siemann won his division in the dopey challenge for the sixth straight time!
What’s the dopey challenge? The dopey challenge consists of finishing every race of Marathon Weekend. This includes the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Full Marathon. Athletes will cover 48.6 magical miles!
Brian also told runDisney, “When I raced my first Dopey in 2016, the goal was to finish just doing one race at a time, so when I won every race, it made the experience all the more special. No matter how early race mornings are, I keep coming back because of how much fun I have every year!”
What is Brian’s favorite part of runDisney? Just like most runDisney runners, “I think like every runner who does a runDisney event, I love racing through all of the Disney theme parks – there is something so unique about getting to race down Main Street, U.S.A., and take it all in.”
I have to agree with him here. There is nothing like running down Main Street, U.S.A. It is just an amazing feeling to achieve some pretty awesome things at the Most Magical Place on Earth.
What I think I love the most is the fact that he is a big supporter of every athlete! He continued to share, “With that being said, I think the best part is getting to cheer on runners in EPCOT after I finish the race. I usually make my way into EPCOT and cheer runners on until the last runner comes by. Honestly, having a chance to cheer for other runners is one of my favorite things to do – when I retire from racing, I want to come back and cheer everyone on; that’s how much I love doing it.”
What do you think of Brian’s amazing accomplishment? Let us know on the Kenny the Pirate Facebook page. Don’t forget to join the KtP crew page, too!
-Heather Alosa
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