So yesterday RunDisney unveiled their latest half marathon weekend, which I have to say, have been hoping for since I started running. Yesterday, they unveiled Star Wars weekend, for January 15-18, 2015 in Disneyland. Well there are so many things wrong with this unveil that I will lightly cover as they affect me, but My N-Guilt Life does such a better job. Now don’t get me wrong, this race weekend will sell out within a few hours of being released to the general public, but Disney is really beginning to monopolize and take advantage of their reliable runners and visitors. Here is another similar story of issues Disney has created, with my new friend Why I RunDisney.
First Issue
RunDisney released the announcement on May 28th. They open registration next week! What????? Unlike Disney and it padded pockets of money, runners typically cannot come up with $195 for a half marathon or $320 for the Rebel Challenge in 2 weeks! Let’s get realistic here!
Second Issue
Why unveil this now, why not months ago? You knew about it! I just forked out $1000s of dollars for me and my family to fly out to California to run in the Disneyland Half in August! This is disappointing, and now takes me out of the race that I would have much rather run, Star Wars! Why not unveil it back at the Marathon Weekend in January, when runners had time to make choices. Everyone knew it was coming, just when. So you surprised no one. You need to work on your marketing methodology!
Final Issue (that I will put to post, even though there are many more)
Most half marathons around the country are in the $100 range. I know, I am trying to do a half in all 50 states! There is no reason for $195/$320 for a race! You are already getting runners & their families money in other avenues. Most of us go to the parks, buy food & souvenirs, etc. Why gouge us even further. Yes, again, I know it will sell out, like they always do, but really? I hope this doesn’t one day bite you, and us runners just up and boycott you! In fact, after Disneyland, this may be my last Disney race for awhile. After being a DVC Member, Annual Passholder, among other things, you have priced this guy out of your races. Give me a reason to come back!
Removing myself from the “soapbox”!
