Running 13.1 miles can be quite a challenge, but Disney Sports has come up with the ultimate dangling carrot to motivate runners to make it all the way to the finish line.
Actually, it’s more like a dangling Lamb Chop with mango chutney. Or Jerk Pork with spicy pineapple sauce. Or any of the other extraordinary culinary creations at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which will essentially be the finish line for a new half-marathon race at Walt Disney World Resort.
Earlier today, Disney Sports released just some of the details of its latest endurance event, but you can bet its going to be more – a lot more – than just a race. Here’s what we know so far: Appropriately enough, it’s going to be called the Disney Wine & Dine Half-Marathon Weekend and will debut Oct. 1-2 in 2010.
One of the really unique features of the race is that it will be run at night, which is fitting given that Halloween will be just around the corner. In fact, this race will quite possibly be the only half-marathon run under the stars.
The weekend will also include a two-day expo, a 5K family fun run, kids races and a lot of special Disney touches. The half-marathon will start at the soon-to-be-renamed ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and finish inside Epcot with an exclusive post-race party at the annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival that features culinary delights from around the world prepared by top Disney chefs.
One of the other really cool features of the event will be a two-person relay team option. Hey, dividing up the 13.1 miles between two runners is a lot easier than running the entire way by yourself – especially when there is a plate of Smoked Ribs with Braised Red Cabbage and Chestnuts and a nice California Chardonnay waiting for you at the finish line.
Grab your running shoes and sign up starting Nov. 16 at www.disneyenduranceseries.com.
On your marks! Get set! Eat!
