Three Generations Crossing The Disneyland Half Marathon Finish Line Together

Robert Hitchcock

by , Content Director

Here is a little secret, I love my job and working with runDisney. Event weekends are exciting and standing at the finish line watching thousands of people accomplish their goals is uplifting, rewarding and sometimes emotional. From cheers of excitement to tears of joys, the stories that unfold at the finish line are incredible. I am truly inspired meeting and talking with our runners. Their stories provide messages we can all learn from.

Three Generations Crossing The Disneyland Half Marathon Finish Line Together ‘it’s a small world’ At Disneyland Paris

Last year I introduced the runDisney community to 81-year-old Flor Irlandez from Portland, OR. In 2013 she was the oldest runner to complete the inaugural Dumbo Double Dare at Disneyland Half Marathon at Disneyland Resort. She ran the Disneyland 10K on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday, 19.3 miles. Last weekend she returned to run the 2014 Dumbo Double Dare, this time at the age of 82. Running with two of her daughters, a son in-law and grandson, she once again completed the two-day event and collected three runDisney finisher medals and family memories to last for years.

There are a couple lessons we can takeaway from Flor’s accomplishment.

First, we should not let age be a barrier to accomplish our goals. Flor’s message is simple, “Just get going, not just running, but walking, getting out, sweating …. I just feel good after a run, everybody should do it.”

Second, participating in a runDisney event can be fun for the entire family. Flor has inspired three generations to lead a healthy active lifestyle. “It just makes it fun and it’s no longer about running and racing, but about being together and being healthy as a family,” says Marissa Walker, Flor’s daughter from Berkeley, CA.

Flor, your accomplishments are amazing, not just in running but also in how you have inspired generations. We all look forward to seeing you at the finish line for years to come.

For more information and to register for a runDisney event, visit runDisney.com.

Comments

  • So cool, what a great story and celebration!

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