runDisney cancels the 2020 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend planned for April 16 at Walt Disney World

Mar 20, 2020 in "Star Wars Rival Run Weekend"

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Posted: Friday March 20, 2020 11:16ak ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

runDisney has canceled the upcoming 2020 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend that was planned to take place at Walt Disney World April 16 2020 due to the continuing impact of coronavirus.

Here is the full update from runDisney:

With circumstances continuing to change rapidly around the globe, we are making critical and timely decisions based on guidance from local, national and international health agencies. As we have shared before, we are basing our decisions on the safety and well-being of our Cast Members and our Guests, since there is nothing more important than that.
In an abundance of caution, the 2020 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend will be cancelled. In addition, because our runDisney races require the presence of local medical professionals and first responders to monitor and treat runners, this will free up those resources for more critical needs during this time.
All participants for the Star Wars Rival Run Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort who purchased their registrations on runDisney.com will receive a refund for their race registration.
Star Wars Rival Run Weekend:
Runners registered for the 2020 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort will receive a refund back to their original form of payment for the following:
Race registration (Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, Rival Run Challenge)
Commemorative merchandise
ChEAR Squad
Processing fee
Guests who’ve already received a partial refund will receive their remaining balance to a Disney gift card.
Refund Timing:
Refunds from runDisney can be expected to be processed in four to six weeks. If you haven’t received your refund after six weeks, please visit the “contact us” section on runDisney.com.
Alternate booking methods:
Runners who’ve booked through a charity or tour operator should reach out directly to that organization. Runners who’ve booked through the Walt Disney Travel Company may call them at 407-939-4786 (407-939-IRUN) for available refund options.
On-sale dates:
On-sale dates for future runDisney races will be adjusted, and we will have more information to share soon.

Discuss on the Forums

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GimpYancIentJul 02, 2022

Exactly. The last running of the Star Wars Rival Run was my last Disney race. I put in a lot of mileage every year, just not at Disney.

drod1985Jul 02, 2022

After almost a year off I just started getting back into running with the goal of doing a Star Wars Rival Run race. Man I was bummed to see it's been replaced with the Surprise races. So add me to the list of those with no motivation to do a runDisney event now.

Chet DakotaApr 19, 2022

Completely agree. Right now, I have no motivation to do a runDisney event.

GimpYancIentSep 13, 2021

The Coast to Coast Challenge, the Kessel Run Challenge (Light Side races at DL & Dark Side races at WDW) those were challenges that enthused me. The DOPEY challenge was merely the run start for the year. It's not that Disney can not do them, the historical record shows other wise. The DL races are on hiatus excuse does not fly, Disney can take them off the shelf, dust them off and do what is necessary to get them up and running. So yeah, Challenges, let's talk challenges. What is being presented right now is weak and bland w a lack of imagination and motivation clearly being shown. "Spring Time Surprise" replacing the Star Wars Rival Run does not raise the enthusiasm or excitement level.

Texas84Sep 13, 2021

I want that Orange Bird medal!

GimpYancIentSep 13, 2021

I enjoy a challenge, I enjoy circulating around the property soaking in everything, I enjoy the difference of a Disney run event compared to any other. The idea of a spring time surprise gives me apprehension as to the theming choice! Disney managements choices have left something to be desired. It will be sad to see an excitingly themed event turned into something bland.

Tha RealestSep 13, 2021

Okay. I goofed on this earlier, but give me some combo of Figment / Carousel of Progress / Horizons logo and I'm doing every race

DemarkeSep 13, 2021

I now desperately want those themes now. Perhaps a “Great Big Beautiful Challenge” for anyone that competes in all three 😁

uncle jimmySep 13, 2021

I thought the same thing, along with a tie-in with the Spring Flower & Garden Festival they can offer so much.

dreamfinderSep 13, 2021

Look at it the other way. It lets them have an event themed to the flavor of the month, IE whatever hot property they want to profit off of, without having to explain why it's got a different event name each year. They can change all the distance characters and such, without having to change the name. OR they can bust out smaller cult favorites without having to theme the whole event around them. Hitchhiking Ghosts Half, Orange Bird 10k with a Figment 5k anyone? (Making those up, don't quote me)

Tha RealestSep 11, 2021

Likely medals: Broken Paperboy from Spaceship Earth Strobe light Yeti Drew Carey AA from DCA Rocket Rod ride vehicle

GimpYancIentSep 11, 2021

Me, Myself and I, after much sleeping on it, thinking about it and doing some running while contemplating about it have come to the conclusion the Springtime Surprise Weekend is a cheap, poor retheme choice. Taking an exciting themed event and made it bland / unexciting. :grumpy: