Expedition Everest Challenge

This was, without a doubt, one of the most fun runs I’ve ever done! First things first: runDisney will spoil you. I’ve done numerous runs all around the country and no one can organize and host a race like runDisney can.
So what is the Expedition Everest Challenge? Well it starts with a 5K, and please note I did not say it was a 5K (I estimate it was around 5 miles total). Kicking off in the Animal Kingdom parking lot you race around, down, into and through Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Once you’ve completed the 5K portion, it’s onto the scavenger hunt. Five clues laid out throughout the Animal Kingdom Park. Each race brings new, fun, challenging clues to the table. Get your clue, solve the puzzle and race to the next clue station. Show them the completed clue to get your next one and repeat this process until you make it to the finish line.
Along the way you’ll have characters cheering you on and posing for photo ops (I got to meet King Louie). The post race party is waiting at the finish as is a number of additional characters, photo ops, a DJ, and several rides.
While I am sad to hear they are retiring this race I am excited to see what may be taking its place. This race has been on my bucket list for a couple of years now and I am excited to say I conquered it. I am signed up for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon this November. Suffice it to say, runDisney easily is my favorite race series I’ve experienced.

Who knew Disney had a whole division devoted to running around the parks? I sure didn’t! When I decided to run my first 5K a few years ago, I stumbled upon the runDisney page and signed up to participate in the Disney’s Marathon Weekend 5K (
) that takes place every January. After favoriting their web page, liking them on Facebook, and following them on Twitter I came across this race.
The Expedition Everest Challenge is a 5K & obstacle course around Animal Kingdom. This race actually takes place at night as compared to all their other races that take place before dawn. You can also run in with a teammate. Which is a good thing, because once you finish the race, you run back into the park for a scavenger hunt that leads you to the Asia area of the park for a party after the race.
There are so many other races I want to compete in, but I can eventually see myself coming back for this one.