The Pros & Cons of Running a "Virtual" 5k

I'm not a runner, nor do I play one on TV. I should say that I have participated in runs in the past. I ran exactly one half marathon in Philadelphia and one full marathon in Walt Disney World. I just wanted to say I did it. I didn't run these for time or "personal best" though, I guess if you only run one that is your personal best, but I digress. For the past few years I've seen runDisney post about "virtual" runs and I never really thought much about them until I saw the unveiling of the Incredibles medals last year.

The Pros and Cons of Running a "Virtual" 5k

Pro: You Get a Medal

I didn't realize virtual running still earned you tangible medal. Those Incredibles medals from the 2018 5k series were really cool, though I'm not a very big fan of The Incredibles so I didn't get off my butt to run any of the races. That is, until I saw the 2019 series theme, MARVEL. Then, there it was the July series theme; IRON MAN. Okay, okay, you got me. Sign me up. The below images are from the official runDisney site.

Con: It Costs Real Money

Even though it is "virtual" you still gotta pay real money. Granted you do not have to pay for any travel because you are running these 5ks in your own backyard or wherever you may choose to run them. One 5k through runDisney will still cost you $40. 

Pro: You Get a Whole Month to Run 

Unlike traditional 5ks and other length races where there is a set date and time for the start, the "virtual" 5k is open for the entire month so you can pick any day you want to run. Then you submit your time to mark the 5k as completed. 

Con: You Get a Whole Month to Run

Before you start saying, "but Kristen, you just listed this as a pro", I know. In theory it is nice that you are given 30 or 31 days to run a 5k however those days fly by and soon you realize you're in the middle of the month and you have yet to run that 5k you signed up for nearly 3 months ago.

Con: The Race Isn't Actually "Virtual"

This isn't some new-age style of exercise you do while at your desk behind your computer. You actually have to get up off of your couch and run for REAL. 

Pro: It's runDisney. Duh!

Let's be honest here. No one does it better than Disney. Even though you are running this 5k hundreds of miles away from the parks they still go above and beyond with all the added details. 
1.) A themed race bib (printed at home)
2.) Themed mile markers (printed at home)
3.) A themed finishers certificate (printed at home)
4.) A Themed medal (sent to the address you provided when signing up)