Back in August, I announced that Twenty Something in Orlando would have a team running the Give Kids the World Challenge for Hope 5K. While we didn’t quite make our goals, I am proud to announce we raised $227 for Give Kids the World!
My least favorite thing about any race I have ever run is how early I have to set my alarm. Thankfully the Challenge for Hope didn’t require the ridiculous start time that my RunDisney races usually do. We rolled into the parking lot right around 6:15 am, and jumped in line for the shuttle.
I had originally intended to bring back our Team Rocket gear from the Color Run and Wine and Dine Half, and make my mom a shirt to match, but time got away from me and that did not happen. So, I broke out my Pokémon shirt from MegaCon and Mom borrowed Jay’s Pokémon shirt, while Jay chose to run in a Star Wars shirt, Pokémon hat, and pajama pants. (Over half our house was in boxes at the time of the race; there were limited options!)
We arrived at the Give Kids the World Village, and had to find packet pickup. There were characters and people everywhere, and it took us a minute to figure out where to look. However, we found it soon enough after weaving through a herd of Chick-fil-a cows. We had our stuff in no time, and I was pleased to discover we’d raised enough money to get a drawstring bag and a t-shirt! I gave Jay the t-shirt, and Mom took the bag to carry our stuff.
We made it over to the stage just in time to see the end of the opening ceremony, and to see Boston Market present Give Kids the World with an extremely generous donation check. Chick-fil-a was handing out free biscuits, and there was a smoothie booth with samples. There was also a rather strange assortment of characters milling around. In addition to the Chick-fil-a cows from earlier, I recognized some members of the Justice League from when I ran last year and there were some new comers.
One thing I love about the Give Kids the World Challenge for Hope is that they know exactly what kind of race they are. Rather than sorting people into corrals, they simply make an announcement. “Runners first, followed by run-walkers then walk-runners, and walkers and strollers in the back!”
WHAT A SMART WAY TO DO IT!
While we were waiting at the starting line, there were some of the Give Kids the Worlds official characters moving through the crowd and a DJ kept the energy up. Jay kept laughing at me because I wouldn’t stop dancing.
Soon enough the crowd was moving, and we crossed the starting line at a slow run. My mom, Jay, and I make up an interesting group for trying to run a race together. We have one experienced runner who can’t stick to her training schedule, one inexperienced runner who has no idea how to jog, and one mom who has never run a race in her life. The biggest issue is the stride difference. Jay and I have had problems racing before, because I take three steps to every two of his, and while Mom’s legs are basically the same length as mine, she isn’t used to it the way we are.
In short, we did a lot of walking. I was running ahead and then waiting for her to catch up, but that wasn’t much fun.
We rounded the first turn to see a golf cart coming back towards us at breakneck speed, honking furiously as people scrambled out of the way. The Challenge for Hope course loops back on itself, and it was all this golf cart could do to keep up with the first runner. The two men on the golf cart looked like they were having a blast, and holding on for dear life!
A little further up we came to a corral that had a real-life unicorn in it. Naturally I stopped dead in my tracks to take a picture.
We wound our way through the course, and Mom said she saw Stormtroopers. I assumed there were members of the 501st out on the course. Nope! There were actual Stormtroopers running a 5K in full armor.
I did make us pick up the pace a little, because I was not about to let armored Stormtroopers beat me.
We encountered a group of mermaids and a band of pirates. The pirates were holding a scarf across the course and announcing, “For your convenience, we’ve moved the finish line a bit closer for you!” I had to get a picture with the mermaids of course.
Further ahead was the Justice League, and Jay and I both picked up the pace. To quote what I told my mom later, “When the Flash starts cheering for you, you haul a**.” So, we took off, and then had to wait for Mom to catch up with us.
It was about then that we encountered our first mile marker, and Mom was disappointed because she thought we were farther than that.
Most of the second mile is actually outside the Village on Bass Road, and that was fairly uneventful, except for an argument we were overhearing between a couple next to us. We literally had to run away so I wouldn’t start laughing at them.
From there the course loops back on itself again, so we saw the same characters once more. Except this time, we stopped for the “Halloween” candy they were handing out.
We encountered the mayor of the Give Kids the World Village, and his wife, who are both rabbits. We stopped for a photo with them, and their fairy friend took one look at us, and yelled, “Gotta catch ‘em all!”
We rounded the next turn and I knew we were close to the Finish Line. I told Mom that when we turned the next corner, Jay and I were going to take off at a run. She said that was fine, but her knee was acting up so she was going to walk. (To be fair, it was more running than she’s probably done in several years.)
So, we came around the turn.
“You ready?”
“Yeah,” Jay replied, and we both broke into a full-blown sprint. He crossed the Finish Line just ahead of me, and we took our medals from the volunteers standing there, then turned around to wait for Mom.
I’m aware this out of focus, but this is the best one they had.
“Were you running full speed?”
“Yes.”
“I beat you.”
“I know.”
His legs are longer. Of course he beat me. The only reason I finished first at the Wine and Dine Half Marathon is because he was so exhausted. I will fully admit that.
Once Mom was across the Finish Line, I turned my attention to the Mini Unicorn that was waiting to take selfies with people!
My other favorite thing about the Give Kids the World Challenge for Hope is they have a PUPPY PLAY ZONE AT THE FINISH LINE! There was a sweet old golden retriever waiting for me, and I even got a kiss!
We wandered around a little bit, mostly looking for a restroom and we stopped for another round of smoothie samples. I took a picture with two more puppies, of a slightly different variety.
Then we headed back to the bus to take us to our cars.
I love the Give Kids the World Challenge for Hope 5K. I don’t know if we’ll have the whole team next year, but I know I will definitely be running it again.
I am so grateful to everyone who donated to our team. We managed to raise $227 for Give Kids the World. It may not seem like much, but every little bit helps. I want to give a shout out to our amazing donors!
- Disney Gratitude
- Sarah H.
- Katie E.
- Leesa F.
Plus, a friend of my Mom’s who donated in the name of a cat my Mom used to have, Mr. Tail, Connie W. Also, Duffy helped out!
Seriously, it means the world to me that you guys supported us in this. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!
Cost: Registration is $35. This gets you into the race, a goody bag, and a medal.
Value: 10/10, will do again. THERE IS A PUPPY PLAY ZONE AT THE FINISH LINE.
Duration: With parking, transportation, and photos, the whole thing is about three hours.
Add Ons: The more you donate, the more swag you get!
