At Club D3 Running Team, where we mix running with a dash of runDisney magic and a splash of fun, we love sharing stories that inspire and uplift. Today, we’re highlighting one of our incredible members, Penny Ann, whose journey from “I don’t know if I can” to “I just did a runDisney perfect season” will have you raising your glass in celebration! Grab a drink and settle in as we share how this determined runner turned her Disney dreams into reality.
It all started in the summer of 2022, during a family trip to Disney World, where the idea of running a Disney race first came up. By February 2023, she found herself nervously standing at the start line of the runDisney Princess Weekend, facing her first-ever 10k and half marathon challenge. It wasn’t an easy decision, but thanks to the encouraging words of a colleague and the relentless spirit of Judy Hopps from Zootopia, she decided to “Try Everything” and take on the Princess Challenge. And guess what? She nailed it, earning her first fairytale ending with a shiny new half marathon medal!
But this was only the beginning. Fast forward to Wine & Dine Weekend, inspired by Encanto’s Luisa and their children’s love for the Cheshire Cat. By then, she was fully hooked on the runDisney magic. Her wife’s birthday fell on Marathon Weekend, and while she knew the marathon wasn’t in her cards due to fueling challenges, she paced her wife for the 10k and half marathon, proving that running is better together.
And let’s not forget the Frozen-themed Princess Weekend that she simply couldn’t resist—Elsa would be proud!
Of course, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. From fuel struggles to injuries, she faced them all with determination.
When her original race fuel was discontinued, it took months to find a new option that worked with her sensitive stomach, but she never gave up. And even when her Achilles began acting up, she pushed through, supported by her wife and her runDisney Ohana.
Springtime Surprise Weekend tested her limits like never before, but with her runDisney family by her side, she crossed that finish line and earned her beloved Stitch medal. After completing four half marathons in one season, she decided it was time to retire from the longer distances, but you can bet you’ll still see her at the 5k and 10k events, especially during Princess Weekend, her favorite!
So, what’s next for our featured runner? Healing, more Disney races, and continuing to run with her Ohana—because nobody gets left behind in the Club D3 Running Team!
Ready to join the fun? Whether you’re chasing medals or just enjoying the run, we’d love to have you in our community! Join the Club D3 Running Team on Facebook to stay in the loop on all our upcoming events, races, and, of course, plenty of Disney fun. Click here to join and let the magic continue! 🍹🎉
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