runDisney: 2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend Going Virtual

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We're saddened to report that runDisney has made the decision to cancel the upcoming Star Wars Rival Run Weekend that was scheduled to take place April 15 - 18, 2021 in Orlando, FL at the Walt Disney World Resort. This is the second year in a row that the event won't go on as planned. It was ultimately the right call for them to make given the still very problematic COVID-19 that's affecting just about everything in our world right now.



One small positive is that they are making the weekend into a virtual event where runners can still keep their registrations to collect the medals & shirts for each race, but they'll be logging the miles at home. Or, you can cancel your registration and collect a full refund. There is also an option to sign up if you hadn't already done so. Here's the official announcement:

During this unusual time, race organizers around the world continue to pause on hosting in-person race events that draw large crowds. As we look to the 2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend, we will convert this race to a virtual event, similar to the previous runDisney race weekends this season. In addition, we will reimagine the theming of this race weekend for 2022 and will share more information on that at a later date.

While we share our Guests’ disappointment that we will not be taking our final run in the Star Wars Rival Run Weekend together in person, we have based this decision on the unique circumstances of hosting a road race experience on this scale under the current environment.

Participants who registered through runDisney.com will have the option of receiving a full refund for the race. Those who are registered with a U.S. mailing address may convert their existing registration to the new virtual event that can be completed from home, a local running track or favorite running trail.

In addition to the satisfaction of completing the race they’ve trained for, eligible participants in the virtual race will receive a medal for each distance they complete and the option of a race shirt. Registered participants will receive an email with instructions on how to make their registration selection before December 18, 2020.

For those who would still like to register for the 2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend virtual event, we will open additional registration opportunities on a limited basis Tuesday, December 15, at 10 a.m. ET. This race event may be completed from home, a local running track or favorite running trail.

Participants who’ve booked through a charity or tour operator should reach out directly to that organization. Athletes who’ve booked through the Walt Disney Travel Company may call them at 407-939-4786 (407-939-IRUN) for available options.

2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend Refund Option

Runners registered for the 2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort who select the refund option will receive a refund back to their original form of payment for the following. If a Guest no longer has their original form of payment used when registering, they may contact runDisney by December 18, 2020 to receive a refund via check or a Digital Disney Gift Card for the following:

• Race registrations (Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Challenges and Kids Races)
• Commemorative merchandise (automatic refund - no virtual option)
• Processing fee
• Additionally, any registered participant with a shipping address outside of the U.S. will automatically receive a refund back to their original form of payment. At this time, only participants with a valid U.S. shipping address are eligible for the virtual option.

Refund timing:

Refunds from runDisney can be expected to be processed within six to eight weeks. If you haven’t received your refund by then, please visit the “contact us” section on runDisney.com.

2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend Virtual Race Options

All registered participants with a valid U.S. shipping address for the 2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort who purchased their registrations on runDisney.com will have the option to participate in a virtual race. Please note PO Boxes and APO Boxes are not considered valid shipping addresses for this purpose. Participants who select this option will receive the following based on their registration(s):

• Race distance medal(s)
• Option of event tech shirt(s)
• Digital Bib and finisher certificate
• Digital Toolkit including start/finish line and mile markers
• Digital Goody Bag
• Virtual playlist
• A Digital Disney Gift Card for select races

Guests with a U.S. mailing address who already have received a refund for their registration may still register to participate in the virtual race option by registering at runDisney.com beginning December 15, 2020 at 10 a.m. ET.

Digital Disney Gift Cards for select races:

Eligible athletes registered for select events during the 2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort will receive a Digital Disney Gift Card:

• Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Challenge

Digital Disney Gift Card timing:

Digital Disney Gift Cards from runDisney can be expected to be processed within six to eight weeks. If you haven’t received your Digital Disney Gift Card by then, please visit the “contact us” section on runDisney.com.

Charitable donations

Donations made to Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida will not be refunded and will be delivered to that organization as originally planned.

Club runDisney Charter Membership

Guests who purchased the inaugural year of the Club runDisney membership have received a second year of membership at no charge.

Future Races:

We’re looking at every aspect of the runDisney experience and making decisions with the safety and well-being of our athletes, volunteers, Cast Members and Guests at the forefront of our planning. At this time, we have no updates regarding future runDisney events. We thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

Aside from the fact that the event won't go on again, the worst part is that runDisney appears to be retheming the weekend which will negate any chance those of us who have run the Star Wars Challenges (10k & Half Marathon) since the beginning to become what they call a "perfect" runner (which is not missing any events since inception) won't be eligible for that status any longer. This very same thing happened out in Anaheim after the Star Wars themed event was canceled when the city wouldn't cooperate with Disney. Let's hope that Star Wars is involved in whatever they decide to do going forward once things get back to normal.

Source: runDisney.com

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Related Stories:

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runDisney: 2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend Registration Now Open
runDisney: 2020 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend Canceled
runDisney: First Ever Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon Announced
runDisney: Star Wars Half Marathon - The Dark Side Registration Begins Today
Registration Now Open For runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon - The Light Side
runDisney - The Dark Side Strikes Back!

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