Honestly, if I had known the inaugural Mickey virtual 5Ks ended with that completion medal I would have signed up for those. But the description of shorts, shoes, and his glove didn't intrigue me.
I get this. Maybe I've convinced myself of this, but I feel like the runDisney virtual series races are perhaps targeting a different audience than those of us already participating in runDisney races. When wearing my race medals around the parks I've talked with so many non runners who are interested in the medal. And despite my best efforts to convey to them that it's not impossible because I did it as a slow runner, I often feel like they believe the distance is simply too far. I get that. I used to believe that myself. I might still believe that myself in relation to running a full.
I think a lot of people fear they're too slow. Perhaps they have other fears about physical fitness, weight, whatever. Well, the virtual races give them a chance to go the distance on their time. And maybe if they finish a virtual race, they discover that it's more fun than they thought and maybe next time they'll sign up for a race on Disney property or elsewhere. I also feel like the virtual races give international runners a chance to earn a runDisney medal even though distance/time of year makes a runDisney event extremely difficult.
I understand why some dislike virtual races. I feel like virtual races have a place. And if the medal doesn't interest me, then I can simply skip it.
I'm almost positive I'm signing up for this year's virtual series. I love The Incredibles and this will be a cool way to celebrate The Incredibles II this summer.