RunDisney VIP Reception

The only part of the WDW marathon weekend that I haven’t shared yet is the VIP reception.

Talk about a jaw-dropping experience.  Since this was the 20^th anniversary, Disney decided to do it up big for the traditional VIP reception.

The VIP reception was held at the Yacht Club convention center.

Golden Mickey statues welcomed VIP’s into the party.

Guess who was asked to co-host the shin-dig?  ME!  I was honored to co-host and floored when they told me to wear “formal” attire.  Ask this pageant girl to bust out a dress? Okay! 

I was sharing hosting duties with 19-time WDW Marathon announcer Creigh Kelly.  Creigh is a legend in the race announcing world.  He has a kind heart and an amazing passion for this sport. He taught me honestly, everything I know about being a good race announcer.  Ask any quality distance runner and they will know who he is.

Creigh is also in the middle of a battle with cancer.  He stopped his chemo treatments to be able to announce at Disney and resumed them this week.  If you are a praying person, I ask that you send one Creigh’s way as he fights his battle with kidney cancer. 

The VIP party included food and I enjoyed turkey breast, gravy, and veggies before taking the stage.

Check out the live band and great turn out.

Creigh and I talked about the history of the race and recognized the President of Cigna (our presenting sponsor), Paul Lambert from Disney, and Jon Hughes our wonderful race director of 20 years.

We also brought up all the “running royalty” in town for the weekend for an on stage photo..  And then my jaw dropped.  We’re talking Joan Benoit Samuelson, Jeff Galloway, Desi Davila, Frank Shorter, Bill Rodgers, Tara Guidus, Bart Yasso, Janet Bawcom, and more.  And I got to stay on stage for the pic!  If anyone sees a copy of it please let me know…I want to see it!  I’m totally the girl in the back trying to peep out of the running glory.

With 2012 Olympians Desi and Janet on Thursday.

What famous runner do you look up to?

Love and Olympians,

Carissa & Kyle