The funny thing about this is that my family continued to think I was in one of the Disney runs because for “some reason” they just associate me with Disney. Ha ha, I guess that’s what you get moving to Florida. While I hope to run in a RunDisney event someday, there were a lot of reasons that we chose to do Seaworld instead.
Here’s why:
- Seaworld’s runs are for charity.
- They are a LOT cheaper. A comparable run at Disney is $87 for one entrant, while the Seaworld race was half that.
- RunDisney races fill up and sell out fast.
- Seaworld gives you everything the Disney ones do, plus a little extra. In this case, it was a nifty water bottle.
- Did I mention – Charity?
We really felt like we got a lot for our investment – both in our health and in the fact that we made neat memories with a dear friend AND did something to help the environment (albeit indirectly).
The day before our run, I picked up our packets at one of the hotels. They had a big map of the run available, as well as an info sheet and a sample of the medals.
The packet included our racing numbers and shirts, though you could pick that all up the morning of the race. I picked up the stuff for our whole family, which meant I got to pick the best number for myself.
It was so cold that morning! I mean, it wasn’t “big coat” cold (people who live in the North know what I mean), but it was definitely “jacket cold.” The event usually happens in January or February, which isn’t bitter cold in Florida, but it’s definitely crisp.
The race started and off we went, initially through the parking lot, then into Seaworld. There were water stations for drinks along the course so no one got dehydrated. This was our first race and it was a little strange since none of us are really “runners.” We instead picked people that we wanted to pass as our goal as we went along. Sometimes we passed then they passed us later. There were a LOT of walkers.
At the finish line was a big clock with our time and snacks of things like bananas, oranges, and pretzels and more bottled water. There were people handing out our finisher medals and water bottles.
Almost immediately after that, the kids races! It was divided into age groups.
All the kids under 4 ran together. Bug started strong but then got a little confused about what we wanted him to do and thus we derailed him. I guess it could get a little confusing with 3 adults giving directions while you’re trying to run.
The kids also received medals and a surprise, a cute little purple dolphin, which all of the kids seemed pretty stoked about.
A short time later, Seaworld invited everyone to the auditorium where the race winners were announced and we we were treated to an awesome show with the guest speaker Jack Hannah. He was also there later in the day for autographs.
It was a pretty awesome day. I’d definitely recommend it!
Here is the information from their website on the 2019 race:
SeaWorld’s Rescue Run benefitting the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund
Spend time with friends and family as you run, skip, jog, or stroll through Inagural SeaWorld’s Rescue Run! This inaugural event benefitting the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund takes place on Saturday, January 25, 2020. Enjoy the relaxing ambiance of the park’s picturesque pathways and catch a glimpse of SeaWorld’s animals before you cross the finish line at Shamu Stadium. There’s even an exclusive Killer Whale Educational Presentation at the conclusion of the event.
The Inaugural SeaWorld’s Rescue Run also features a fun packed Kids Run for participants ages 7 and under so it’s sure to be a hit with the entire family. With SeaWorld Animal Conservation themed awards, medals for all participants, and plenty of surprises along the way, this is certain to be a memorable day for racers of all ages. Your exclusive, Killer Whale Educational Presentation for all participants and a limited number of spectators is the perfect way to wrap up your race. Race participants and guests can then stay and play following the event with a special day-of ticket offer.
This family-friendly fun run benefits the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. Since its inception in 2003, the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has provided well over $17 million in grants to over 1200 organizations – from global organizations to grassroots groups.
Event Morning Timeline
5:45am – Registration and Packet Pickup opens (near SeaWorld main entrance)
6:45am – Parking lot closes – please plan to be onsite at least 45 minutes prior to race start
7:00am – START of the FUN RUN
7:15am – Finish line festival begins with SeaWorld Animals & Characters awaiting you at the post-race festival
8:00am – Awards Ceremony (near the finish line area)
8:30am – Kid’s Run Start
9:15am – FREE Killer Whale Educational Presentation experience (20-25 minute show)
Amenities include the following:
-Be a part of the Inaugural fun run entitled the SeaWorld’s Rescue Run with a Kid’s Run to follow
-Inaugural SeaWorld’s Rescue Run Finisher’s medal for all fun run participants
-Commemorative SeaWorld Rescue Run Race T-shirt (adult sizes & unisex)
-Commemorative SeaWorld Rescue Water Bottle – this will be given out at the finish line with your commemorative finisher’s medal!
-SeaWorld Theme Park Entertainment along the race course
-Finish Line Festival with food and refreshments
-SeaWorld Animals and Characters will await you at the finish line festival!
-Kids Run inside SeaWorld Orlando near the Shamu Stadium with a finisher’s medal!
-FREE Race Day parking
-Post-race Killer Whale Educational Presentation- Limited Spectator tickets are available for purchase
-Discounted park tickets to available ALL participants – 50% off Single-Day SeaWorld Orlando Ticket for SeaWorld’s Rescue Run Participants! Please visit our Race Store to purchase the discounted tickets – limited 4 tickets per person. These tickets are valid from January 25, 2020 – February 9, 2020.
Race T-Shirts
All participants who register for the Fun Run Event will receive a 100% ring-spun soft cotton unisex t-shirt. Sizes are guaranteed through January 18th, 2020.
Finisher Medals for both Events!
All PAID participants will receive a custom Inaugural SeaWorld’s Rescue Run themed finisher medal that participate in the 3 Mile event & the Kid’s Run! The Fun Run race will be capped at 3,000 race participants and the Kid’s Run will be capped at 1,000 participants.
Post-Race One Ocean Killer Whale Educational Presentation
All PAID fun run participants will have FREE access to this private and exclusive FREE Killer Whale Educational Presentation. This exclusive show will follow all events beginning approximately at 9:15am. The first 1,000 PAID Spectators will have the ability to see this exclusive Killer Whale Educational Presentation.
Fun Run Awards
Awards will go to the top 3 overall Male and Female finishers only in the Fun Run event. There will be a clock at the finish line for everyone to see their finish times.
WEATHER & SAFETY INFORMATION
Races will be held rain or shine, however, if there is severe weather in the area the race start may be delayed or cancelled. As a reminder, registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
In order to ensure safety of all runners, bicycles, roller skates, in-line skates, baby carriers and dogs are prohibited from the race course. It is VERY important for you to stay alert throughout the race, stay inside cones and obey all race signage. Jogging strollers are permitted but must start in the back.
ALL Registration Fees for the Fun Run Event, Kids Run & Spectator Show Ticket (includes FREE parking at SeaWorld):
FUN RUN registration fees (Fun Run capacity is 3,000):
-$50 thru 11/15/19
-$55 from 11/16-12/31
-$60 from 1/1/20-1/24/20
-$65 Day of race
*14 & under / 65 & over through January 24th will receive $5.00 OFF. This discount cannot be combined with any other discounts.
*All Seaworld Ambassadors (employees), Annual Pass Members and Military & First Responder’s will receive 10% off the registration fee through January 24th ONLY. Employee ID, Annual Pass Member ID and Military ID & First Responders badge/ID must be shown at time of Packet Pick up. This discount cannot be combined with any other discounts. Please Contact: kim@striderevents.com with any questions.
KIDS FUN RUN registration fees (Kids race capacity is 1,000):
-$10 thru 1/24/20
-$15 Day of race
Spectator Killer Educational Whale Show Presentation tickets (Spectator ticket capacity is 1,000):
-$15 thru 1/24/20
-$20 Day of race
VIRTUAL FUN RUN now available!
-$60 thru 1/24/20
All virtual participants will receive the below items following the January event. Please allow up to 3-4 weeks for items to arrive. This a fun run and done on the honor systems! Times are not required to be submitted to the event company. Enjoy your run and thank you for participating in this year’s event!
-Inaugural SeaWorld’s Rescue Run Finisher’s medal for fun run participants
-Commemorative SeaWorld Rescue Run Race T-shirt (adult sizes & unisex)
-Commemorative SeaWorld Rescue Water Bottle
-Deluxe Bib Number
-Shipping of items are included in the fee
********* ALL ENTRY FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND RACE REGISTRATIONS ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE ********* THIS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT ********* NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER********
RACE DAY REGISTRATION FOR ALL EVENTS & KILLER WHALE SHOW – Cash, checks made payable to “SeaWorld Orlando”, and credit card payments will be accepted on race day
STROLLERS
Strollers are allowed in the 3 Mile event. Nurturing future generations of runners is a priority and demonstrating healthy lifestyles to our kids is special. We do ask those registrants participating with a stroller, must line up the after the runners & walkers at the start line. Please listen for directions on where to line up at on the day of the race. Only paid registrants of the 3 Mile event will receive a finisher medal. If you would like your child to receive the medal, you will have to register them for the 3 mile event.
SeaWorld’s Rescue Kids Run
Following the Fun Run event, we will host a KIDS RUN! All kids must be registered and our Kids run capacity is capped at 1,000. You can register your child in advance or on Race Day at the main registration area in the morning. All Kids who participate will receive a Kids Run Finisher Medal and a SeaWorld Rescue animal themed fun item! Distances will vary between ages ranging from a 50 yard dash to a 200 yard dash. No race t-shirts will be given out for the Kids Run.
Early Packet Pickup
WHEN: Thursday, January 23rd and Friday, January 24th, 2020
LOCATION: HILTON GARDEN INN AT SEAWORLD ORLANDO located at 6850 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821
TIME: 10:00AM – 6:00PM both days
RACE DAY – Or you can opt to pick up your packet at SeaWorld Orlando on Race Day beginning at 5:45am. However, please do allow additional time to pick up your packet on race day due to parking and potentially long lines.
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REGISTRATIONS RECEIVED AFTER JANUARY 23RD will have to be picked on race day at the race site on January 25th beginning at 5:45a.m.
Questions about the event?
For the fastest response, please send an email to kim@striderevents.com and we will respond just as quickly as we can.