I am not at the Walt Disney World marathon weekend today and I am so sad to be missing! At first, I was sad for all the usual reasons, but then this happened:

In an abundance of caution, WDW Resort has cancelled all running events 1/7/17 due to weather conditions. More info: https://t.co/v0Jb85bJd8 pic.twitter.com/Bkpleqfs9X

— runDisney (@runDisney) January 7, 2017

OK, so ever resilient and resourceful, the runners of the Run Disney community decided – what the heck? Let’s do a half marathon ANYWAY! Here are my favorites from today.

DIY #WDWHalf done!! #runDisney #DopeyChallenge (Strava rounded weird for the pic ?) https://t.co/ScN3cfa1wJ pic.twitter.com/ubooeHiG7P

— Amelia Gapin (@EntirelyAmelia) January 7, 2017

Having fun at our North Trinidad “Water Stop” #rundisney #wdwhalf pic.twitter.com/4vmBnAVv1H

— MouseMomKris (@MouseMomKris) January 7, 2017

The faux #wdwhalf around Pop Century! First character stop. #rundisney @rundisney pic.twitter.com/hbJvkPNp5n

— Megan Wood Copello (@IRun4Wine) January 7, 2017

What would a Disney race be without a character stop?? #TeamrunDisney #TrDRunningClub #runDisney #WDWHalf #PopCentu… pic.twitter.com/WpD5lVnKnf

— Team #runDisney (@teamrundisney) January 7, 2017

That’s right! The lightening didn’t stop the half marathon from coming, it came just the same! It came without formal water stops or bands or even an official finish line, but runners who are ready to run a race are going to find a way. I was very proud of the running community today. Ya’ll took a less than perfect situation and turned it into a fun opportunity to prove that it’s not about the medals or the cheering spectators or even the Cliff bars – it’s about being runners, being together, and enjoying EVERY MAGICAL MILE. Well done. I couldn’t be prouder to count myself among your ranks.