On Saturday, September 29th members from Team Studios Central (running team) converged on the Walt Disney World Resort for the Inaugural Tower of Terror 10-Miler Race Weekend. The team is comprised of runners from all different running backgrounds and levels. Some members chose to run the morning 5k; others ran the featured 10-mile distance on Saturday night; and some braved both races.
On Saturday, September 29th members from Team Studios Central (running team) converged on the Walt Disney World Resort for the Inaugural Tower of Terror 10-Miler Race Weekend. The team is comprised of runners from all different running backgrounds and levels. Some members chose to run the morning 5k; others ran the featured 10-mile distance on Saturday night; and some braved both races.
The fun began early Saturday morning at the ESPN Wide world of Sports Complex for the Happy Haunted 5k Trail Run. The setting was perfect with a full moon still intact and a slight dense fog in the air creating a very spooky atmosphere for runners to enjoy. Team Studios Central members Theresa & Phil Sheingold, Kim & Chris Walthers, Jess Furtado, Kurt Bower and Aaron DelPrince participated in the 5k festivities.
From left to right: Kurt Bower, Phil & Theresa Sheingold, Aaron DelPrince, Chris, & Kim Walthers
Team SC runners Chris & Kim Walthers, and Theresa Sheingolf cross the finish line during the Happy Haunted 5k Trail Run
The 5k course was wet, muddy, and full of spooky surprises along the way. Brer Fox, the Big Bad Wolf, and even grave diggers greeted and took photos with runners who dared to stop. Also, haunted and spooky sets lined the race course creating the perfect Halloween experience for runners to enjoy.
The Big Bad Wolf awaits runners during the Happy Haunted 5k Trail Run
Later in the day Team Studios Central teammates met at the Picabu cafeteria in the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort to discuss their morning 5k success stories and the evening’s 10-miler race strategy. It was the first time many team members met each other and a great way to break the ice. Thanks to everyone who stopped by.
Team SC Members from left to right: Aaron DelPrince, Amanda North, Jess Furtado, and Yulady Rodriguez
Afterwards, Team Studios Central runners made their way to the parking lot of Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the weekend’s main event; the Tower of Terror 10-Miler. The race started at 10:00PM, but the heat and humidity stuck around. At the start of the race the heat index was around 85 degrees making the race a more challenging event for all runners.
Before the race Team SC runners gathered together for some photos and encouragement and wished each other luck as we made our way to the starting corrals. The race started promptly at 10:00PM. Team SC runners made their way out of Hollywood Studios and onto a long stretch of Osceola Parkway. Later along the course runners turned into the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex where one of the featured venues awaited; a run through Champions Stadium. After leaving Wide World of Sports it was back to Hollywood Studios for the big finish. Awaiting Team SC runners was the finish line with a back drop of the races featured attraction; the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. All dressed-up in its mystic purple hue the Tower of Terror loomed. As if Team SC was scared of it! The team set aside its fears and raced admirably.
Team SC runners Jess Furtado, Shelley Benhoff, and Yulady & Carlos Rodriguez gather prior to the start of the Tower of Terror 10-Miler
After the team finished the race we all gathered for one last photo and shared our race stories during the Disney Villains Hollywood Bash. Hollywood Studios stayed open for the post race party until 4:00AM. All of the parks major attractions were open for guests to enjoy. For team members crazy enough to stick around a ride on the Tower of Terror was in order. It wouldn’t have been a full race experience without a ride on the race’s featured attraction.
Team Studios Central’s mission is to have fun and stay in shape, but most importantly we’ve chosen to raise money for Give Kids the World Village of Central Florida. Give Kids the World is a non-profit organization that sends children with life-threatening illnesses and their families to the Central Florida theme parks. Throughout 2012 and during our training efforts we’ve been raising money for the village through garage sales, general donations, meets, and other running achievements. We’ve currently raised $1,725 for Give Kids the World and we continue to increase our total with other fundraising efforts. Because of our ability to compete and help Give Kids the World Team Studios Central team members earned a special medal. This medal not only means you did it, but it also means you have a big heart. It means we are doing something special for the community. I’ll always look at it and remember this past race weekend and future races we’ll share together as something special.
Team SC runners gather for a group photo during the Disney Villains Hollywood Bash post race party
The 2012 Tower of Terror Race Weekend will be remembered for triumphs and challenges for individual runners alike, but beyond that Team Studios Central came together and supported each other through thick and thin. Congratulations to Team SC members Jess Furtado, Ashley & Robin Reeve, Chris Walthers, Yulady & Carlos Rodriguez, Sarah Orr, Darolyn Elizabeth, Shelley Benhoff, Courtney Anne, Amanda North, Kurt Bower and the morning 5k runners for competing in the races and making a difference. You should all be very proud for what you’ve accomplished.
If you are interested in learning more about Team Studios Central click here. We’d love to have you join our team.
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