Running Universal is coming to Central Florida. The Universal Orlando Resort announced today that it will host its first Running Universal weekend on February 1-2, 2020.
The "Running Universal Epic Character Race 5K and 10K and give runners a first-ever opportunity to race through Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure during an action-packed race weekend surrounded by some of the most iconic characters in pop culture," Universal said in its press release.
Registration will begin next month for the event, but Universal is taking email sign-ups from fans who want to be notified with more information when the resort makes it available.
Running Universal stepped off first at Universal Studios Hollywood, with 5K and 10K races through the park's studio backlot, themed to Minions and Jurassic World. But Universal Orlando has about 100 more acres of land than the Universal City complex, including that gorgeous Garden Walk. It's also a much flatter site in Orlando, which could make it a better venue for the beginners who wouldn't be intimidated by the relatively short 5 and 10K race lengths. (Competing runDisney events over at Walt Disney World include half-marathons and a full marathon length. For your reference, a 5K is 3.1 miles, a 10K is 6.2 miles, a half marathon is 13.1 miles, and a full marathon is 26.2 miles.)
Perhaps one day, when Epic Universe is open, might Universal Orlando consider a half or full marathon race connecting its parks? Who knows?
But as with all theme park running events, the run itself is just part of the attraction. Universal promises "Instagram-worthy" medals as well as abundant photo ops with its deep cast of characters, including those Minions. Stay tuned.
Buy Tickets: For discount tickets to Universal Orlando's theme parks, visit our officially authorized Universal Orlando tickets page.
Yeah, Running Universal is Universal’s new answer to runDisney, so this is RU’s first event at UOR.
This article has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.
The first 5K I ever ran was through Universal Orlando, probably close to 10 years ago at this point. But that might have been technically a 3rd party that rented the park to make this technically their "first" event.