Conquering the Dopey Challenge: A Magical Feat at Disney
For many runners, the ultimate test of endurance and grit isn’t just about completing a single marathon—it’s about tackling an epic challenge that pushes mental and physical limits to their extremes. Enter the Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World, a dream-worthy event that combines the magic of Disney with the thrill of running. This January, one of our own, Rimma Fehling, achieved the extraordinary by completing this iconic challenge.
What is the Dopey Challenge?
The Dopey Challenge, part of the annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, is a four-day running extravaganza. Participants must complete the following races on consecutive days:
5K (3.1 miles) on Thursday
10K (6.2 miles) on Friday
Half Marathon (13.1 miles) on Saturday
Full Marathon (26.2 miles) on Sunday
That’s a total of 48.6 miles over four days with most races starting at 5am so it also means a lot of early mornings! Runners who conquer all four races earn six medals: one for each race, plus special medals for the Goofy Challenge (half and full marathon) and the Dopey Challenge itself. This event isn’t just about mileage; it’s about immersing yourself in the Disney experience, with courses winding through theme parks, lively entertainment, and opportunities to meet beloved characters.
Why Take on the Dopey Challenge?
For many runners, the Dopey Challenge is more than a physical feat—it’s an emotional journey. Participants train for months to build the stamina required for back-to-back races. They embrace the whimsical atmosphere, dress up in creative costumes, and enjoy the camaraderie of thousands of like-minded runners. Completing the challenge symbolizes dedication, determination, and a love of running infused with a sprinkle of pixie dust.
Spotlight on Rimma Fehling: A Mount Olive Running Club Star
This year, Mount Olive Running Club’s own Rimma Fehling crossed the finish line of all four races, earning her place among the elite group of runners who have conquered the Dopey Challenge. Rimma’s journey to Disney was filled with preparation, perseverance, and unforgettable memories. We caught up with her to learn more about her experience and what it took to complete this magical milestone.
Interview Questions for Rimma Fehling
What inspired you to take on the Dopey Challenge, and how long had you been preparing for it?
I am close to completing the Abbott World Marathon Major Six Star Challenge and was looking for some other ways to challenge myself. I’d run 10 marathons so knew I could complete the final distance but usually you rest the week leading up to the marathon so I figured running 3 races before that would present a new challenge to conquer.
How did you balance training for four back-to-back races, especially the marathon at the end?
I work with a fantastic running coach (Lisa from Run Farther and Faster) who helped me prepare. I ran the NYC marathon in early November and the Dopey challenge was in early Jan so I really just had to maintain my high mileage but my coach also built in several weeks of consecutive days of running, usually culminating in a 15-20 mile long run on Sat to simulate what it would be like to run the marathon on tired legs on the last day. I handled the training weeks pretty well so knew I’d be ready!
Can you walk us through your race weekend experience? What was the atmosphere like at Disney?
NYC Marathon is my favorite race due to the overall atmosphere and crowd support but racing at Disney is a truly unique experience. The marathon and Disney vibe are felt throughout. It starts in the morning when you take the bus to the race start (the bus is at 3am so the only people up are runners). Most people who run Disney races are big Disney enthusiasts so you see a ton of costumes right away. Each race begins at Epcot so walking by the iconic Epcot ball is very cool and then you enter the staging area where you can take pre-race pics with characters, take part in a DJ-led dance party (with famous Disney songs of course) and each group of runners is sent off with a big countdown and fireworks so the excitement is there right away. There are so many character stops along the route (7 in the 5K, 12 in the 10K, 20+ in the half, 35+ in the full) that you are basically running from character stop to character stop. At each stop there are cast members with a professional camera plus they will take pics with your phone. Additionally there is Disney music throughout the course, Disney signage for each mile marker, bands on the course, and a choir right before the finish line. You do spend a lot of time running on highways and overpasses but with so much going on, you don’t even notice it. The medals you get a the end are top notch – the final Dopey one weighed in at 0.8 lbs and at the finish line, there is a dance party and more character pictures so the party atmosphere goes on and on. People then change and go to the parks wearing their race shirts and medals. You can take more pics at the parks with your medal and everyone is congratulating you as you walk around so it truly is a full day experience!
What was your favorite part of each race? Were there any memorable moments on the course?
You run through Epcot during every race which is very cool but it’s early so nothing is open. The half and full marathons run through the entrance of Magic Kingdom, it’s also the part of the race that has the most crowd support. It was such a cool feeling entering the park with the cheering crowds and running towards Cinderella’s castle. Truly magical. During the marathon, you run through all 4 parks and we arrived in Animal Kingdom about 15 minutes before the park opened and decided to wait around so we could ride Everest because when else will I have the opportunity to say I rode a roller coaster during a marathon!
What challenges did you face during the races, and how did you push through them?
I was lucky enough to be seeded in Corral A for all the races based on my proof of time so finishing in the time limit (16 minutes/mile from the start of the last participants called the balloon ladies) was not going to be an issue. However, for the 10K, my sister (not a runner) signed up to run it with us. She was placed in the last corral so we dropped back to start with her. We were only 2 minutes ahead of the balloon ladies and had to do some careful planning (taking turns running ahead to wait in the picture lines) so we could finish in time. That was a bit stressful! Then at about miles 7-12 during the marathon, I started to have some stomach issues. Luckily we were in Magic Kingdom so I had access to real bathrooms but I was concerned it was going to be a LONG painful day. It was great having a friend running with me the whole time because we really pushed each other. Except when we stopped for bathrooms, characters and a ride, we maintained an 8:15-8:30/mile pace during the marathon and we agreed being together definitely helped us keep that up.
How did you manage recovery between races? Any tips for future participants?
Recovery and pacing yourself every day is key. After every race, we would come home, shower and then head out to the parks. You can’t go to Disney without expecting to walk around a lot so you just have to accept you are going to spend a lot more time on your feet. BUT we tried to manage it by doing more walking after the 5K and 10K vs the half and the full. We always went back to the hotel to rest and nap in the afternoon and tried to get to bed early for the 2:30am wake up which meant missing the evening fireworks in the park. I also brought along my Normatec compression boots and used those every afternoon to help the recovery. Staying hydrated and carb-loaded was key too. Another tip is trying roping in a friend to do the races with you. It’s much easier to manage logistics etc. with someone else plus it makes the races much more fun.
Disney races are known for costumes and character stops. Did you dress up or take photos along the way?
Absolutely as I said, if you are going to run a Disney race, RUN a Disney race. I ran all 4 races with my running friend and we had matching costumes for each race (5K – Joy and Sandness from Inside Out, 10K – The Muppets, Half – Haunted Mansion, Full – Rapunzel) and stuck together the whole time. We stopped for EVERY character picture during the half and quite a few of them during the marathon too. We got some great pics during the race too in front of the castle and other iconic landmarks in the parks.
How did it feel crossing the finish line of the full marathon and completing the Dopey Challenge?
About half way through the marathon, I knew I would finish regardless of what else happened so crossing the finish line was pure joy and honestly a little bit of sadness that it was all over. I knew I probably wouldn’t do another Dopey Challenge any time soon due to the time commitment and cost but I would definitely do another Disney race because it was so much fun!
What advice would you give to someone considering the Dopey Challenge?
PR in the experience, not in your race time. I ran my slowest times for all 4 events and had a blast doing it! These races are not cheap; take the time to soak it in, dress up in costume, take pictures with the characters – before, during and after the race, go to the parks during the day. If you are going to run a Disney race, run it in Disney style! Having friends join you in the challenge helps a lot too.
What’s next for you in your running journey? Do you have any other bucket-list races or challenges in mind?
Hopefully, next year I will complete my six star journey with the Tokyo marathon. Then I will have to figure out how to get to Sydney for the new 7th star. I’ve always wanted to do MCM too so basically, just keep signing up for races, new challenges and training. My 14 year old is a runner and has raced up to 8K. I’d like to do one of the Disney half marathons with her to give her a goal to train towards that would be fun and rewarding. So basically, lots more running on the horizon.
Why the Dopey Challenge Matters
The Dopey Challenge isn’t just a test of physical endurance—it’s a celebration of the running community, personal achievement, and the magic of Disney. For those who take on this extraordinary feat, it’s a chance to push beyond limits, create unforgettable memories, and inspire others to dream big.
Ready to Take on Your Next Challenge?
Inspired by Rimma’s story? Whether you’re gearing up for your first 5K or eyeing a marathon, the Mount Olive Running Club is here to support your journey. Join us for group runs, training tips, and a community that will cheer you on every step of the way. And who knows? Maybe the Dopey Challenge will be your next adventure!
Congratulations to Rimma and all the runners who completed the Dopey Challenge this year. You’ve shown us what’s possible when hard work meets a little magic!
