Charlotte area runner Susan Moriceau, who is blind, conquered the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, completing the event’s four races in four days, including Sunday’s 26.2-mile marathon at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Moriceau, who works as a business consultant and runs alongside her husband, ran in the 5K on Thursday, the 10K on Friday, the half marathon on Saturday and the marathon on Sunday, which collectively is called the Dopey Challenge. Despite the half marathon being shortened by weather, she still ran more than 42 total miles, earning six extraordinary medals.
Moriceau has retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disease that has gradually limited her vision over the years, leaving her with the ability to only see some shadows and light. She said her sight noticeably deteriorated about four years ago, which has made running unnerving at times, but that her trust in her husband has helped her to courageously push through it.
Supported by her husband from start to finish, Moriceau completed each race, trekking through Disney theme parks and along connected roads to reach the finish line each time. Sunday’s marathon was undoubtedly the toughest, taking them through Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Nevertheless, she finished the arduous yet fun-filled race in 5:51:08. Afterwards, flashing smiles and hugging each other at the finish line, the couple vowed to return next year to run again during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.
Thousands of runners from across the nation and around the globe participated in this weekend’s event, which was filled with Disney entertainment, characters and a unique atmosphere of camaraderie among runners of all ages and skill levels. In all, the event featured a 5K, a 10K, the rain-shortened half marathon, and the marathon, plus a health and fitness expo.
Next up is the return of the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend (Jan. 11-14) at Disneyland Resort in California next weekend, followed by the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (Feb. 22-26) at Walt Disney World Resort.
