The “Dopey Challenge” Marathon At Disney World Today, every moment of Alison’s waking life is filled with the joy, purpose and meaning she brings to it. She runs her household, holds a full-time job, teaches cardio after work, and works out daily. Her energy seems boundless, but she is also an efficient time manager. For the last several years, she has also participated in 5ks, 10ks, and half and full marathons throughout Louisiana and at Walt Disney World and Disney Land, logging an astounding number of miles. Her most memorable running experience was doing Disney World’s “Dopey Challenge” in 2014. Besides completing her first full marathon, at mile 12.5, she and other runners were allowed to ride the Expedition Everest roller coaster. She scored a front row seat, and videotaped and posted her ride on Facebook. “Where else but Disney World can you ride roller coasters during a marathon?!”
I Run 4 Michael
Her most memorable running experience was doing Disney World’s “Dopey Challenge” in 2014.
In October 2015, Alison discovered a Facebook page called, “I Run 4 Michael,” which pairs runners with a developmentally disabled or terminally ill “Buddy” who cannot physically participate or be present at the events. The runner dedicates his or her miles (or workouts) to their Buddy. Having someone supportive and acting on his or her behalf gives tremendous encouragement to the ill or disabled individual, and having a cheerleader motivates the runner to complete the distance. Both Buddies post photos and encouraging messages for each other, giving mutual, moral support. Through “I Run 4 Michael,” Alison partnered with Hannah Pender, a developmentally disabled girl from Glasgow, Scotland. Last December, thanks to a grant from Caudwell Children in the UK, Hannah and her family were able to fly to the US and spend a week at Give Kids The World Village, a 79-acre, nonprofit “storybook” resort in Central Florida where terminally ill and disabled children and their families are treated to weeklong, cost-free vacations. In hopes they could arrange a meeting with Alison, the Penders contacted her to let her know they were bringing Hannah to the US for a vacation at the resort. Alison never imagined she would have the opportunity to meet Hannah face to face, and nothing would keep her from making that dream come true for them both.
Through “I Run 4 Michael,” Alison partnered with Hannah Pender, a developmentally disabled girl from Glasgow, Scotland.
“It was a very heartfelt trip,” Alison explained. “The night before Hannah and her family were to leave the US for home, we all met at Disney Springs for dinner. We took photos, exchanged Christmas gifts, and I was able to give Hannah the medals I had earned for her. It was a very special moment for everyone.” Perhaps few can appreciate more than Alison Landry what it is like to watch vicariously from the sidelines as others fully engage with life. But she has physically, and mentally, overcome life-threatening challenges. Alison seizes not only the day, but every moment, and generously shares with others the encouragement, hope and joy she has found within herself.
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