For Global Running Day on June 4, Disney is spotlighting the thousands of athletes and cast members that participate in runDisney race weekends. Not just to shout out their impressive achievements on the course, but also for the good they do beyond the finish line.
That’s because, among the thousands of athletes who participate in runDisney race weekends, many choose to shed a jacket or extra layer they no longer need along the course. And participants bring extra layers to leave behind knowingly — not to merely be put in the lost-and-found or discarded, but rather to go to a good cause.
The clothing is collected, cleaned and donated to Harvest Time International, a Florida-based non-profit organization supporting families in need. After the 2025 Walt Disney World Marathon alone, a record 24,000 pounds of clothing was donated to Harvest Time. Think of how many families this helped!
“It’s an incredible feeling knowing our guests and cast members are contributing to an important cause. We’re grateful for the opportunity to help support families across Central Florida,” Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs at Walt Disney World, said.
After the last runner crosses the finish line, Walt Disney World’s custodial cast members collect and prepare the clothing for transport to Textile Services, the resort’s on-site laundry facility. After an impressive cleaning and drying process, cast members package the items with care to make their way to a new home.
“The clothing donated during runDisney race weekends makes a real difference for the families we serve at Harvest Time International. Once sorted, these donations are distributed through our outreach programs and respond to urgent needs. Every donation helps restore dignity and stability for families facing difficult circumstances. We’re deeply grateful for the generosity, care, and coordination that make it possible for these items to continue their journey and offer families a fresh start,” Trae Brogdon, Director of GIK Partnerships at Harvest Time International, said.
Thanks to the kindness of our guests and the dedication of our cast, we’re able to provide support to those who may not be able to purchase clothes for their families. And just imagine, the clothing that helped a runDisney athlete cross the finish line could now help introduce a young person to the joys and benefits of running.
Walt Disney World’s dedication to its community doesn’t stop with runDisney: recent initiatives include the resort hosting its second-ever Once Upon A Wish Party — a multi-day large-scale wish-granting event where nearly 50 children facing critical illnesses and their families were swept away into their own Disney Princess stories; providing schools in Central Florida with the resources they need to launch sustainable theater programs through the nationwide Disney Musicals in Schools program; and hosting the 2025 Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for 2,300 athletes from across the state.