This past weekend, we had the awesome opportunity to experience the Gingerbread Run – an annual 5K race supporting Kissimmee nonprofit Give Kids The World. Featuring on-course entertainment, refreshments, and a fun After-Party; the Gingerbread Run is a great way to get some much needed exercise and spend time with friends while supporting an important cause!
I can’t wait to tell you all about the Gingerbread Run and our fun morning at one of Central Florida’s most notable organizations. Thank you, Give Kids The World, for inviting us out!
About Give Kids The World
Proceeds from the annual Gingerbread Run benefit Give Kids The World (also known as The Village), an 89 acre resort offering cost free vacations to children with life threatening illnesses and their families. Usually utilized as part of the wish granting process (in partnership with organizations like Make-A-Wish or Dream Factory), families staying at Give Kids The World will receive private accommodations, local attraction and theme park tickets, free food, nightly entertainment, and lots of priceless family memories. To learn more about Give Kids The World and its important programming, visit https://www.gktw.org.
The Gingerbread Run!
Featuring lots of character meet and greets, photo opportunities, and live entertainment; the Gingerbread Run is an exciting race through the Village’s whimsical buildings and venues.Since this is classified as a “fun run,” participants have plenty of time to walk, jog, stroll, or roll through the festive course and colorful running route.
The Gingerbread Run Course
The 3.1 mile course is filled with multiple themed “zones,” each showcasing a different entertainment program offered to Village families. Featured zones include a wintery, Christmas-themed area, bubble-filled beach party, and a fantasy-inspired loop filled with super heroes and princesses!
My favorite was the Halloween area – complete with a trick-or-treat station!
At the end of the race, finishers received a special event medal. Isn’t it adorable?
The Gingerbread Run After-Party
But the fun didn’t stop at the finish line! After the race, Give Kids The World held a spectacular After-Party filled with games, complimentary refreshments (including delicious bagels by Jeff’s Bagel Run and coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts), and live entertainment. It was an awesome way to celebrate a job well done!
Freaky Thoughts: Gingerbread Run
Whether you are a passionate runner or would prefer a slow stroll, Give Kids The World’s Gingerbread Run provides an enjoyable morning of exercise, entertainment, and fun! With so much to see and do both on and off the course, it is well worth the registration price. AND you get enjoy all of this while supporting an incredibly impactful and important cause.
I had an amazing time at this year’s Gingerbread Run, and I highly recommend trying it out next year. To get the latest updates on 2024’s race or other fundraising events, make sure to follow Give Kids The World on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
