Bob Page (Page) was close to his 50th Birthday. Page was overweight, weighing around 320 pounds. With the help of his doctor, Page developed a plan which involved a lot of running.
The Universal Orlando Resort Team Member (Universal Orlando TM) had never (ever) been a runner, however within six months and unknowingly doing a couch to 5K program, Page was on his way to being healthier.
“There’s no magic pill, there are no secrets. It’s eat less and move more, eat healthier and move more. You can’t outrun a bad diet, but if you don’t move along with a good diet, I mean, you’re setting yourself up to not win.” Page said.
Page lost 150 pounds. He now eats a primarily plant-based diet and uses social media to post his workouts and holds himself accountable – as well as to evaluate his stats year over year.
Page used to plan vacations around food and where to eat, he now maps out running locations and races. Page doesn’t have to travel far for an upcoming race because the inaugural Running Universal’s Epic Character Race Weekend is coming to him.
The Universal Orlando TM intends to run both races – 5K and 10K.
At the moment, Universal has revealed the medal designs for each race as well as the characters that can be expected along the course. There will also be other characters and surprises along the way, according to Universal.
- Universal Orlando Reveals Epic Character Race Medals
- Universal Orlando Reveals Characters for Inaugural Race Weekend
The awards and course map sections on the race weekend’s website are still blank, however Page revealed the 5K will take runners through Universal Studios Florida and the front of Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The 10K will take runners through both parks.
For participants running for the first time, Page suggests purchasing a good pair of sneakers. Why? Because bad or inadequate “sneakers” can lead to injuries. Whilst some runners may compete for time, Page said he anticipates many will take it easy and enjoy the perks.
“It’s just going to be one of those times where everybody who’s ever been to this theme park knows how amazing it is. But when you’re here when it’s not really open and you’re getting to run through it and the characters are here, that’s [something] special.” Page said.
Page said he’s really looking for to running by Optimus Prime and Blue the velociraptor (Jurassic Park).
The 5K takes place on the 1st February and the 10K on the 2nd February, 2020, both starting at Universal Orlando Resort.
Registration closes very soon – noon on the 29th January, 2020. Fees start at $82 for the 5K and $121 for the 10K. To find out more about the race weekend, visit universalorlando.com/runninguniversal.
RELATED: Universal Orlando Resort Announces Inaugural Running Universal Epic Character Race Weekend
Source: The Orlando Sentinel
