Universal Studios Hollywood has jumped on the race bandwagon, and it was quite the good time. Now that Disney has put a pause on RunDisney events over in Anaheim, many theme park racers were thrilled that Universal gave them a fun theme park route in which to compete.
Racing Universal Studios
The route for the Running Universal inaugural event took racers through the historic back lot, tram route, and the theme park. Almost every inch of it a temptation to stop and look around.
This year’s event was Minion-themed, with Universal entertainment along the way, and a big finish at Universal CityWalk. Universal billed the 5K as a perfect event for beginners, intermediates, or even racing veterans. Adults, teens, tweens – and everyone in between – were invited to join the fun.
Race Details for Universal’s Inaugural 5K Event:
- 3.1-mile course through Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park, parts of the iconic Universal Backlot, behind the scenes views and experiences, and a fun finish in the heart of Universal CityWalk.
- Character Meet and Greets and entertainment on course
- Photos with Minion characters
- Finish Line celebration with live entertainment at 5 Towers on Universal CityWalk
- Chip timed event
- This event is USATF Certified and Sanctioned
Universal had three running packages for this event, starting at $75 (that’s $12 below the RunDisney 5K runs). The pricing was competitive and the race was popular!
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- Collectible Minion 5K Finisher Medal*
- Custom Race Bib with timing chip*
- Running Universal 5K T-shirt*
- Collectible Minion Pin
- Post-race beverages and refreshments
- Custom digital finisher certificate
- Complimentary General Parking**
- Opportunity to purchase post-race entry to Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park at an exclusive Running Universal price, including Early Park Admission
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- Exclusive VIP check-in
- Complimentary Valet Parking
- Post-race VIP breakfast on Universal CityWalk
- Running Universal reusable water bottle
- 1-on-1 meet and greet with Illumination’s Minions
$49 – VIRTUAL 5K RACE
Run or walk the 5K from anywhere and nab your Minion-themed finisher medal and other cool swag, including:
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- Collectible Minion 5K Finisher Medal
- Collectible Minion Pin
- Minion Drawstring Backpack
- Downloadable Minion Running Bib
- Downloadable Minion Digital Finisher Certificate
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- Minion cap
- Minion drawstring backpack
- Guaranteed access to fan zone at the Finish Line
- Complimentary beverages and refreshments at the Finish Line
Now off to the Main Event!
We arrived at Universal Studios at 5:00am and from the looks of it, the participants were already loading in as early as 4:00am! This event was extremely popular and the first day sold out very quickly. As a result, Universal added another day to accommodate more runners.
And they’re off!
The race kicked off at 6:00am at the iconic globe near the entry to Universal Studios Hollywood theme park. They did this multiple times to ensure all of the runners had space.
Runner’s Costumes
Running became ‘fun’ing as guests showed up in clever costumes! There were lots of minion theme runners with some unique looks as-well. You can see some of them below, one of our favorites was Daphne and Velma!
Finish Line Fun!
The finish line was located at the five towers stage, where up beat music was blasting, snacks were passed out, and medals awarded. Crowds were light as the first batch of runners finished around 7am, but quickly filled up as the less competitive racers came in.
Minion Photo Ops a plenty
The Minions were all out in force, you could find all shapes and sizes of these yellow fellows.
The Medal
The prize was well designed and playful, the outer yellow ring spun around, creating a sort of Zoetrope.
Overall it was a great first event, Universal was organized and efficient. But most importantly, the racers had a great time. What are your thoughts on the event? Did you participate or are you interested in future Universal runs? What should be the theme of future events? Let us know in the comments below!
