NC woman takes on the Dopey Challenge and run in all 4 races at Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

ORLANDO, FLA. (WTVD) -- A big running celebration is underway as the "Most Magical Place on Earth," as the 33rd annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend kicks off.

The four-day RunDisney event features four races in four days involving thousands of runners from across the country and beyond.

The weekend includes a 5K on Thursday, a 10K on Friday, a half-marathon on Saturday and a full marathon on Sunday.

Raleigh resident Melissa Sledge is taking on the RunDisney "Dopey Challenge," which requires runners to complete all four races - a total of 48.6 miles - over four days.

Sledge said she discovered running during a difficult period in her life.

"I lost both of my parents in 2020 and 2021..So 2022 was my way to kind of get out there. Run Disney was an event that I saw in 2020 and told my mom about three weeks before she passed that I wanted to do it, and not knowing that she was obviously going to pass away," Sledge said.

She has continued running in memory of her parents while raising money for Kellsie's Hope. The organization grants trips and wishes for children with cancer and nursing scholarships for adults.

"Knowing that every mile I run is for a kid to be able to go and experience Disney or go meet their favorite celebrity is huge," Sledge beamed.

Sledge completed the 5K on Thursday and will continue with the remaining races throughout the weekend.

"It's amazing, I mean, you can do anything. If you can walk a mile, then you can walk two. You can walk three, you can add in some running, then before you know it, you can go run 48. 6 miles over four days and collect money for a good cause... and it's fantastic," she said.

RunDisney Marathon Weekend continues through Sunday, culminating in a full marathon.

Each race winds through all four Disney theme parks and includes entertainment throughout the course, including giant video screens, Disney characters, DJs, high school bands and choirs.

While the races attract serious runners, the event is designed for participants of all experience levels. Many runners take part simply for fun, while others use the weekend to raise money and awareness for a wide range of charitable organizations.

ABC11's Barbara Gibbs is doing both. In addition to covering the event, she is participating in Friday's 10K while fundraising for Blood Cancer United's Team in Training. Blood Cancer United, formerly known as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, is the official charity partner for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

Emily Blust, Blood Cancer United's Executive Director in North Carolina and Virginia, emphasizes the importance of the fundraising tied to the event.

"The funds raised through the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend and all of our other peer-to-peer fundraising events are truly critical for our mission. Our mission is to find a cure for blood cancer and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families," Blust said.

If you are taking part in RunDisney's Marathon Weekend - or know someone who is - reach out so we can congratulate you!