In a shocking announcement, the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend hosts have revealed their departure amid a significant restructuring effort within the RunDisney organization. The hosts, who have been the faces of the annual event for years, made their exit known just days after RunDisney became embroiled in controversy following the tragic death of marathon participant Caleb Graves.
Hosts Step Down Amid Organizational Changes
For many, the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend is a beloved tradition, blending fitness with the magic of Disney. However, this year’s event is clouded by the sudden resignation of the hosts, who have been pivotal in shaping the experience for runners and spectators alike. Sources close to the situation have cited a major restructuring within RunDisney, leading to a shakeup in key roles, including those of the marathon weekend hosts.
RunDisney officials have yet to release a formal statement explaining the restructuring in detail. However, internal reports suggest that the changes are part of a broader initiative to modernize their race events and align them with evolving corporate goals. Many within the community are expressing disappointment over the hosts’ departure, as they were seen as the heart and soul of the weekend’s festivities.
“I can’t imagine the event without them,” said one longtime participant. “They were more than just hosts; they were part of the reason why people came back every year.”
RunDisney Faces Backlash Over Caleb Graves Incident
Adding to the turmoil, RunDisney is currently facing widespread criticism for its handling of a sensitive and tragic situation involving Caleb Graves, a participant in this year’s Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon. Graves, a seasoned marathoner, collapsed near the final mile and tragically passed away after being rushed to the hospital. His death has sent shockwaves through the running community, and many have been offering condolences to his family and friends.
However, in a move that has sparked outrage, RunDisney has removed Graves’ name from the official list of finishers. The decision to exclude his name from the list has drawn fierce backlash, with critics accusing the organization of insensitivity and poor judgment in handling the situation.
“He may not have crossed the finish line, but he gave everything he had on that course. His name deserves to be there,” said a fellow runner who participated in the race.
Many are calling for RunDisney to reverse their decision and honor Graves’ participation and memory. An online petition demanding that his name be reinstated has already garnered thousands of signatures, with some even calling for an apology from RunDisney for the perceived disrespect.
RunDisney’s Response
In response to the growing backlash, a RunDisney spokesperson issued a brief statement expressing condolences to the Graves family but stopped short of addressing the decision to remove his name from the finishers list. The statement did indicate that an internal review is underway to assess how future incidents of this nature will be handled, emphasizing that the organization’s priority is the safety and well-being of its participants.
As the community mourns the loss of a fellow runner, questions surrounding RunDisney’s decisions continue to swirl. The departure of the hosts, combined with the Caleb Graves controversy, has left many uncertain about the future of the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend, an event that once seemed untouchable in its popularity and goodwill.
