We are absolutely over the moon to be taking on the 2026 Dopey Challenge, and we can’t even begin to express how much it would mean to have your support as we celebrate three unforgettable years together and the next chapter of our lives - our wedding!
But first, let me share a little about how we got here (you knew we were going to make this story a page-turner!) because this journey is about so much more than running: it’s about love, growth, and our shared passion for fitness (especially when it’s wrapped in Disney magic!).
How We Met
Christy and I found each other online while training for Dopey 2023, and that was just the beginning of our story. What started as a shared love for the sport quickly turned into a plot we couldn’t put down. We met in person for the first time at Marathon Weekend 2024, where I somehow convinced Christy to tack on another early morning to her week to meet me at Port Orleans French Quarter for a 2 mile shakeout run. I like to believe that it was me that brought her there, but let's be real-- it was the promise of beignets afterward. We then ran the 5K and 10K together and had some fun at the parks. Since then, our friendship blossomed into something more, as we both discovered our own identities and happiness.
A Disney Proposal to Remember
Since that weekend, we have run 100s of miles together, both in Disney parks and in training (including a complete Dopey together in 2024!), and we can truly say that without running or runDisney, our lives would be very different right now. In a storybook moment inspired by our first race together just two years prior, Christy proposed to me at the Marathon Weekend 2025 5K. Her proposal was perfect. For this race, we wanted to celebrate our love of Disney and books. My costume celebrated my Ph.D. in children's literature with a Disney Golden Book's The Little Mermaid rendition, and she represented young adult literature with the Twisted Tales Tangled adaptation, What Once Was Mine. I kept asking her if she wanted me to create a large replica of the cover to carry like mine, but she insisted on carrying the actual book. At the finish line, I found out why-- she opened the book to a page that said "At least I see the light," with the ring hidden in a cut out covered by a corona. Of course, I said yes! We celebrated our engagement the rest of the weekend, running the 10k and half marathon together and then with her cheering me on through the marathon (and saving me a spot in line so we could ride Everest together!)
In 2026, we’re continuing our story by running the Dopey Challenge fully together again to celebrate three magical years together and the wedding of our dreams (which, by the way, will be a Disney Cruise wedding exactly one week before the challenge. Seriously, it’s like Disney created this perfect adventure just for us). And to make it even more magical, the races are book-themed, as if they were written just for us! We couldn’t be more thrilled to turn this page.
Why We’re Fundraising for A Running Passion
As part of our celebration, we’re fundraising for A Running Passion, a nonprofit that continues the legacy of Coach Will Fulford by transforming the lives of young athletes in cross-country and track and field. Through education, guidance, coaching, and financial assistance, A Running Passion helps young athletes unlock their full potential by removing barriers that might prevent them from participating in these life-changing sports. Every gift will help A Running Passion write new chapters in the lives of young runners, allowing them to chase their dreams and experience the power of sports. As a university professor, Alyssa has taught many student athletes and knows the positive impact that sports have on their mental health, academics, and overall well-being.
Why This Matters to Us
Running has brought us together in ways we never imagined, and it’s become the backdrop to some of the most meaningful moments in our relationship. Each race is more than just about fitness: it’s about us, our love, and the life we’re building together. The Dopey Challenge is the ultimate way to celebrate how far we’ve come and to honor the many adventures ahead. I mean, who doesn't want to spend their honeymoon waking up at 3am four days in a row to run 48.6 miles?! 🤣 Instead of wedding gifts, we invite you to help us make a difference by supporting A Running Passion and empowering the next generation of runners. Your love, support, and generosity will mean the world to us as we embark on this new chapter of our lives.
