Ep 184 The Culinary Crown Showdown: Who Takes Home The Golden Whip?

As Disney enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the Springtime Surprise weekend at Walt Disney World, the latest episode of the Rise and Run podcast delivers a delightful blend of Disney dining discussions and an inspiring feature on a unique running community. The hosts—Bob, Greg, John, and Jack—kick off with warm welcomes and important details about where to meet them during the upcoming Springtime Surprise race weekend, emphasizing their traditional Saturday meetup at Disney Springs where homemade cookies await passionate runners.

The episode kicks a intro from Tara getting ready for London . If you’d like to introduce an upcoming episode, please reach out to us on our social media. You can also email us, or leave us a message on our hotline (727-266-2344).

This Week’s Race Weekend Training Miles

The Final Countdown: March Madness Restaurant Champion Revealed

The conclusion of the March Madness-style tournament to decide the best table-service restaurant at Walt Disney World is up. Moving through the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, Final Four, and ultimately crowning a champion, the hosts passionately debate the merits of beloved dining establishments like Bergartain, Morimoto Asia, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Le Cellier, Whispering Canyon, Ohana, Boma, Boathouse, Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming, Sebastian’s Bistro, Raglan Road, Via Napoli, Tusker House, and California Grill. Each round brings lively discussion about food quality, ambiance, entertainment, and overall experience, with occasional ties requiring coin flips to break deadlocks. The ultimate champion emerges as Boma, the Animal Kingdom Lodge buffet restaurant famous for its diverse African-inspired offerings and beloved Zebra Domes dessert.

The Race Report Sponsored by Stoked Metabolic Coaching

Connecticut 169

No race report this week but we did sit down with some members of the Connecticut 169 running community, a group dedicated to completing races in all 169 towns across Connecticut. Founded in 2012, this community has grown to over 5,300 members with 228 having completed the full challenge. The interview reveals fascinating traditions, like wearing tutus to celebrate reaching 100 towns, the challenges of “elusive towns” without regular races, and even dogs completing the challenge alongside their owners. What stands out most is the strong sense of camaraderie—as one member poignantly notes, “You show up for the running, but you stay because of the people.”

Whether you’re planning your next Disney dining experience or seeking motivation for your running journey, this episode delivers valuable insights while celebrating the special connections that make the running community so meaningful.”You show up for the running, but you stay because of the people.” Our interview with the CT 169 runners reveals how a simple goal created lifelong connections. Plus, we crown our Disney restaurant champion! Which eatery took the title? Listen to find out.

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