Its all subjective. I don't do a lot of local races. I love running Disney though. Yes its expensive but I know that going in.
My thoughts exactly. For me it's really about the experience. And with Disney that includes the race theme, the opportunities to run through the parks, see some of the backstage, characters, and so forth. So part of that cost includes the experience.
I noticed during the Giant Race that the crowd support really wasn't there. The volunteers were encouraging as always, but there really weren't a lot of locals lined up at various points to cheer the runners on. Most of the cheers came either from other runners or coaches shouting out encouragement to anyone who looked like they needed it. That's not an indictment of the race, just something I noticed after so many Disney races where there are always pockets of people cheering for runners both at
Disneyland, including the city streets and Disney World.
I think that Disney's slower pace and more relaxed atmosphere even for the longer distances encourages less experienced runners to sign up. The atmosphere of the Giant Race Half felt more serious than any runDisney half I've done. No costumes, maybe one tutu, and not a big party vibe going on. I don't mind the "extra" cost for challenge events because I'm receiving something for that cost via the challenge race shirt and, assuming I finish, the challenge medal.
In the end each runner has to decide if the cost is worth it to them. Like with all things Disney, you're paying in part for the experience and the unique things that experience has to offer.
I thought with Wine and Dine they really pushed the charity thing more than I remember with other races. They have representatives at each race from Second Harvest and any left over food from the races would be donated to the charity as well.
I wonder if that's a unique to Disney World thing. I've never heard a big charity component at the Disneyland races including Light Side and Avengers 2017, but definitely remember the component from Dark Side 2017 and 2018. At Disneyland it seemed like they might mention the charity, but that's it. At Disney World, they had a representative from the charity talk about what the charity does and its mission.