Photos courtesy of Mollie Larson

Mollie Larson finished her latest runDisney marathon in January for the first time without her husband there.

My name is Mollie Larson I’ve been representing Harney County for many runDisney events.

Last year I participated in the 2025 Halloween half marathon. Before I left, I was asked to sign up again for January’s half marathon in Disneyland. My husband said “she’ll be there”, and before I knew it I was signed up to do three more races. 

Unfortunately, life changed drastically when my husband was admitted into the ICU for several weeks and unfortunately he didn’t make it. I lost my husband, Stan. All of my races were put on pause since I wasn’t sure if I wanted to compete so soon after losing my husband. I had to do a lot of soul searching to figure out if any more runDisney races were in my future. 

After talking to my family, I decided to go forward with My runDisney race. I made the decision to take it one race at a time. 

I wanted to dedicate my last race to my husband. He has been at every race from the minute I started my journey several years ago. I knew this race was going to be harder and different from every previous race since he wasn’t going to be at that finish line cheering me on. But I had to find a way to get the motivation and courage to make it to that Finish Line without him. 

I’m so thankful to four friends who helped me throughout my whole stay at this year’s runDisney race. They made sure that I had everything, and if I needed anything they were willing to help me.

The first race was very emotional and mentally hard, but I wasn’t alone, even though Stan wasn’t there physically he was there watching over me. All I had to do was look up in the sky and see the brightest star and I knew it was him cheering me on from heaven. Our friend Jodi took over where Stan left off. She was waiting for me at the finish line, it was great since I had no idea she was there waiting for me and cheering me on. This gave me that extra push to cross that finish line as fast as I could. Once I crossed that finish line it was magical because I wasn’t alone. Stan was there and so was Jodi l. She congratulated me and told me how proud she was.

No matter what race I was going to be participating in I wasn’t alone. I had my own personal cheering squad, which meant the world to me.

I completed two races and received two medals. I was able cross the finish line for both within the time goal that I set for myself. I ran those races in honor of my husband Stan. These runDisney races meant the world to him and always made him so proud. Once he lost the ability to run, I told him I would become his legs. I wanted him to continue to have hope, and never wanted him to feel like he wasn’t going to get any more medals. 

After the race was over and everybody was packing up, we decided to honor Stan by getting a group photo and some of the cast members held Stan’s picture. We wanted to honor and remember him. Everyone there missed him and helped keep his memory alive. We miss that beautiful smile and his positive energy. He touched so many people’s lives at runDisney and he was truly missed at the Finish Line.

If you’re reading my story, My wish for everyone is to always keep dreaming. If you want something, you have to work for it. It’s not going to be handed to you on a silver platter! When things seem too hard Don’t give up. Just keep trying. Trust me, the reward is so worth it in the end. I know it has been worth it for my husband and I. We have met so many wonderful people throughout our beautiful runDisney journey. We wouldn’t change anything from this wonderful experience. We’ve gotten to do things and go places that most people only gets to dream about doing. We couldn’t have done any of this without all of your support and encouragement as well. 

Thank you to Burns Times-Herald for allowing me to share my journey with all of you guys. 

Thank you, Dawn, Duana, Penny and her husband, Brodi, Kerri, Stacey, Jodi And all of my runDisney Family, Bethany and Deanna for everything you have done for my husband and I. Especially me, as I’ve been going through the hardest transition of my life.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to participate in this race, but you guys have made it so much easier for me.

Thank you to my wonderful husband Stan. You will never be forgotten. I dedicate my last race to you. Thank you for everything you have done for me! I love you and I miss you every single day. Rest in peace my love until we meet again, I will treasure these last two medals with my heart.

It’s been great representing Harney County in both Florida and California. I have enjoyed this wonderful journey. As of right now, my runDisney journey has come to an end. One day, I may be ready to race again, but for now I am going to hold these experiences close to my heart and cherish the memories.