Our Story

Pelkey Running Club started where so many great running stories do: in a runDisney corral. At every runDisney race, the announcers play a huge part in the experience, from the encouragement at the start line to the celebration at the finish. One announcer in particular, John Pelkey, kept us laughing from corral to finish line with his relatable personality, quick wit, self-deprecating humor, and open admission that he’d never actually run a race himself. So naturally, we named our club after him.

The Pelkey Running Club was founded during the 2024 Walt Disney World Princess Half Marathon Weekend and exists to build community, encourage others, and remind ourselves to just have fun.

Today, we’re a club of 2,300 runners strong, with members across North America, Europe, Central America, and Africa. And John isn’t just our namesake. He’s still on the mic at runDisney, stays in touch with the crew, and shows up to meetups and events whenever he can. In 2025, he went from cheering on runners to becoming one, running his first half marathon at the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend with the club right beside him.

That weekend became the first PRC Weekend, our annual gathering where members come together to race, share meals and explore a host city. Along the way, we’ve raised more than $25,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, including $16,000 and counting toward this year’s $20,000 goal.

Our members are taking the club well beyond Disney, too, running World Marathon Majors and races in their local communities alike. Our gear has traveled just as far. Our signature item, The Hat, has been to all seven continents, and our new namesake collection is ready for its own adventures.

Up next, we’re heading back to Memphis for PRC Weekend 2026 this December, then on to Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in January. We can’t wait to see you out there.