UPDATED: runDisney debuts its partnership with Misfit at 2016 Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend

Thursday marks the beginning of runDisney’s 2016 Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World, and as participants know, there have been a lot of changes to this weekend’s races. But perhaps less well-known is the new relationship runDisney has formed with this weekend’s sponsor, Misfit.

Misfit is a manufacturer of wearable activity trackers. One of the hallmarks of its products is that they do not need to be charged; owners simply replace the batteries when necessary. Another popular feature is that the sleek devices are water resistant and some are waterproof.

As part of the new agreement with Disney, Misfit has been named the official activity tracker of runDisney and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. In addition to becoming the presenting sponsor at this year’s Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, Misfit will be an official sponsor of the seven other runDisney events held at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

Misfit brand products include the Ray, Shine, Shine 2, Flash and Link.

My family became familiar with Misfit products over the summer when my teenage son, who swims competitively, was looking for an activity tracker to use both at his daily practices and for his training runs. In June, the company launched its second version of the Shine device: Misfit Shine 2 Swimmer’s Edition, powered by Speedo. The Misfit Shine 2 uses Speedo’s proprietary lap-counting algorithms to track a swimmer’s lap count as well as provide user feedback, such as progress and activity reminders. Those features are what prompted us to purchase a Misfit Shine 2, and we have no regrets.

The Misfit Shine 2 is meant to be worn both in and out of the water, and so it also tracks walking, running, cycling, and light and deep sleep. And it does well with the runners.

Wareable.com named the Misfit Shine 2 one of the best fitness trackers in 2016. Here’s the tech website’s mini review:

“When the Misfit launched the [original] Shine back in 2012, it proved that you can count your steps from a fitness tracker that didn’t look like an ugly piece of plastic around your wrist. The Shine 2 remains faithful to its original features and now adds a redesigned action clip, smartphone notifications and vibration alerts. Also, the battery life pretty much kicks the *** of any of the trackers. … Where it really impresses though is data accuracy. When we put the Shine 2 up against a GPS running watch recently, there was 0.1km difference in the readings. If reliable data is your priority, then this is the one to go for.”

The Misfit Shine 2 also is compatible with Misfit Link, the software that turns the activity tracker into a remote to connect with the world around the wearer: Communicate with friends, turn on lights, change music, take a selfie, and more.

Wareable.com also gives the Misfit Ray a nod, naming it “Best for Simplicity” among the Best Fitness Trackers of 2016.

“Stylish and sleek, Misfit broke from the traditional design of its circular Shine tracker to offer something a little more discreet. The Misfit Ray offers steps and sleep tracking, all within Misfit’s sleek and clean app. It will also alert users to messages and calls from a paired smartphone. There are now decent strap options now from Misfit, and it can be worn as a pendent. Decent customization mixed with strong (if no frills) fitness tracking and a good price mean you can’t go wrong with the Ray.”

Misfit has begun its rollout of runDisney-branded accessories for the Ray. At the Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend Expo, the first 100 customers who purchased a Ray device received the box of three bands, including one race-specific band, pictured below. At the expo, runners could purchase the Misfit Ray for 30 percent off its regular price of $99.99.

My son has had his Misfit Shine 2 Swimmer’s Edition device for about four months now, and when we had an issue with one of the interchangeable bands, the Misfit customer service department was responsive to our complaint. The company definitely stands behind its products.

“Misfit aims to motivate individuals and families everywhere to stay active and have fun doing it,” Preston Moxcey, general manager of Misfit, said in a press release. “Our relationship with runDisney and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex provides incredible opportunities to share fitness inspiration with friends and loved ones, and we’re so excited to be a part of it.”

Misfit is celebrating its fifth anniversary with a 30 percent discount on its fitness trackers, gear and accessories if they are ordered on the company website through Oct. 31. Use the code MISFITBDAY.

Follow @Kristin_B_Ford

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