Seasoned runners and newbies alike can find their stride at a runDisney event during their Walt Disney World vacation. These events take place a few times throughout the year, and typically offer a 5k, 10k, and a half marathon, with January’s event offering a full marathon. There is also an event at Disneyland Paris and the virtual race series, which is offered throughout the year.
Why runDisney?
Running with Disney is, simply put, magical! Whether you’re a novice or an experienced runner, if you’re a Disney fan, a runDisney event is unlike any other. The course experience is fantastic, from the theming, to the on-course entertainment, to running through the theme parks, to seeing backstage – it is really a one-of-a-kind experience! And the medals and shirts are really unique, too!
Also, if you would like to run for a charity, there are a lot of great charity options and fundraising opportunities! Check the runDisney website to see which charities are participating each year.
Why Would I Want to Avoid runDisney?
Okay, maybe you’re not a runner. Avoid traveling to Walt Disney World during runDisney events. Road closures make it hard to get around the area, and the parks become crowded with runners & their families enjoying their vacation before and after the races. Hotel prices tend to be higher. You get the idea.
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
This event typically takes place roughly the second weekend in January. It offers a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon. And if you’d like to push yourself even further, there are events referred to as “challenge” events! Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge has runners completing the half marathon on Saturday and the full marathon on Sunday. The Dopey Challenge has runners completing all four races, four days in a row! Goofy runners receive 3 shirts and 3 medals, while Dopey runners receive 6 shirts and 6 medals.
Another event during the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend is the Castaway Cay Challenge, for runners who are embarking on a Disney Cruise after their run. Complete a 5k on Castaway Cay to earn an additional 2 medals and a shirt!
For more info, click here!
To read race reports from marathon weekend, check out my WDW Half Marathon Race Report and WDW Marathon Race Report.
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
The next event taking place at Walt Disney World is the Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend, which generally takes place around the third weekend in February. This weekend’s events consist of the 5k, 10k, and half marathon. Children’s dash events and one mile run are also available!
The challenge event for this weekend is the Disney Fairy Tale Challenge. For this challenge, runners complete the 10k on Saturday, and the half marathon on Sunday. Runners earn 3 medals and 3 shirts!
For more info, click here!
To read about my experience running the Princess Half Marathon, click here!
Springtime Surprise Weekend
This is a brand new event for Walt Disney World Resort, and replaces the Star Wars weekend that used to take place! Each year the theme will change.
For more info, click here!
To read my Expedition Everest 5k Race Report, click here!
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
After taking the summer off from in-person events, runDisney returns early November with the Wine & Dine Half Marathon event. This event features a 5k, 10k, and half marathon.
The challenge event for this race is called the Disney Two Course Challenge. Runners will complete the 10k on Saturday and half marathon on Sunday to earn 3 medals and 3 shirts!
For more info, click here!
To read my 2022 Race Report from the Half Marathon, click here!
