This Guide is the start of a runDisney series covering everything you want to know about race weekends.

Are you a walker or runner? Do you want to start walking or running and need motivation? Are you a Disney fan that enjoys seeing different aspects of the parks?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, then runDisney races (andthis blog) are for you!

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Sam Mader and I am anAdventure Planner at Travel Grown and a runDisney addict (this is a realthing). I have been participating in runDisney races since 2013 and havecompleted 25 races including 2 Dopey Challenges. There is somethingspecial about runDisney races that just keeps me coming back for more.

A lot of the adventure planners at Travel Grown have completed at least one runDisney race and we are so excited to help you plan your amazing race weekend. We cannot help you get a race bib, but we can help with everything else (hotel, tickets, dining, etc) and ensure you have all of the info you need for race weekend.

Why participate in a runDisney race?

There are thousands of races out there so why do I keep going back to Disney to run year after year? Well I love anything Disney. I love the feeling I get running down Main Street towards the Castle. I love that I can dance around at 4am with the DJ playing music. I love that I can ride Expedition Everest during the marathon. I love that I can get a drink while running a marathon (ok I haven’t tried this yet, but maybe next time). I love high fives from the crowd support and seeing the different unique characters out on the course. I love that people of all backgrounds and paces come together and have fun. I love the runDisney community.

I love that people of all athletic abilities can participate. I have introduced family and friends to running thru runDisney and most have loved it enough to come back. There are distances for everyone from 5k to a marathon. You do not need to be a “runner” to enjoy these weekends.

No race is perfect though so I wanted to break down the good and bad about runDisney races so you know what you are getting yourself into. Hopefully you will agree with me that the good definitely outweighs the bad.

The Good

Running through Disney parks!
Disney themed medals and shirts (new designs every year) Characters before, during, and after the race. A lot of unique characters are out on the course
Fireworks at the start of the races!
DJ party starting at 3am (yes I said 3am)
So many happy people taking in the race atmosphere
Possible to enjoy a ride during the race (for select races) or grab a drink in Epcot before finishing (for select races)
Running in costume or fun themed outfits
Huge expo full of fun merchandise and vendors
Many charities that you can support and raise money for to make the miles mean more
Having to visit Disney to run these races (never a bad thing)
Snack boxes at the end of each race with fake cheese (love it or hate it, it is a runDisney staple)

The “Bad”

Lots of time on the roads between parks. Disney does its best to add characters, movie clips, cheer squads, and more to keep you entertained
Expensive races compared to similar distance races, but you are getting Disney magic and quality with these
Can sell out incredibly quickly
3am or earlier wakeups to catch the shuttles no later than 4am for a 5:30am start. Yes, this is rough and even rougher if you are doing a challenge and need to wake up early multiple mornings in a row.
A lot of time standing around and waiting before the races start. You can however join the dance party or get pictures with characters or find a good spot to sit in the corrals
Long walk from shuttles to the corrals at the start

runDisney Event Calendar

Each year, Disney World has 4 uniquely themed race weekends and Disneyland has finally brought back a race weekend! You can earn a coast- to-coast medal if you complete at least a 10miler on each coast.

January- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

This is the biggest race weekend that Disney offers. This is the only marathon offered at Disney and it runs through all 4 parks! You can even take on the craziest challenges offered: Goofy and Dopey.

5k on Thursday morning
10k on Friday morning
Half Marathon on Saturday morning
Marathon on Sunday morning
Goofy Challenge (Half Marathon and Marathon)
Dopey Challenge (5k, 10k, Half Marathon, and Marathon)

January- Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend

Disney has not held races at Disneyland since 2017 so it will be great to be back there. With the parks so close, it is easy to run thru them both and then get some time on the Anaheim roads.

Disneyland Yoga on Thursday morning
5k on Friday morning
10k on Saturday morning
Half marathon on Sunday morning
Dumbo Double Dare (10k and Half Marathon)

February- Princess Half Marathon Weekend

Do you want to feel like a princess or prince while running? This weekend is for you. There is nothing like running down Main Street towards the Castle, except for maybe running through the Castle itself. Find some amazing photo opportunities with princesses, princes, and more.

5k on Friday morning
10k on Saturday morning
Half Marathon on Sunday morning
Fairy Tale Challenge (10k and Half Marathon) Yoga on either Thursday or Monday morning

April- Springtime Surprise Weekend

Springtime Surprise changes themes every year, which means you never know what you will get. Since they started with this theme post COVID, we have seen Pixar and throw back themes. 2024 race these are adventure together with Peter Pan, Up, Lion King, and Stitch themes. This is the only race weekend without a half marathon. Instead there is a 10 miler and the challenge is all 3 races.

5k on Friday morning
10k on Saturday morning
10 miler on Sunday morning
Springtime Surprise Challenge (5k, 10k, and 10miler)

November- Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

Fact- This is my favorite of the race weekends. Planned around Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival, you get to enjoy exclusive time in the park later that night to celebrate finishing your half marathon. The theme changes each year so embrace the fun (or dress up for food) and dash through the parks. All half marathoners get free entry into Epcot for the celebration later that night. Others are able to purchase party tickets to join.

5k on Friday morning
10k on Saturday morning
Half Marathon on Sunday morning
Two Course Challenge (10k and Half Marathon)

How do I sign up to run a runDisney race?

There are three ways to register for a runDisney race:

1. General registration. Be ready at 10am EST (or the specified time) on the opening date to get a general registration bib. Races will sell out quickly so be ready and hope for the best. Tip- Skip purchasing merchandise until later. You want to lock in the bib first. The bib is only secured once you have completed payment. (Talk to me about registration tips if you are new to this).

2. Charity bibs. There are many charities that obtain bibs for runDisney races. You can register with one of these charities and raise money for them and the bib is included. This is a fun way to make your miles mean more. I have been racing with American Cancer Society for years now. Make sure to find a charity that you value to make it easier to fundraise.

3. Club runDisney: Club runDisney is a membership you will pay for to get perks including early registration, gear, and more. This opens up once a year so if you are interested, be ready on registration day.

Once you are registered, start training so you are ready for the big race. You will enjoy it so much more if you go prepared and trained. Also start planning your costume or running outfit. You get to have fun with it... embrace it!

Plan the Rest of the Trip with Me!

Travel agents cannot help you get a race bib, but I can help you plan the rest of your amazing race weekend including assisting with booking your hotel and tickets. My services are free and I will ensure you have all of the best tips to enjoy (and survive) race weekend. I know a thing or two to help you thrive during race weekend.

Rules you should know about:

Age Restrictions

Marathon, Goofy Challenge, or Dopey Challenge: Must be 18 or older
Half Marathon: Must be 14 years or older
10K: Must be 10 years or older
5K: Must be 5 years or older and able to complete the 5K on their own

Non-refundable/Non-transferable

The race bib is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Minimum Pace

You need to maintain a 16-minute mile pace to ensure you can finish the race. Make sure you are accounting for time you will be spending waiting for character photos.
You need to stay in front of the “Balloon Ladies”. They hold a 16 min pace and are the last to start. You need to stay in front of these ladies to ensure you can finish. If you fall behind them, you may be asked to get on the shuttle to the finish.
The 5k does not have a minimum pace.

Must Attend Expo

You must go to the expo in person to get your bib. You cannot have another person pick up the bib for you so plan on coming in at least the day before your race.

Proof of Time

Disney requires proof of time if you think you will finish under a certain time. This is to put you in the correct starting corral so that people are generally moving at the same pace (aka you are not always weaving around people).
Proof of time must be from an officially timed 10k, 12k, 15k, 10 miler, or half marathon within the last 2 years
Marathon: Proof of time required if you think you will finish in under 5 hours and 30 minutes
Half Marathon: Proof of time required if you think you will finish in under 2 hours and 30 minutes

Spectators Allowed

Disney allows spectators in certain areas to cheer so your friends or family can come cheer you on if they don’t want to join the race. I have cheered on several races and it is almost as fun as running and you still get to enjoy the early morning ☺

Hopefully you found this high level guide on runDisney race weekends and rules helpful. I adore these weekends and can’t wait for my next one (Disneyland 2024). Stay tuned for additional blogs on what to expect on race weekend, details on each weekend, and some of our favorite stories and tips.

If you have any questions about the races or would like to book a race weekend, fill out this form to book your trip with Sam.

runDisney: Guide to Disney World Races