A Beginner’s Guide to runDisney
With fun theming, courses that go through the theme parks, and rare characters along the way, runDisney races are a lot of fun for all runners and even those who don’t consider themselves runners. If you’re considering a runDisney event for the first time, here’s what you need to know.
Calendar of Events
For the 2024-2025 season, you can choose from events at Disney World, Disneyland, or virtual events you can join from home! Distances vary by event from a 5k through a marathon, but if you really want to go the distance, you can choose a challenge such as the Dopey Challenge during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. It includes the 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon for a total of 48.6 miles in 4 days!
runDisney Virtual Series
June 1-August 31, 2024
- 5k
- Pineapple Whip Soft Serve Challenge (series of three 5ks)
Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend
September 5-8, 2024
- Disneyland Yoga
- Disneyland Halloween 5k
- Disneyland Halloween 10k
- Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon
- runDisney Kids Races
- Chills & Thrills Challenge (Disneyland Halloween 10k and Half Marathon)
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
October 31-November 3, 2024
- Disney Wine & Dine 5k
- Disney Wine & Dine 10k
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon
- Disney Two Course Challenge (Disney Wine & Dine 10k and Half Marathon)
runDisney Virtual 12ks of Christmas
December 1-December 31, 2024
- 5k
- TBD Challenge (series of three 5ks)
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
January 8-12, 2025
- Walt Disney World 5k
- Walt Disney World 10k
- Walt Disney World Half Marathon
- Walt Disney World Marathon
- Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge (Walt Disney World Half Marathon and Marathon)
- Dopey Challenge (Walt Disney World 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, and Marathon)
Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend
January 30-February 2, 2025
- Disneyland Yoga
- Disneyland 5k
- Disneyland 10k
- Disneyland Half Marathon
- Dumbo Double Dare
- runDisney Kids Races (Disneyland 10k and Half Marathon)
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
February 20-24, 2025
- Disney Princess 5k
- Disney Princess 10k
- Disney Princess Half Marathon
- Disney Fairytale Challenge (Disney Princess 10k and Half Marathon)
runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend
April 3-6, 2025
- Springtime Surprise Yoga
- Springtime Surprise 5k
- Springtime Surprise 10k
- Springtime Surprise 10-Miler
- Springtime Surprise Challenge (Springtime Surprise 5k, 10k, and 10M)
Registration Tips
Registering can be more nerve-wracking than the race itself! runDisney races tend to sell out, so you have to be quick. Disney uses a virtual queue. Those who visit the website before registration goes live are randomized in the queue once registration begins. Then anyone who enters the site after registration begins is placed in order of arrival within the queue.
- Make sure you are ready to go a few minutes before registration starts. Registration typically begins at 10am ET, and registration dates are listed on the runDisney website.
- Many people prefer to use multiple browsers or devices to try to get a spot in the virtual queue.
- If registering for a group of people in one transaction, know that a race can sell out before you can register the last person in your group. If you plan to only participate if your whole group gets in, it’s fine if one person handles your registration. However, if you are willing to participate even if not everyone in your group gets in, you may want everyone in your group to register themselves.
- If you don’t get into a race, you can still join by running with a charity.
Where to Stay
Staying on property always has its perks, such as early theme park entry and complimentary transportation to the theme parks. However, with runDisney races, it is especially helpful to be at a Disney resort since you get free transportation to and from the races and expo. Between road closures and early start times for the races, it’s much easier to use the transportation provided versus driving yourself.
When to Book
runDisney events are a busy time for Disney parks, so be sure to book your resort stay as soon as you can. Besides ensuring you have enough time to get to your race on time, be sure to arrive early enough to visit the expo.
This is where you will pick up your bib and t-shirt that comes with your registration fee. It’s also where you can find race merchandise and other vendors. You’ll want to visit the expo at least a day before your race. The expo is at ESPN Wide World of Sports for Disney World and the Disneyland Hotel for Disneyland.
Training
If you are new to running, runDisney has you covered! runDisney provides training guides created by former Olympian Jeff Galloway. These guides will get you prepared for any distance, whether it’s a 5k or even the 48.6 miles of the Dopey Challenge.
Costumes
To go along with the fun race themes, a lot of runners like to create costumes. Just be sure to follow runDisney’s guidelines for costumes. For example masks are not permitted for runners 14 and older, nor can they run with anything sharp or pointed that can accidentally hit another runner. Also, costumes can’t touch the ground, and capes cannot go below the waist.
Book a DVC resort for your runDisney race! Check availability or browse the confirmed reservations.
