In the beginning…there was one race, a marathon, at Disney World. The year was 1994 when 5,588 runners lined up at the starting line to run a full marathon throughout the 3 Disney parks (there were only 3 parks at the time).
This year in 2023, it’s 29th year, that one marathon has turned into 26 individual races with over 160,000 participants!
runDisney races have become ultra-popular events that occur four times a year in the winter, spring and fall. Combining live entertainment, Disney Characters, a personalized bib and wonderful commemorative Disney medals, each race weekend brings runners of every skill level from young children to more seasoned marathoners.
Runners get to experience a competitive race or just a fun run in the diverse race distances that Disney provides.
Why run a race at Disney World?
If you love to run and you love Disney World, it makes total sense to combine them into a great experience and to have so much fun. After all, you get to run through the parks surrounded by your favorite characters rooting you on.
There is a fantastic medal to celebrate your accomplishment and the Disney Magic is all around you from the starting line to the finish line. This race can also be a real motivational factor for someone who needs a kick start for getting in shape.
Knowing you are going to have a goal of running in the Disney Theme Parks can spur you on to giving your all in preparation to race day. The races are also accommodating to all the family members who will come to cheer you on!
What and when are the runDisney races?
- The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is in January.
- The Princess Half Marathon Weekend is in February.
- The Springtime Surprise Weekend is in April.
- The Wine and Dine Half Marathon weekend is in November.
What are the distances of the runDisney races?
- A full marathon is 26.2 miles
- A half marathon is 13.1 miles
- A 10K is 6.2 miles
- A 5K is 3.1 miles
How much do the runDinsey races cost?
Depending on the race, it will vary. The 5Ks are a little over $100 and the half and full marathons can be over $200. You can find out exactly how much be going to runDisney.com.
Does my race registration include entry into a park?
Theme park tickets must be purchased separately from your race registration. If you finish the race and would like to go into a particular park, you must purchase the ticket.
Is there a pacing requirement and is the race walker-friendly?
Each race does have a pacing requirement which can be found on the race page.
Walking is allowed but participants need to keep up with the pacing requirements.
Is there Disney Transportation available for runners?
Disney Transportation is only available for guests staying at a Disney Resort. Runners driving in should allow extra time to park and get situated before your start time.
What are virtual races?
A virtual race is a running event you do on your own time in your own location. You can run a route by your house or even do it on a treadmill.
Once you register, you will need to finish the distance in any interval or pace within the completion timeframe designated for your virtual race. When you have completed your race, runDisney will send you a Virtual Race medal in the mail.
What is included in the race registration fee?
You will receive a race bib, medal or medallion at the end of the race as well as a commemorative shirt.
What is the registration process?
All registrations can be made at the runDisney.com website. Once you have secured your race, you cannot change it in anyway.
The registration is non-refundable and you can’t switch to another race weekend or transfer it to another person so make sure you are registering for the race you want.
It is important to note that the races fill up quickly! Some fill up the day the registration opens!
Here are some registration tips in order for you to secure your race:
- Make sure you sign up your rundisney.com account well in advance of when you want to register.
- Know the day your race opens so you are ready on that day.
- Registrations usually open at 10am ET. Once you get into the queue, don’t go anywhere.
- You may register more than yourself.
- You can only use one payment.
- An email confirmation will be sent to you after you are signed up.
2023 & 2024 Races
Disney World Marathon Weekend
Disney World’s featured race is the Marathon weekend! This event has become one of the most popular races in the country. It’s course not only runs through the Magic Kingdom but the Christmas decorations are still up and the Cinderella Castle is in full display, making this race even more magical!
This race includes a 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon. In addition to these races, there are special offerings including:
The Disney Castaway Cay Challenge
A runner enrolled in a 5K or up during the Marathon weekend has the option to complete the Disney Castaway Cay Challenge during the Disney Cruise Line vacation.
In addition to a special finishing medal, runners will be able to participate in exclusive activities and be able to purchase special merchandise and enjoy featured menu items while on their cruise.
Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge
Participants who complete running the half marathon and the full marathon will earn the coveted Goofy medal which is the envy of every runner.
Dopey Challenge
If you are up for the ultimate challenge, you will find it with the Dopey Challenge! You run the 5K on Thursday, the 10K on Friday, the Half Marathon on Saturday and finish with the Full Marathon on Sunday.
Those that are able to complete all of these, pick up the 4 finisher medals, the Goofy Challenge medal as well as the Dopey Challenge Finisher medal! You will have completed a whopping 48.6 miles over the course of 4 days, picking up 6 medals!
The 2023 Disney World Marathon weekend schedule:
- Thursday, January 5 – Walt Disney World 5K
- Friday, January 6 – Walt Disney World 10K
- Saturday, January 7 – Half Marathon
- Sunday, January 8 – Full Marathon
The 2024 Disney World Marathon schedule:
- Thursday, January 4 – Walt Disney World 5K
- Friday, January 5 – Walt Disney World 10K
- Saturday, January 6 – Half Marathon
- Sunday, January 7 – Full Marathon
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
Disney World markets this event to celebrate women’s health and fitness and though this race is made especially for women, it is not exclusive. Men can and do participate in the races, however, they are not eligible for the awards.
In addition to these races, there is a special offering:
The Disney Fairy Tale Challenge
This is combining the Enchanted 10K and Half Marathon courses through the Walt Disney World Resort totaling 19.3 miles.
The 2023 Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend schedule:
- Friday, February 24th – Disney Princess 5K
- Saturday, February 25th – runDisney Kids Races and Disney Princess Enchanted 10K
- Sunday, February 26th – Disney Princess Half Marathon
The 2024 Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend schedule:
- Friday, February 23th – Disney Princess 5K
- Saturday, February 24th – runDisney Kids Races and Disney Princess Enchanted 10K
- Sunday, February 25th – Disney Princess Half Marathon
Registration for the 2024 Disney Princess Half Princess Races are:
- Club runDisney Registration: June 13, 2023
- General Registration: June 20, 2023
- Virtual Event Registration: June 23, 2023
runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend (April 13 – 16)
This event is made mostly for the enjoyment of running. It changes every year and is made more for the smiles than the miles. If you are a beginner (or a veteran), this is the race you will want to get your feet wet on.
And if you do happen to run one of the races in 2023, guess what, it will be completely different in 2024. New races, different themes and new race challenges, hence, the name “Surprise” weekend.
This race includes a 5k, 10k and a 10 mile race. In addition to these races, there is a special offering:
runDisney Springtime Surprise Challenge
This is the 10K and the half Marathon courses through Walt Disney World Resort, totaling 19.3 miles.
The 2023 Springtime Surprise Weekend schedule:
- Friday, April 14th – Disney Pixar Cars 5K
- Saturday, April 15th – Disney Pixar Monsters 10K
- Sunday, April 16th – Twilight Tower of Terror 10-Miler
The 2024 Springtime Surprise Weekend schedule:
- Friday, April 19th – Disney Theme coming soon 5K
- Saturday, April 20th – Disney Theme coming soon 10K
- Sunday, April 21th – Disney Theme coming soon 10-Miler
Registration for the 2024 races are:
- Club runDisney Registration: August 15, 2023
- General Registration: August 22, 2023
- Virtual Event Registration: August 25, 2023
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon
As the Disney World Marathon weekend is one of the most popular marathons in the country, the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon is one of the most popular half marathons in the country.
The main reason folks flock to this event is because it is during the Food and Wine festival at Epcot. There is no better way to work up an appetite than running a runDisney race and then sitting down for an enjoyable meal and drink at one of the World Showcase countries.
In addition to these races, there is a special offering:
Wine & Dine Two Course Challenge
This is the 10K and the half Marathon courses through Walt Disney World Resort, totaling 19.3 miles.
The Wine and Dine weekend schedule:
- Friday, November 3 – Wine & Dine 5K
- Saturday, November 4 – Wine & Dine 10K
- Sunday, November 5 – Wine & Dine Half Marathon
Registration:
- Club runDisney Registration: March 14, 2023
- General Registration: March 21, 2023
- Virtual Event Registration: March 24, 2023
The 2024 race days have yet to be announced.
The most magical place on earth hosts some of the most wonderful running events in the country. Could this be the year you combine your two loves as you join Mickey and friends on a beautiful race morning?
For more information on events happening at Walt Disney World, check out our event calendar.