Did you know that you can run through a wall? Walt Disney World Disneyland? No, it’s not about racing your way to the rope drop of your favorite attractions, although that can be a very grueling event. Disney races are held regularly in both parks. You can join thousands of Disney fans and runners to run through some of the most famous theme parks around the world.
I’ve run 54 races with runDisney. They range from 5Ks up to “challenges,” where I complete multiple race distances over a weekend. It’s amazing to cross the finish line and see Mickey and Minnie mouse cheering on your efforts.
You might want to consider a new itinerary for your next Walt Disney World trip. OrlandoThere are a few things that you should know before participating in a race in Florida, California or Disneyland. Continue reading to find out more about runDisney. You will learn what races you can take part in, how to sign up, and exactly what the race entry includes.
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Where do runDisney events take place?
RunDisney has four different themes. race weekends at Disney World. The season begins in October with the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, followed by the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in January, the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend in February, and concludes with the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend in April.
I love the runDisney Surprise Weekend where themes are changed every year. In one year, I took part in throwback races that included a 5K race and scavenger-hunt through Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a 10 miler themed around the Tower of Terror, and in another I ran in an a Guardians of the Galaxy—themed 5K.
There are two race weekends at the Disneyland Resort: the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend, which takes place in September, and the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, which takes place in January. Unfortunately, runDisney racing at the Disneyland Resort is going to be suspended after the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend due to construction for the upcoming expansions.
RunDisney hosts virtual races that runners can complete from home. Medals are shipped directly to your door. There are also virtual races, such as the runDisney Love on the run 14 miler in spring or the runDisney Series in summer.
What distances can I choose from for a race weekend?
At Walt Disney World, the Disney Wine & Dine and Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekends offer you the chance to participate in a 5K, 10K, and half marathon. Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend also includes a marathon. The runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend features a 5K race, a 10K race, and a 10-miler.
Disneyland offers a variety of races, including a 5K race, ten-kilometer run, and hundamarathon.
What are runDisney Challenges?
All races are eligible for registration. You can run two, three or four races over the course of a weekend. I’ve done multiple challenges over the years, including Wine & Dine Two Course Challenge, Springtime Surprise Challenge, and the now-defunct Kessel Run challenge (meaning you did both Star Wars–themed races at Disneyland and Disney World during their corresponding weekends). Springtime Surprise Challenge offers a lot of fun. You will run the 5K and 10K and receive medals for all three races, plus a challenge medal.
Register for the Dopey Challenge at the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. This challenge will have you running the 5K and 10K. half marathonSix medals are awarded for completing a full marathon in two consecutive days.
What race spends most time in parks?
The race distance determines how much time you spend in theme parks. The longer races have more miles of highways. The shorter races, such as 5Ks are almost exclusively run in parks.
Disney World has a great 5K. Most of these are run through EPCOT. The World Showcase Torches and Spaceship Earth are lit at 5 in the morning.
When should I register for the event?
The most difficult part of running a runDisney event is registering. Online sign-ups through runDisney are available 9-10 months before a race. For the best chance of getting into the race you want, be online right when registration opens—typically at 10 a.m. EST, but do note that this is subject to change.
What will you receive with your race entry fee?
All race entries include a race bib and a commemorative shirt.
Are you entitled to access the theme parks as part of your race entry fee?
The race takes place in the Disney World or Disneyland parks. However, after the race has finished, you are not allowed entry to the parks.
Should I stay in a Disney owned hotel during runDisney events?
The Disney World resorts are a fantastic choice for a Disney World vacation. on-property hotel. Always book my hotel as soon as I register for the race. It’s almost a guarantee that you will get the best room rates. It’s worth adding an extra day before your trip so you can visit the runDisney event. Here, you will receive your race T-shirt and bib as well shop for runDisney items.
