Have you ever thought about running the Disney World marathon? Well, lacing up to run through the parks doesn’t need to involve going 26.2 miles (unless you want to!). runDisney hosts four major race weekends throughout the year at Walt Disney World with race distances ranging from a 5K all the way up to the marathon. Here’s what you need to know before you run the “most magical miles” around Disney!

Walt Disney World runDisney Overview

Walt Disney World is home to four of the six in-person runDisney events that occur annually. The running season begins in November with the Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend and runs through the spring with the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, and Springtime Surprise Weekend happening about every 2 months apart. Here’s a breakdown of each weekend, their theming, and what distances are available.

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is a premier running event held annually at Disney World in early January. It Is themed to the classic Disney characters Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Donald, Goofy, and Chip ‘n’ Dale and offers multiple race distances including:

• 5K (3.1 miles)
• 10K (6.2 miles)
• Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
• Full Marathon (26.2 miles)

You can also earn an extra medal by participating in the Goofy Challenge, which involves running both the half marathon and full marathon. Or, for the ultimate challenge, you can attempt the Dopey Challenge. This involves completing all four races over four consecutive days, totaling 48.6 miles.

The event typically takes place during the second weekend of January. And, it’s one of the biggest runDisney events they host attracting thousands of runners from around the world.

You’ll run through Disney theme parks, resorts, and backstage areas. Along the way, there’s plenty of entertainment, photo opportunities, and character meet and greets that are exclusive to the event.

Registration usually opens in April of the previous year. Popular races often sell out quickly, so it’s important to plan ahead if you want to participate.

The weekend also includes a health and fitness expo where you can pick up your race materials, shop for running gear, and attend informative speaker sessions.

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend takes place annually at Walt Disney World in February.

You can choose from multiple race distances during this race weekend including:

• Disney Princess 5K (3.1 miles)
• Disney Princess 10K (6.2 miles)
• Disney Princess Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

And, if you want an extra challenge, you can participate in the Disney Fairy Tale Challenge. This involves completing both the 10K and Half Marathon on consecutive days.

The theme for this race weekend — as you might imagine — is Disney Princesses! runDisney changes the character that’s highlighted for each race distance every year and you’ll have the chance to meet many princesses (and princes!) on the course as you run. During the weekend, you can also enjoy other princess-themed activities and special merchandise.

Registration for this event opens several months in advance and is super popular. So, we recommend booking your spot early, as it often sells out quickly.

A Health and Fitness Expo is also offered during this race weekend so plan to arrive at least a day in advance before your race.

Disney Springtime Surprise Weekend

A newer addition to the runDisney line-up is the Disney Springtime Surprise Weekend. This annual event replaced the runDisney Star Wars Weekend and typically takes place in early April.

You can choose from multiple race distances this weekend including:

• 5K (3.1 miles)
• 10K (6.2 miles)
• 10-Miler (10 miles)

For an extra challenge, the Springtime Surprise Challenge combines all three races over the course of the weekend.

The event theme changes each year, adding a fresh twist to the experience. In 2025, the theme will be “Disney Celebrates Heroes,” allowing you to become the hero of your own story as you conquer the race distances throughout the resort. In years past, the themes have included Pixar characters and more.

Race courses wind through Disney parks and resort areas, offering unique views and photo opportunities. You’ll encounter Disney characters, music, and entertainment along the way to keep your legs going.

Registration for the Springtime Surprise Weekend typically opens several months in advance. Additionally, a Health and Fitness Expo is offered over the race weekend.

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend is another popular runDisney event held annually at Walt Disney World Resort. This race weekend typically takes place in early November, coinciding with EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival.

Race distances include:

• 5K (3.1 miles)
• 10K (6.2 miles)
• Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

And, like other race weekends, you can opt for the Two Course Challenge. This involves completing both the 10K and half marathon on consecutive days.

The theming for this race weekend is all things food! The characters that are highlighted during each event change from year to year, but they always center around the common theme of wining and dining.

After crossing the finish line, you can celebrate your accomplishment at the Post-Race Party. This exclusive event is unique to this race weekend and features special access to EPCOT attractions and the chance to sample food and beverages from the Food & Wine Festival.

Registration for the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend typically opens in the spring. Additionally, you can pick up exclusive event merchandise at the Health and Fitness Expo offering throughout the weekend event.

Registration Process

So, you’re ready to sign up and start training! First, you’ll need to mark your calendar for the registration date and make plans to be online right when it opens. These events can sell out FAST!

Registration dates for the events are available on the runDisney website, usually occurring about 9 months to a year before the scheduled races. Club runDisney members get early access to each registration event and general registration opens a day or so later.

To sign up, you’ll need a Disney account. we recommend that you prepare for the registration process by having the names, ages, and date of birth for any runners you plan to register ready to go. The registration fee varies based on the specific race you choose.

During the process, you’ll select options such as:

• In-person race participation
• Military division (if applicable)
• Athlete with disability accommodations
• Merchandise packages

It’s crucial to be prepared and act quickly, as popular races can fill up fast. Set a reminder and log in early to secure your spot.

Virtual race options are also available for many of the race weekends. For these, you’ll complete the distance on your own anywhere you want within a designated timeframe after registering.

Keep in mind that some races may have additional requirements or qualifications. Check the official runDisney website for the most up-to-date information on registration dates, fees, and race-specific details.

Preparing For Your Race

Once you’re registered, it’s time to start training! Depending on your experience level, we recommend that you plan to start your training about 3-6 months in advance. The goal is to gradually increase your weekly mileage to build endurance and stamina so you’ll need some time! Aim for at least one long run per week, slowly extending the distance over time.

It’s also best to incorporate strength training and cross-training into your routine. Focus on exercises that target your core, legs, and upper body. This will help prevent injuries and improve your overall performance.

Plan your nutrition and hydration strategy carefully. Practice eating and drinking during your long training runs to find what works best for you. Familiarize yourself with the energy gels and drinks that will be available on race day. This typically includes jelly beans, water, and Powerade.

We also recommend studying the course map and elevation profile. The Disney World running routes are relatively flat, but it’s important to know where any slight inclines or declines occur. This knowledge will help you pace yourself effectively.

And, don’t forget to book your accommodations and travel arrangements well in advance! Disney World hotels fill up quickly during race weekends, so secure your lodging and park tickets early. It’s often best to stay at a Disney World Resort hotel, as complimentary race day transportation is offered for both runners and spectators.

It’s also important to pack appropriate gear for race day. This includes:

• Comfortable running shoes (that you’ve worn to run in before the race)
• Moisture-wicking clothing
• Anti-chafing products
• Sunscreen
• Hat and sunglasses

Also, plan to arrive at the starting area early on race morning. This will give you time to warm up, use the restroom, and get into your assigned corral without feeling rushed.

Getting To The Race

On race day, Disney provides complimentary shuttle bus transportation for participants and spectators. These buses run from all Walt Disney World Resort hotels to the starting area at EPCOT

If you’re staying at a Disney resort, check signage in the lobby for pickup locations and times. Be sure to arrive early, as buses can get crowded.

For those driving, parking is available at EPCOT beginning early in the morning. Follow signs for event parking upon arrival. Remember to factor in some extra time for potential traffic and road closures.

You may also want to consider using a rideshare service to get to the starting area. They can drop you off near the race start but be aware of potential surge pricing or lack of availability due to the time that these races start.

Whichever method you choose, plan to arrive at least 90 minutes before your corral’s start time. This allows for security checks, gear check, and finding your starting corral.

Navigating the Course

The Disney World Marathon and other events take you on a journey through the theme parks. What parks you get to run through really depends on what distance you choose, for example, the Disney World marathon starts at EPCOT and runs through Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and back. While the 5K courses typically only include EPCOT.

As you go, aid stations and medical tents are strategically placed every 1-2 miles along the course. They provide water, sports drinks, and medical assistance if needed.

Character stops and photo opportunities are also scattered throughout the course. Just keep in mind that the lines can be long and there is a cutoff time for completing the races. So, plan which ones you want to prioritize, as stopping at all of them can significantly impact your finish time.

Be prepared for crowded areas, especially in the parks and near popular attractions. Narrow paths may cause congestion, so adjust your pace accordingly to avoid collisions with other runners.

Note that most races have a 16-minute per-mile pace requirement. If you fall behind this pace, you risk ending your race early and being picked up by a sweep vehicle. Keep an eye on your timing and the course closure times for each segment.

Making the Most of the Disney Experience

Your runDisney race starts well before you actually toe the starting line! Prior to your race, all runners are required to attend the Health and Wellness Expo to pick up their race bib and shirt. But, don’t make this a quick trip! The runDisney expo is a massive event on its own and it’s a great place to soak up all the pre-race energy. One building typically is home to all of the runDisney race weekend merchandise (like shirts, jackets, pins, Minnie Ears, and more) and another building hosts tons of running vendors where you can stock up on race day nutrition, gear, and more.

When race day finally rolls around, be sure you have your alarm set and utilize Disney’s provided transportation for the most seamless experience. While it’s tempting to wait until the last minute to wake up and board the bus because it’s an early wake-up call, getting to the starting area early allows you to actually enjoy the race day atmosphere, grab a bite to eat, go to the bathroom, and even meet a few characters. Don’t forget to use the bag check and gear storage services to keep your belongings safe during the race.

During the race, don’t get lost in time goals! The runDisney experience is all about…well…Disney! These races aren’t cheap so take your time on the course and stop for the photo ops, enjoy the entertainment, and soak in the fact that you’re actually running in Disney World. We also recommend leaving your traditional running gear behind and opting to dress up in your best Disney-themed clothes (that you can still run in, of course).

Then, don’t rush off after crossing the finish line. Revel in your accomplishment at the post-race celebration. And, be sure to wear your hard-earned medal with pride as you explore the parks!

Spectator Information

Supporting your runner during a runDisney race weekend is an exciting (but not always easy) experience. Here’s what you need to know before you cheer on your runner.

Viewing Spots

Disney World offers multiple locations for spectators to watch and encourage runners. The start line at EPCOT provides an energetic atmosphere as participants begin their journey. Magic Kingdom’s Main Street, U.S.A. is also a popular spot to catch runners in the early miles if the race course goes through the park. Just note that Magic Kingdom is the only park where you can cheer for runners before park hours. All other parks are only open to spectators once the park opens and a park ticket is required.

The finish line, typically located in the EPCOT parking lot, is the ideal place to watch your runner finish. Transportation between viewing spots is available, but planning ahead is crucial. Consider your runner’s pace and the time needed to get between locations.

Cheering Tips

Disney makes it easy to track your runner on the race course through their online tracker. Just be sure you have your runner’s bib number and link your tracker early (ideally before race day).

Bring signs with your runner’s name to help them spot you in the crowd. Or, make a sign to encourage every runner, regardless of whether you know them or not! Cheering loudly and offering words of motivation can provide a much-needed boost during tough stretches of the race.

Just be sure to avoid blocking the course or impeding other participants. Stay behind designated barriers and follow instructions from race officials. If you plan to offer your runner any items, check the race rules to ensure it’s allowed.

And, remember to dress comfortably and wear appropriate footwear, as you may be on your feet for several hours. Bringing snacks and water for yourself is also a good idea.

runDisney Tips & Tricks

Completing a runDisney race is a huge accomplishment, regardless of what distance you are running. I’ve run multiple Disney World races over the years and each one has been an amazing experience. But, there are some key things that can make or break your race weekend. Here are our expert tips and tricks to having the very best Disney World marathon, half marathon, 10-miler, 10K, and 5K experience:

Set a reminder and be online early to register

The registration process is competitive and the races usually sell out within hours. Have a few browsers open and plan to wait in the online queue for at least an hour before it’s your turn to register.

Test your running gear before race day

Be sure you wear running shoes that you’ve done multiple training runs in to avoid blisters and any other issues. And, if you plan to run in a costume, do at least one long run in it to be sure that it won’t chafe and is comfortable.

Avoid the first few character stops on the race course

Unless there’s a character that you desperately want to meet, skip past the first few meet-and-greets on the course. Lines tend to be the longest for these and then thin out as the course goes on.

Plan a meeting spot with family and friends beforehand

The finish area can be crowded, so having a designated location makes reuniting easier.

Don’t overplan your park days

It’s simply impossible to have a great race and a full park day. Between the early wake-up call for the race and the amount of walking required for a full day at Disney World, you won’t enjoy your race and the parks nearly as much if you’re booked minute-to-minute.

I recommend booking a breakfast reservation that gives you plenty of time to return from the race, shower, and get ready for the day. Then, enjoy a hefty meal and head to the parks for a few hours. Stop back at the hotel for an afternoon nap to refresh and finish out your day in the parks.

Comments

Have you ever completed a Disney World marathon or half marathon? What is your favorite part of the runDisney experience? Let us know in the comments!