Ultimate Guide to the runDisney Races
I’ve never wanted to be a runner (or thought about running in runDisney races!). Growing up, I played basketball and softball and took dance lessons. When I got to high school, I focused solely on my tennis game and making the team.
Sure, you can argue that running is associated with each and every one of those sports, and you’d be correct. I had to run as a point guard, I had to chase down grounders at shortstop, and I definitely had to run forward, backward, and laterally during my turn as a high school tennis player. But running was never on my radar.
Fast-forward to post-college where I had spent 4 years in rigorous fitness and dance classes as part of my degree and would spend my downtime in between classes hitting the gym. I was fit, I was focused, and I ran a few miles a week on the treadmill, so I was DEFINITELY a runner. I signed up for a 5k in my hometown just after graduation…and it was arguably one of the most challenging physical experiences of my life. But why? I could run 3 miles easily on the treadmill, so what gave?
The answer: I didn’t know how to run. I didn’t know how to pace. And I didn’t know what ‘hilly section’ meant. Additionally, I didn’t know that regular old sneakers were not the same as running shoes. So, if you’re in the same boat that I was- a runner who wants to work up to their first race- or if you’re a seasoned racer, then runDisney is unquestionably on your radar!
I’m no Shalane Flanagan, and I still have lots to learn about the sport, but I’ve run enough runDisney events to at least know what to expect. So, which of the runDisney races is right for you? Let’s find out!
runDisney Facts
Before we get to choosing your runDisney races, there are some runDisney facts you should be aware of that differ from regular race rules:
- The races start at 5:30am, so expect a 3:00am wake-up call to allot for enough time to get from your Resort to the start line.
- You must pick up your race number and race packet in-person at the Expo (located at ESPN Wide World of Sports) the day before your race.
- Enter the Parks before the guests! The race courses take you through the parks, and while they vary depending on the race, no matter which Park you’re running through, the pre-sunrise views are truly remarkable.
- Race-specific characters will be located along the course for photo ops.
- Aside from Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, the races are the only other events that encourage costumes…so get ready to put those costume-making skills to the test!
Which of the runDisney Races is Right for You?
There are tons of factors that go into choosing which race is right for you: distance, time of year, theme, and of course, how many races you plan to run over the course of your visit. There are three race distances available with each of the runDisney-sponsored race weekends: 5k, 10k, and half marathon (13.1 miles).
Additionally, in January, The Walt Disney World Marathon weekend offers a fourth distance, a full marathon (26.2 miles). Pacing wise, the only rule for all of the races is that you must maintain a 16 minute mile in order to avoid being swept from the race course by the infamous “balloon ladies”. Unless you’re dying to run the marathon, in which case your only option is The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend- there are several themed race weekends for you to choose from, and they are:
- Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend (November)
- Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend (April)
- The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (January)
- The Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February)
The themes for each of these runDisney races are pretty self-explanatory, but your decision-making begins with choosing which theme you want to dress up for! You don’t’ have to dress up, but trust me, I wouldn’t want to be toeing that start line in regular old running clothes!
I’ve run the Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend three times now, and I’m speaking from experience when I say that seeing grown men running through Hollywood Studios in Princess Leia attire is half the fun! Once you pick your theme, picking your distance is next on the list.
5k
- The 5k races are 3.1 miles in length and are exclusive to the Epcot area. Each race begins in the parking lot and runners complete a loop around World Showcase before finishing under Spaceship Earth.
- The 5k distances are not chip timed, which means there are no official times at the finish of the race.
- You’ll receive an awesome medal upon completion!
10k
- Clocking in at 6.2 miles, the 10k race courses vary depending on the theme of the race.
- For example, when I ran the Star Wars 10k, the first three miles were on the highway and the final 3 miles led runners through Hollywood Studios and Epcot, respectively.
- Usually, a 10k race lets you into 2 Parks.
- You’ll receive an awesome medal upon completion!
Half Marathon
- 13.1 miles is a big jump from a 10k, so be sure to factor in Florida heat and humidity (this past April, the humidity during the Star Wars 10K was near 100%) before signing up for the longest distance.
- The Half Marathon courses vary depending on the year, and the race- 2017 Star Wars Half Marathon course was different than the 2018 incarnation.
- The Half Marathon course usually boasts a course with entry to at least 3 Parks.
- You’ll receive an awesome medal upon completion!
There are so many factors that go into choosing which of the runDisney races are right for you and your family. Speaking of family, each race weekend offers kid-specific mini races that let race-hungry kiddo’s get in on the running fun! Plus, if you’re traveling with a spouse or another member of your party who wants to run, consider staggering which races you register for so one of you can stay back with your kids.
So, now that you’re armed with all of the info you need to choose which of the runDisney races is right for you…all that’s left to do is train for a marathon! Let us know which distance you’re planning to register for! Which character will inspire your costume? We’re dying to know, so leave us a comment below!
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Special thanks to Maria Salerno for writing this article: Hiya pal! I am a NYC-based writer thrilled to ba a part of your Disney vacation planning! I’m a WDW Annual Passholder, so you can find me in the parks regularly throughout the year. In addition to being a Disney Parks loving girl, I’m also a Disney toy and merchandise collector, a runDisney enthusiast, and Disney music and movie aficionado. You can follow me on Instagram: NYCtoAP and find me on YouTube: NYCtoAP. Thanks for reading, hope to see ya real soon!