Your Guide to RunDisney

Jul 6

It is almost the start of the RunDisney race season, so I am here to give you a brief guide (which may actually turn into several guides) on RunDisney.

As a caveat, I am no expert on RunDisney, but I like to think of myself as a RunDisney enthusiast who has run a few virtual and in-person races and can break down the basics for you.

Now, you may be asking yourself, what the heck is RunDisney?

Disney decided to host races in their theme parks a while back, and it has become something of a sensation as thousands of people run the races each year.

This blog will mainly concern the RunDisney races in Walt Disney World as I do not have experience with the Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Paris, or Castaway Cay races.

There are four major race weekends at Walt Disney World, starting in November and ending in April.'

Wine and Dine
Wine and Dine kicks off the RunDisney race season each year in early November and usually consists of a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and two-course challenge (for those who are crazy enough to do both the 10K and a half marathon).

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
Marathon Weekend usually happens around the first or second week of January when the holiday crowds leave Walt Disney World and consists of a 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, Goofy challenge (for those crazy enough to run the half marathon and full marathon), and the Dopey challenge (for those crazy enough to run the 5K, 10K, half and full marathons).

Princess
Princess Half Marathon weekend is usually towards the end of February and consists of a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and glass slipper challenge (for those who want to run the 10K and a half marathon).

Springtime Surprise
This weekend has changed a few times in RunDisney history. It used to be Star Wars weekend, and now it is the Springtime Surprise. This race closes out the RunDisney race season usually in mid-April. Last year and this year, it consisted of a 5K, 10K, 10-miler, and a challenge, but since it is a surprise, it may change in upcoming years.

Why run a RunDisney race?

I am not a runner, nor do I like running (and I am reminded of this anytime I go to train for these races). So why would I run these races? One, you get to run through practically empty Disney theme parks. Not many people can say that. You also get to run offstage in some areas, and not many people can say they have been backstage at Disney. Heck, during the marathon, I have even seen people ride attractions during their races.

You also meet unique characters throughout the course that you may not see elsewhere. Notable characters I have seen at races include Claude Frollo, Abu, Clarabelle the Cow, and Prince Naveen. The characters usually get rarer as the mileage increases. They are generally on theme with the race so that you will see princesses out during Princess Half Marathon Weekend and rare characters from the vault during Marathon Weekend.

Did I convince you to sign up for your first RunDisney race? Let us know if you’d like to learn more about each specific weekend, the RunDisney Expo, or even what race day looks like!

Frances Sherlock

Shoreline Destinations Disney World contributor

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Blog by: Frances Sherlock

Frances is an Orlando local who visits the Disney Parks weekly. She is a Disney College Program alum and a former Disney Store Cast Member. Frances is also an avid Disney pin trader and she and her fiancé enjoy trying new restaurants on Disney properties.

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