Did you know Walt Disney World is also the happiest place to race on earth? runDisney is Walt Disney World’s very own destination race series that gives families the opportunity to race through the actual theme parks! Just as there is so much to choose from in attraction, restaurant, and shopping options, there’s also a sizable selection of marathons to choose from, each at different times throughout the year. Let’s take a look at the race events Walt Disney World offers.
Walt Disney World’s Marathon
Image: Disney
One of Walt Disney World’s most popular race weekends is Walt Disney World’s marathon weekend and rightfully so. Starting at the beginning of the year, It’s the first-ever marathon weekend for Walt Disney World and the largest weekend celebration ever. The main event is the 26.2-mile run through all four Walt Disney World theme parks and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. A full 26.2 marathon like this isn’t offered at any other race weekend event at Walt Disney World. If that’s not your speed, the weekend also offers the Half Marathon at 13.1-miles.
The half marathon only takes you through Magic Kingdom and Epcot but there’s just as many thrills and surprises along the course filled with Disney magic. Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge is a combination of both the 26.2-mile marathon and the 13.1-mile half marathon spread out over two days and totaling 39.3 miles. Racers who complete this challenge receive the coveted Goofy medal and bragging rights of course.
There’s also a 10K hosted by Minnie Mouse herself and a 5K perfect for families of all ages. runDisney kid races are perfect for children under 13 and take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Races include a diaper dash crawl for 12 months and under all the way up to a one mile run for 13 years old and under. The best part is every child who participates is a winner and receives their very own finisher medallion! For those up for the ultimate race challenge, the Dopey Challenge is a combination of the 5k, 10k, Half Marathon and Full Marathon. Sprawled out over the entire weekend, participants run a total of 48.6 miles and if completed, receive the Dopey Challenge medal to add to their other list of finisher medals.
Disney Princess Half Marathon
Image: Disney
Next up is a race weekend fit for royalty, the Disney Princess half marathon weekend. Princes and Princesses from all over are encouraged to join a weekend of magical runs and Disney entertainment that transport you straight to a fairytale! All while you’re favorite Disney Princesses cheer you along.
Runners start and end their race at Epcot but the journey includes a run through Cinderella’s home park, Magic Kingdom with endless surprises along the course. This race is suitable for all levels of runners. Just as the official Marathon Weekend offers options for those not ready for a half marathon, as does Disney Princess Half Marathon. Disney Princess Enchanted 10K is a 6.2 mile run that starts and finishes at Epcot. This is a timed 10K race that includes a run through Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. The weekend also has a 5K option, starting and ending at Epcot and a runDisney kids race where every Prince and Princess is a winner.
For the determined individuals stands the ultimate Disney Fairy Tale Challenge that includes both the 10K and the Half Marathon. Totaling 19.3 miles, participants who finish both races are awarded the Disney Fairy Tale Challenge medal in addition to other medals received from both races. For those wanting extra royal treatment, VIP Race Retreat packages are available that include early access to the runDisney Expo, a private hospitality tent near the finish line, private restrooms, Disney character meet & greets and so much more.
Star Wars Half Marathon: The Dark Side
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Star Wars fans of all ages are going to love this next marathon. Walt Disney World has an entire race weekend themed to Star Wars that includes plenty of races and exciting events you don’t want to miss. In similarity to Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend, the Star Wars Half Marathon offers a Half Marathon race, a 10k race, a 5k race, and runDisney kid races, all with a specialized, out of this world theme to Star Wars. The Star Wars First Order Challenge combines the Half Marathon and 10K race for a total of 19.3 miles through Walt Disney World parks. Whether runners choose the light side or the dark side, the force will be with them as they run along each of these courses.
Wine & Dine, Disney’s Half Marathon
Image: Disney
Last but certainly not least is the Wine & Dine Half Marathon to wrap up a year of race weekends at Walt Disney World. Wine & Dine offers a Half Marathon, a 10K, a 5K, and of course a runDisney race for the kids. The Disney Two Course Challenge is a 19.3-mile combination of the Half Marathon and 10k race where participants receive the coveted Disney Two Course Challenge medal upon completion of both races. What makes Wine & Dine different from other marathon race weekends is the collaboration with Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival. Participants of the Half Marathon registration are invited to an exclusive post-race after hour party filled with delicious food, tasty wine, and musical performances. Didn’t race? Don’t worry you can still attend the post-race celebration by purchasing tickets at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo before the race.
Registration fees for all races can be found on the runDisney website. Registered participants of all races receive an abundance of prizes included with their registration fees including finisher medals, a T-shirt, virtual goody bag, personalized bibs, on-course and post-race refreshments, and a Runner’s World trail subscription. Event weekend transportation is available for all Walt Disney World resort guests however park admission is not included with the purchase of registration. Certain events like the Wine & Dine after-hour parties include exclusive access to Epcot attractions but not all special events include park access. All races are walker friendly, however, there is a pacing requirement for each race. More information can be found on the runDisney website.
Now that you know all about the races offered from Walt Disney World throughout the year, it’s time to pick one, get out there and start training! Happy racing to everyone!
