Disney World Marathon and Run Disney Events: Ultimate Guide

Put down the buttery popcorn and chocolatey dream Mickey Bars; it’s time to get active with Mickey Mouse! Join in on a one-of-a-kind Run Disney event by the Walt Disney World Resort. Discover the magic of running and enhancing your athleticism alongside some of your beloved Disney characters in fantastic Disney theme parks. Every year, the Disney World Resort hosts an abundance of Disney-run races to participate in that are inspired by characters and festivals. The Walt Disney World Marathon is one of the most prominent Run Disney events in the world. It’s worth the hype! So, what are you waiting for? Read on to learn about the Disney World Marathon and other Run Disney events.

What are Run Disney Races?

Disney World Resort offers various Disney-themed run events throughout the year for guests to participate in. Run Disney events can take place anywhere throughout the Walt Disney World Resort including the world showcase at EPCOT, storied lands in Disney’s Magic Kingdom, and more.

The distance for races will vary depending on each event. For example, folks can choose from 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon races. Joining a Run Disney event is the perfect opportunity to enjoy special moments with friends and family while experiencing the magic of the Walt Disney World Resort. At the end of each race, runners will receive commemorative medals depending on how many miles they ran or the time it took to complete the race. So, even if you’re not a master Olympian, your efforts will be rewarded and acknowledged.

Disney Run Events are a fun way to get active, and they are designed to help improve aestheticism, create fun-filling memories, and encourage special moments. So, whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a first-time runner, a run Disney race is the perfect opportunity to experience the magic of Disney!

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

The Walt Disney World Marathon is an annual run Disney event held every January for one weekend. It is considered one of the largest marathons in the United States! This marathon weekend includes races and events for all runners to participate in. Finishers will receive commemorative medals.

Runners can choose from the Walt Disney World half marathon, the Walt Disney World 10k, and the Walt Disney World 5k and participate in other challenges during each race.

This iconic and family-friendly race allows runners to dress in creative and fun costumes. Dressing up adds to the excitement of the event! During the race, runners can relish meeting beloved Disney characters, listening to live music, and receiving motivational hype from cast members. So, if you’re looking to get active and immerse yourself on a different level in the magic of Disney, consider registering for the January WDW marathon weekend!

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

Discover your inner hero by signing up for the Disney Princess Half Marathon in February! This fairy tale challenge is for all princesses and queens ready to embrace their inner hero outside the happily ever after scheme. Gear up and get ready to break a sweat through a series of exciting weekend events like the Disney Princess 5k and 10k, Disney Princess Half marathon, Disney Fairytale Challenge, Disney Princess Yoga, as well as virtual races.

Switch your tiaras and crowns to visors and running hats to embark on this one-of-a-kind fairytale race. Run alongside some of your beloved Disney characters while embracing your inner creative side with a Disney princess-inspired costume like Disney’s Little Mermaid, Ariel. So, get up, get out, get active, and cross the finish line to embrace your inner hero.

Run Disney Springtime Surprise Weekend

Start your spring break with a magical, active, and fun-filled adventure. With temperatures warming up, participating in an outside event is the perfect way to welcome the upcoming summer temperatures. Run Disney Springtime Surprise Weekend is a great way to start your active lifestyle and join in on the Disney magic fun!

Begin your magical journey with a Peter Pan and Tinker- Bell inspired Neverland 5k and then ascend to new heights with the Adventure Is Out There 10k and meet characters from Pixar’s Up. There are plenty more fun adventures where that came from! Run the Hakuna Matata 10-mile and the Stitch’s ‘Ohana Challenge. Once you cross the finish line, you’re in for a wet treat!

Celebrate your accomplishments with a splash in the run Disney Springtime Splash at Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, a great way to soak up the sun after a successful run Disney weekend!

Registration

Those interested in participating in a race like the Walt Disney World marathon must register online at the Walt Disney World Website. You can select the race or event you’re interested in and follow instructions to type, payment options, and the number of persons in your party.

Who Can Participate in a Run Disney Race?

• All participants 5 years of age or older can participate in a 5K distance race and complete the race on their own. 
• All participants 10 years of age or older can participate in a 10K distance race.
• Participants in a half marathon must be 14 years of age or older.
• Participants in a marathon must be 18 years of age or older.
• Participants for the Goofy’s Race and Dopey Challenge must be 18 years of age or older.
• Age requirements for Virtual races are the same as in-person events.

How Can You Prepare for a Run Disney Race?

Training for Run Disney events is crucial for enhanced runner performance. Set yourself up for success and achieve your goals through effective training programs.

Training Programs

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner, there is a training program for everyone! Beginning runners can test their limits through numerous week training programs. Choose from 5k programs to marathon races ranging from 13-week to 29-week-long training programs. Enhance your performance by participating in any challenge to help better prepare yourself for the real deal.

For experienced runners, there are plenty of challenging training programs to tackle. Starting with the half marathon 19-week training program to full marathons ranging from 19-to-29-week-long programs. For extreme runners looking for a hardcore training program, consider training with the Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, Dopey Challenge, or Challenge-10k and half marathon. The Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge is for those who have run a marathon before and want to improve their time, whereas the Dopey Challenge is for experienced runners or those who have been running regularly.

So, if you’re ready to work up a sweat and train for your best performance, downloading a training program from the WDW website is highly recommended.

Running Tips for Walt Disney World Marathon

Before you tackle a Run Disney race like the Walt Disney World Marathon, you may want to review some handy dandy running tips to help you prepare for a race. Three methods to consider are the Run Walk Method, proper running form, and running in the dark.

Run Walk Run Method for Walt Disney World Marathon

Consider taking short walking breaks during your running sessions to help restore resilience to your muscles, ease fatigue, and speed recovery. This method shifts efforts between walking and running and helps avoid injury.

Proper Running Form for Walt Disney World Marathon

Maintaining a proper running form throughout your race enables you to avoid injury and increase strength and flexibility. There isn’t a specific form that works for everyone, but it’s vital to keep some basic forms in mind. Consider maintaining a quick and short stride, keep your knees in line, and keep your hands and arms relaxed.

Running In The Dark Method for Walt Disney World Marathon

Be cautious with this tip, and always wear reflective gear! Night running is a great way to become familiar with bumps and hills because no single race is completely flat.

Club Run Disney

Enhance your Run Disney experience with a membership to Club Run Disney! This membership allows your miles to lead to even more Disney magic. Club Run Disney is a year-long membership that gives members exclusive benefits like special conveniences, perks, and rewards. It only takes a few seconds to apply and is available in three levels designated to fit your race needs Silver Membership, Gold Membership, and Platinum Membership.

Each level has its designated perks, but all include a member welcome kit, tier 1 pricing year-round, exclusive 2023 Club Run Disney Virtual 10k, Club Run Disney designation on race bibs, and early access to renew your Club Run Disney Membership before sales open to the general public.

Disney Vacation Club Resorts to stay at during Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and Run Disney Events

Are you thinking of enrolling in a Run Disney event and need a place to stay? We have you covered! Consider purchasing a Disney Vacation Club resort for your annual Run Disney events! Our marketplace has numerous DVC resales to satisfy all your Disney and runners’ accommodations needs!

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

At Disney’s Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary, you’ll find exquisite accommodations and magical amenities just outside the Magic Kingdom’s gates. Meanwhile, enjoy the luxury and convenience of this resort while participating in a Run Disney event. Relish direct monorail service to the Magic Kingdom, nightly fireworks displays, views of Cinderella’s Castle, and spacious accommodations.

Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary offers deluxe one-to-three-bedroom villas. Villas feature a kitchen, living room, dining room, and stunning views of the surrounding Disney property. Enjoy amenities like the swimming pool with a thrilling water slide, on-site dining, and a soothing hot tub, an excellent post-race relaxation spot.

Disney’s Boardwalk Villas

Consider this elegant and comforting waterfront resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Villas, as your Run Disney resort. This charming and old-fashioned resort is the perfect combination of tranquility and awaiting excitement. Within walking distance to EPCOT, you’re in luck to experience the magic of a lifetime.

At Disney’s Boardwalk Villas, guests can stay in a one-to-three-bedroom villa. The villas are spacious and perfect for families of all sizes. Villas feature a washer and dryer, a full kitchen, a living room, and a dining room. Additionally, most suites come with a private balcony for maximum privacy and relaxation.

There’s so much to do at Disney’s Boardwalk Villas Resort! To name a few, head in for a splash at the swimming pool for a post-race activity or slide down the thrilling Kister water slide. Head to the spa for an after-race relaxation treatment. Furthermore, guests can enjoy a variety of delectable restaurants at Boardwalk Disney.

Buy Disney Vacation Points with Fidelity Real Estate

Are you in need of ultimate relaxation during your Run Disney event? Consider purchasing DVC points to stay near Run Disney events. As a DVC member, you’ll have access to top Disney resorts and guaranteed Disney vacations each year! So, whether your Run Disney event is at EPCOT or Magic Kingdom, there is a superior DVC resort nearby. Browse our DVC marketplace to view a variety of DVC resorts with points for sale. See something that catches your eye? Conveniently fill out our online offer form on your desired DVC listing. If you need assistance or have questions, give us a call today at 1 (800) 410-8326. We’re always happy to help!

Learn More: DVC Cost Per Point and the Long-Term Value of Disney Vacation Club Ownership!