runDisney Weekends - What Can I Expect?

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to participate in a runDisney event? I can tell you firsthand that a runDisney race weekend is a unique experience. We had been to Disney World twice before during Marathon Weekend by chance, but this time we were ready to run in an event.

Today we have for you all of the details you need to know to help to decide if runDisney is right for you, which it is, and to pick which weekend and event is right for you!


runDisney Race Weekends
Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side – Walt Disney World – April 20-23, 2017
Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend – Disneyland – May 11-14
Virtual Running Shorts – Virtual – June 1 – August 31, 2017
Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – Disneyland – August 31 – September 3, 2017
Disneyland Paris Half Marathon Weekend – Disneyland Paris – September 21-24, 2017
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – Walt Disney World - November 2-5, 2017
Super Heroes Half Marathon – Disneyland November 9-12, 2017
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – Walt Disney World – January 3-7, 2018
Star Wars Half Marathon – The Light Side – Disneyland – January 11-14, 2018
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 22-25, 2018

When Does Registration Open
Race registration opens about 9-12 months before a race weekend, depending on the weekend.

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Events
Kid’s Races (100m Dash, 200m Dash, 1 Mile Run and Diaper Dash)
5K
10K
Half Marathon
Marathon
Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge – Complete both the Half and fill marathons!
Dopey Challenge – Complete all four main races during the weekend, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Health and Fitness Expo
The Health and Fitness Expo is exactly what it sounds like – booth and booths of running gear, pros to tell you all about fitness and health, and race weekend memorabilia. The expo it HUGE! This is also where runners pick up the race packets. The Health and Fitness Expo is located at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Race Weekend Transportation
Race weekend transportation is the best way to get around – to and from the expo and races. Race weekend transportation bus stops are clearly marked, normally in front of the main lobby of Walt Disney World Resort. Each race weekend is different and host resorts vary by race weekend as well. During the Walt Disney World Marathon all resorts are host resorts and offer transportation. Expo transportation runs throughout the day to and from the expo. Race transportation times vary by race.

The Starting Line
Runners are required to be to the race start point by a certain time. Once you arrive you will wait in your corral, which is noted on your race bib, until it is time for your group to start. Corrals are determined by proof of time submitted before the race (there is a deadline for these submissions.) Proof of time is not required for any of the races, but it is encouraged, especially for Half and Full Marathons. If you do not submit a time you will be among the last to start the race.

The Race Course
Many runners wear costumes, be aware that there are costume guidelines. Throughout the courses there are water stops, entertainment and character meet and greets!

The Finish Line
Once you cross the finish line, and get out of the way a bit, you will be rewarded with you medal! Opportunities to refuel and rehydrate as also available and runners are encouraged to partake of drinks (water and PowerAde) and snack boxes.
Runners can meet up with their families following the race as well to celebrate!

runDisney Tips
* Be ready to register as soon as the window opens – races, especially the 5K and 10K fill up FAST!
* runDisney events are runner and walker friendly! You just need to maintain a 16-minute pace.
* Arrive 1-2 days before your first race, but don’t do too much walking, especially in the parks before race day, you want your legs to be fresh for your race.
* Purchase race memorabilia to remember your experience!
* Talk to other runners!
* Hydrate before, during and after your race.
* If you’re doing one of the longer races eat something, at least once during your run to keep your energy up.
* Stretch! Before and after your run.
* Take photos! How often do you get to run through the Disney Parks?
* Wear your medal proudly!
* Enjoy your race and the weekend!
* Traffic, even for those not running or attending a race, can and will be affected – allow for extra transportation time on race days.
* Know that races can be canceled, even at the last minute.
* There are a LOT of runners/walkers, unless you are in one of the first few corrals running these races for a personal best time may not be in your best interest.

Our Experience
We enjoyed our time during the 2017 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. We met and talked to a lot of great other runners and walkers, got some fun memorabilia and got our sweat on. Howard really enjoyed his race experience before, during and after the 10K. My (Miriya’s) race, the Half Marathon, however, was canceled the night before. I still went out and ran 13.1 miles outside of the All-Star Resorts, though, to earn my medal. Overall we had a really great time and can’t wait to participate in another runDisney weekend!

Do you love to run? Ready to run your next race? Or even your first real race? There’s no better place to do it than at a runDisney weekend! Don’t just come in for the race, though, make a vacation out of it! I’d be happy to help you plan and book your next magical vacation! Contact me at miriyawhitaker@worldofmagictravel.com to get started and for more Disney and travel information feel free to follow me on Facebook.




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