One of the most iconic running series in the world, runDisney events range in length and location, with most of them sending runners through the Disney parks at the crack of dawn, before all the other guests have access to them.
There are a number of runDisney events, the biggest of which, Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, happens in January each year, and consists of five different major races, along with some children races. The Walt Disney World 5K, the first event of the challenge, starts and finishes in the Epcot®parking lot, as does the 10K on the following day. The half marathon, which typically takes place on the Saturday of race weekend, starts and finishes in Epcot®, but also takes participants through Magic Kingdom® Park. The Walt Disney World Marathon, which normally takes place on the Sunday, takes participants through all four parks. Each of the races contain exclusive character meet and greets along the route for those who want a once-in-a-lifetime photo, and give out shirts to those who participate in the races and medals to those who complete it.
There are additional medals, however, for those who complete multiple races in the four-day stretch. The first of these extra events, Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, is awarded to those who complete both the half marathon and full marathon during the weekend. The Dopey Challenge is reserved for those who complete all four races in a weekend.
Still, there’s an additional two medals to be earned. Guests can hop on a cruise ship and be transported to Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, right after race weekend to complete an additional 5K. Two medals are given out there, and participants can end the race weekend with a cruise.
All of the races, whether part of the Walt Disney World Race Weekend or otherwise, do have a signup fee, which covers a number of costs, including the rewards for every guest. The cost varies depending on which races and challenges are being undertaken, but range from just under $100 to just under $600. Participants can simply register on runDisney’s website.