Disney races are back and the Run Disney community is beside itself with excitement. And also criticism. You can’t have one without the other, am I right? The runners of Disney races have waited through lots of uncertainty to get to this point, and now we are finally here. So what do you need to know?
What Disney Races Are Scheduled?
As of right now, RunDisney has announced the following events:
- 2021 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (November 4-7)
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (January 5-9, 2022)
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February 24-27, 2022)
- runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend (March 31 – April 3, 2022)
Each weekend boasts a variety of in-person and virtual race distances, including a full complement of race challenges (combined distances). There are also add-ons like an after-party for the Wine & Dine Weekend, and a Princess Sunrise Yoga.
At this time, there is no word on children’s races, that have traditionally been offered. Also, there is no mention of any races outside of Florida and the Walt Disney World property.
How Much Will It Cost?
RunDisney events are notoriously expensive, and this year is no exception. The in-person 5Ks start at $95, while the full marathon costs $195. If you want to take on a challenge, like the Goofy (running both the half and full marathon), you will need to part with $390. For the full Dopey, which includes a 5k, 10k, half, and full, you’ll be out $600 on race fees alone.
That’s not including the limited edition souvenirs, race merch, and shopping you can do at the expo. Sure, it’s not a required cost, but it’s hard to say no!
What Does Your Registration Fee Include?
Disney races may be pricey, but they include some pretty significant swag and perks. You’ll get beautiful bibs, gorgeous, detailed medals, and (usually) nice race shirts. You also get professionally-measured courses that will take you through some incredible parts of Disney properties, and even parks. In the past, tons of characters populated the race courses, and runners could line up for photos along the way. Let’s not forget fireworks at the start line, and plenty of on-course entertainment. I admit, you get a pretty big bang for your buck.
When Can I Register?
Good news and bad news. If you signed up with Club RunDisney before the pandemic, registration for Wine & Dine weekend is open! If not, you’re going to have to wait until July 13 at 10AM ET. This is a major shift from previous races, when Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Owners enjoyed early registration opportunities. Also gone this year is the ability to purchase bibs via travel agents and Disney vacation packages.
Pro Tip: be logged into your RunDisney account (on multiple devices if necessary), and ready to go in advance of the posted registration time. Some of these events sell out in minutes, even as you’re inputting your information. If you have multiple people in your family or group waiting to register, set them up on different platforms to individually register, rather than trying to do a group yourself.
So what IS Club RunDisney?
Club RunDisney is an “added value” membership for runners who chose to join (registration is currently closed). There are three tiers, ranging from Silver (about $265 per year) to Platinum (about $800 annually). The lowest level offers a welcome package with jacket, magnet, and membership card, a virtual 10K exclusively for members, and the ability to register for available races at opening prices. The Platinum level goes so far as to include a guaranteed opportunity to purchase one distance for each Disney race weekend, an upgraded Expo and merchandise shop experience, and the option to upgrade your start corral. It’s worth nothing that these membership prices are in addition to registration fees.
Race Pacing
Proof of Time was always pretty important to secure optimal corral placement for Disney races. With tens of thousands of runners and so many photo pops and sights on the course, corral placement is crucial. In the past, proof of time was accepted from two hours and thirty minutes or less in the half marathon, but this year, POT starts at two hours. That’s a big reduction, and I’m curious to see how corrals look going forward. Runners need to maintain a 16-minute-mile (based on the time the last runner crosses the start) in order to complete their events.
Will I Be Taking Part In The Newest Round of Disney Races?
Honestly, no. I think RunDisney offers a fantastic product, that makes for a really cool racecation, but right now, it’s not in the scope of my goals. I am proud to have run the Tower of Terror 10 Miler, the Walt Disney World Marathon, the Castaway Cay 5K, and the Glass Slipper Challenge (10K and Half Marathon at Princess Weekend) in the past, and I had a blast at all of them. However, Disney races are intense from registration to finish line, and I just don’t have the bandwidth this year.
Additionally, there’s really no such thing as popping in for a quick race and going home. Each runner must attend the expo in advance of race morning(s), to pick up his or her own bib(s) and packets. Races start super early (runners need to be in their corrals before dawn, and it’s much easier to take race shuttles than navigate parking). It’s a process, that includes race registration, hotel stays, time off work, and park tickets (I mean… if your’e there, you might as well have some fun). It’s so fun, but it’s a huge expense, and I’d like to venture outside the state to take on some new races in new locations.
That being said, if you have the time, money, and inclination, register for your Disney races and have the best time! Runners have (sort of) patiently waited for in-person races, and RunDisney runners have been holding their breath for this good news. It’s time to get back out there!
Have you run a Disney race? Will you register for one now?
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Wow! I had no idea that Disney races were so expensive, Jenn! I also didn’t know about the time investment.
I can imagine that a participant easily spends USD 1’000.- for a race if you add the race fee, accommodation, food, merch and transportation.
But sometimes we runners need to do crazy stuff, don’t we? It definitely looks fun!
It is seriously such a time investment. One of the reasons we haven’t done more as a family is because I would have to take A out of school. I don’t mind doing it for some things, but not for a race weekend.
And yes, it’s easily $1000USD. Could you manage for less? Yes? But then it’s like, you’re there, on property. Might as well get in some rides and all that jazz. I love Disney, but I can spend that money elsewhere, too.
I didn’t know most of these things about Disney races since I’ve never looked into them too closely. I’d like to do one someday, but not anytime soon. Its crazy how expensive they are but it sounds like you do get alot out of it!
They really are fun, and I think it’s worth doing at least one. The price is high, but the medal quality is amazing (huge, solid, 3D, etc), lots of on-course photo opps and entertainment (bands, gospel choir, etc). You can even ride Everest in Animal Kingdom during the marathon if you time it right. The photographers are great, too. I think you get your money’s worth, if you love Disney.
Thanks for sharing all of this information. I’ve heard about these races from others who have participated but you’ve summed it all so well. I think if I was visiting I would definitely take part just to say I’ve done it and for the fun vibe and colour! But it would probably be a once-off to say I’ve done it and then I’d go back to more “normal” races!
I definitely think if you planned a trip there, it’s worth doing, just because of the distance you’ll have traveled. But I can also see it as a one-and-done experience. They used to have a half marathon in at Disneyland Paris. No word on if that’s going to be happening this year or in the future.
Great to see that Disney races are back! I’ve actually never done one all of these years. When my kids were little we went to Disney a ton but never thought I had time for the race. Maybe one day!
It’s a fun time. Maybe even more fun with adults 🙂
Sorry. I have never run one and never plan to.
Too far to travel. Too expensive. You start too early and I don’t want to stop and take pix with characters. I want to race.
But I don’t fault anyone who wants to and I love to read their race recaps. They do sound like fun.
I ran (hobbled) the Glass Slipper Challenge with a hip flexor injury because of the money. $300+ for the race, plus hotel and park tickets that I wasn’t able to get back. I was very lucky I didn’t really hurt myself but I was going with a friend who I didn’t want to let down, and that was a lot of money to lose.
I’m glad I did it, but I have no need to go back. Star Wars weekend is gone (replaced by Springtime Surprise), and that would have been the one I wanted.
My husband and I ran the Disney marathon many years ago and have no desire to do it again! It was an interesting experience, but once is enough. I’d rather run a marathon with beautiful scenery than one through Disney parks. Plus is was super crowded. Not to be a downer- it’s just not my thing.
Not a downer at all! It was good for me – I was really nervous, and felt safe knowing there was medical care every few miles, and tons of bathrooms, and lots of things to see and do. Some people can just get out there and run 26.2 miles in a straight line, and some need shiny objects to take their attention. I’m Team Shiny Objects for sure. But it’s absolutely NOT the race series for everyone, and that’s more than ok!
Besides my lack of affinity for all things Mouse (besides Eeyore!), I think this sums up why I wouldn’t do it: However, Disney races are intense from registration to finish line, and I just don’t have the bandwidth this year.
I don’t think I’d enjoy soemthing that crazy.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s certainly a wild ride. I like Disney well enough, and for me it’s much easier because it’s a two hour drive and we get some Florida resident discounts. I don’t think I’d be willing to put in any more effort than that.
Our family LOVES all things Disney (and one particular family member loves running), but the Disney racing scene has never been on my radar. My bad. It’s crazy how expensive the entire ordeal is, but I know people are willing to drop coin for it, so….
There’s something out there for everybody. Disney races are also incredibly inclusive so that makes them pretty popular, as well. It’s worth doing if you love Disney, and love running.
I have never done a Disney race! They actually don’t appeal too much to me…if I’m going to go to Disney and spend the money, I want to enjoy the park and food/drink rather than be tired from a race. But I coach several people who love Disney races and I am excited for them that these races are back!