Ready to runDisney? Pick the Right Race Weekend for You
I’m a runDisney vet. I’ve crossed the finish line at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and in my own backyard thanks to runDisney’s virtual race series. My favorite race was Tinkerbell Half Marathon at Disneyland but sadly Anaheim no longer hosts any runDisney events. Boo! I still hope some pixie (& pan!) dust may settle upon the powers that be and runDisney will return to California. Until then, though,
We’ve got you covered on all the events at Walt Disney World - this inside info and race weekend rundown will help you choose.
Early November - Wine n’ Dine Weekend
Event Schedule
Expo Thursday, Friday, Saturday
5k Friday
10k Saturday
Half Sunday
Kids Races Saturday
Two Course Challenge (10k & Half)
This event remains super popular for runDisney aficionados, even after runDisney transitioned this to a morning race in 2016. Probably because they also added the 10k race and the challenge. The original Epcot Festival, Food & Wine is a big draw. So many tasty food and drink offerings throughout World Showcase bring people in, especially locals. So on Saturday and Sunday of race weekend be prepared for more crowds at Epcot. But stick around for the after-party on Sunday night - runners only so you’ll enjoy the eats with fewer peeps!
The half marathon course mimics the Star Wars race taking you through the same 3 parks, and again if you stay at the Polynesian walking to the corrals makes for a super easy and convenient race morning.
Depending on the theme each year runners may find some unique characters on the course and on the merchandise. So that always keeps this race weekend fresh and new.
A big PRO to Wine ’n Dine is it usually falls on the same weekend we push the clocks back. The value of an extra hour of sleep 💤 😴 when you’re waking up at 3 am cannot be overstated!
Wine ’n Dine Key Factors
Varied Theme each year
After Party in Epcot on Sunday
Fall Back = More Sleep!
Christmas Decor may be up in Magic Kingdom
Food & Wine Festival
Weather can be more stormy than other race weekends
Early January - Marathon Weekend
Event Schedule
Expo Wednesday thru Saturday
5k Thursday
10k Friday
Half Saturday
Full Sunday
Kids Races Saturday
Goofy Challenge (Half & Full)
Dopey Challenge (5k, 10k, Half & Full)
Castaway Cay Challenge (any race & Castaway Cay 5k)
This is the premier runDisney event! More runners participate in this race than any other, and you’ll find those peeps who are more serious about the sport than you will at other weekends. That’s not to say there aren’t LOADS of Disney-addicts like me there, but here’s the time when you’re bound to see more runners in regular athletic gear instead of tutus and tiaras.
The Dopey Challenge is a big reason why it’s so popular. When I first heard about Dopey gobsmacked is not an overstatement. “Are these people insane?” crossed my mind. Alas, not insane but mad love for Disney? Absolutely! Since this weekend includes a full marathon, the only race that winds through all 4 parks, the weekend finds major athletes and Disney-adorned divas boarding the bus together headed to the same race. It’s the ultimate human collab of any race I’ve seen. With the marathon lasting later into the morning, the parks are open for many runners and they take advantage. Everest anyone? Or a drink in World Showcase? Sure!
If you’re a big Christmas fan this runDisney weekend may be for you. Oftentimes the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are both still decked out with holiday decor.
The frozen Cinderella’s Castle makes for stunning race pics! Speaking of the castle Marathon and Princess are the only weekends that run through Magic Kingdom so if you’re looking for that pic that’s important!
Weather in Orlando runs the gamut all year long, but in January it can be especially tricky. You may find hats & gloves necessary one morning with a thunderstorm humidity-filled warm front rolling in the next. You can’t really plan so just know going in that just because you’re running in January doesn’t mean you’ll get that ultimate 50s at the start line temps.
Marathon Weekend Key Factors
Biggest runDisney weekend
More male runners typically than other runDisney weekends
Faster paced runners feel right at home
Not feeling a costume? No problem
Weather wild card
Most bling to bring home
Enjoy the parks during the marathon
Castle is on the course
Fans of the Fab 5 will LOVE!
Late February - Princess Weekend
Event Schedule
Expo Thursday, Friday, Saturday
5k Friday
10k Saturday
Half Sunday
Kids Races Saturday
Fairy Tale Challenge (10k & Half)
Princess is my favorite! Women-themed. Women-driven. Women-focused. I love it! It’s so empowering and inspiring, try to run every year. It doesn’t always happen but since starting my runDisney journey I’ve missed only two so my track record’s pretty good!
You’ll find sequins & glitter, tulle & yeah even some taffeta in the corrals at Princess. It’s awesome! If you’re into costumes and sparkle this is your weekend. Sparkle Athletic, Raw Threads and BeeCause Charms have the best stuff for fun costume ideas. Love them all!
There are plenty of first-time-runners at Princess, and if you’re wondering about walking some of the distance, you’ll feel right at home this weekend, too. The half marathon takes you through Magic Kingdom so get that great castle pic!
And if you’re a dude don’t let the Princess theme deter you. Plenty of guys channel their inner warrior spirit at these races.
One of the best things about this weekend is it coincides with Epcot’s Festival of the Arts. As a musical theatre junkie I LOVE this Festival! Disney on Broadway stars perform nightly at the American Pavilion outdoor theatre, and artists from all over bring their Disney-themed wares to World Showcase.
Plus the outdoor kitchens whip up tasty dishes that are almost too beautiful to eat.
Princess Weekend Key Factors
Girl Power Galore
Sparkle & Shine Everywhere
Walkers Welcome
Weather Nearly Perfect
Festival Fun
Castle on the Course
Princesses Reign
NEW for 2022 - Springtime Surprise
Event Schedule*
Expo Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Sunrise Yoga at the Castle Thursday Morning
5k Thursday Night
10k Saturday
10-miler Sunday
*Based on released dates only. Stay tuned here for all event details as they are announced!
RunDisney says this event will be for all runners, experienced runDisney participants and first-timers alike. Since it will be a surprise every year, the theme and (maybe!) the distance events will change, too.
No matter what the Surprise, we do know the Flower & Garden Festival will be in full bloom over race weekend. If you love Epcot and you love springtime this race weekend is great for you. Epcot’s landscaping is always gorgeous but the topiaries, floral displays and butterfly garden are breathtaking. And it wouldn’t be a festival without the outdoor kitchens. Yum!
Every race weekend has its benefits. There is something special and different awaiting you. So exciting! No matter which race weekend you choose, these tips apply:
Avoid going to the Expo first thing and you’ll miss the most crowded times.
Hit the parks after the race - all the walking will help with muscle soreness.
Plan your stay so you have some vacation time after the race instead of the days leading up to it.
RunDisney is everything you’re dreaming of and more. You’re in for some lasting memories and incredible fun.
Lace Up!
Worried about securing that race bib? Check out our advice below!
Check out the link below for all runDisney registration dates, event info and more!
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Becky is one of the co-owners of AAVacay and Pixie & Pan. She loves running, performing, traveling & of course all things Disney!
Prior to Covid-19 and all the changes that followed, the spring event for runDisney was Star Wars Rival Run Weekend. We don’t know whether it will be back, but, here’s our take on that race weekend.
April - Star Wars Weekend
Event Schedule
Expo Thursday, Friday, Saturday
5k Friday
10k Saturday
Half Sunday
Kids Races Saturday
Rival Run Challenge (10k & Half)
Kessel Run Challenge (Virtual Half & Half)
This is the most unique of all runDisney events. There is no diehard fan like a Star Wars fan! And they come out droves, not only to run but also as entertainment for runners along the course. It’s great! The vibe at the start line is simultaneously upbeat and chill.
The half marathon takes runners through Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot, so no castle pic. But the course is strong as runners breeze through battles between the light and dark sides of the force. And with the start line in Magic Kingdom parking lot try staying at the Polynesian and walk to your corral. It’s awesome!
April is usually warm so this can mean less than ideal running conditions, and the timing being near spring break holidays can translate to more crowds in the parks.
Also unique to this weekend is a Virtual Half Challenge. Run a half marathon on your own and then complete the half over the weekend and earn an additional medal. Bling bling!
Star Wars Weekend Key Factors
More Relaxed Vibe
Unique Mix of Runners and Fans
Creative Costumes on the Course
Warmer Weather
Crowds Levels May be Higher
Virtual Race Challenge
