runDisney Events

I have never been much of a runner. My philosophy has always been "I won't run unless someone's chasing me." However, my husband started running about a year and a half ago. Knowing that he needed an external motivator in order to keep at it, he signed up for a local 5K, which he successfully completed. I think it's safe to say that he was bitten by the "race bug" after his first 5K as he regularly signs up for races now. He would love it if I would run with him, yet he knows me well enough to know that he's probably not going to get me to do it unless he dangles the word "Disney" in front of my nose! Enter: runDisney!

runDisney is the official running organization affiliated with Disney that sponsors several running events throughout the year. From virtual events to events that take you right through the heart of Disney parks, there is something for everyone whether you're a beginner or a seasoned runner. In this blog post, I'm going to tell you about some of runDisney's most popular running events and WHY they're so great!

Epcot's Food and Wine Festival is legendary in Disney circles, and the Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend gives you and your guests exclusive after-hours access to it. This event takes place in November and, despite the name, involves more than just a half marathon. There are other races such as the Disney Fall Feast 5K, the Disney Wine and Dine 10K, and runDisney Kids Races to choose from. If you can't choose, then you can combine the 10K and the Half Marathon in the Two Course Challenge and earn the runDisney Challenge medal along with finisher medals for both races! After your race, enjoy the Post-Race party at Epcot's Wine and Dine Festival along with your guests. Each race course takes you through the Disney World resort and includes entertainment and character experiences. If you're looking for some Fall fun, the Wine and Dine Half Marathon is for you!

This event takes place in January and has as its hosts some of your favorite Disney characters! Like the Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend also offers more than just a marathon: runners can also choose to participate in the Walt Disney World 5K, the Walt Disney World 10K, the Walt Disney World Half Marathon, or the runDisney Kids Races. This event also has two options for those who really want a challenge. Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge gives runners the option to run both the Half Marathon and the Full Marathon on back-to-back days and earn the Goofy Medal in addition to finisher medals for both races. The Dopey Challenge lets runners compete in the 5K, the 10K, the Half Marathon, and the Full Marathon on four consecutive days to earn both the Goofy Medal and the Dopey Medal in addition to finisher medals for all four races. Each race of the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend includes character interactions and entertainment throughout the course, which takes you through the Disney World resort. If you want to relax after your race, but you don't want to get too far off your running game, consider the Castaway Cay 5K. This event combines the Walt Disney World 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or Full Marathon with a 4-Night Bahamian cruise on the Disney Dream and participation in the Castaway Cay 5K on Disney's private island!

This event takes place in February and allows runners to celebrate Disney princesses by competing for princess-themed medals! Although this race might seem like it's only for princesses, princes are welcome to run it as well! Runners typically don their prince or princess themed running apparel as they race through the parks and enjoy character meets and entertainment throughout. There are many races to choose from including the Disney Princess Half Marathon, the Disney Princess Enchanted 10K, the Disney Princess 5K, as well as Kids Races. Like with the other events we've seen, there is an option available for those who really want to set their running bar high. The Disney Fairy Tale Challenge combines the 10K and the Half Marathon in two consecutive days. Those who complete the challenge earn the Fairy Tale Challenge medal along with finisher medals for both the 10K and the Half Marathon. The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is one of runDisney's most popular events and registrations for every race fill up quickly! So, make sure you're online and ready to register as soon as the race registration opens if you don't want to miss out on this great event! 

This race takes place in April and is a tribute to iconic Star Wars rivalries. You'll be challenged to choose which side you'll run for as you compete for Star Wars themed medals and interact with Star Wars characters throughout the course. You can choose from the Star Wars Rival Run Half Marathon, the Star Wars Rival Run 10K, the Star Wars Rival Run 5K, and Kids Races. The Rival Run Challenge combines both the 10K and the Half Marathon and earns participants who complete both races within the pacing requirements a Rival Run Challenge medal along with finisher medals for the 10K and the Half Marathon. If you're a Star Wars fan, why not let the force flow through you at this fun galactic event?

If you aren't able to make it down to Walt Disney World for one of the other runDisney events, or if you would just prefer to run on your own time and turf, why not participate in one of runDisney's virtual events? Virtual events give participants the chance to complete a 5K during a specific time frame to earn special medals. You can even download a racer's bib and certificate of completion! If you're just starting out as a runner, these virtual events are a fun way to give you that little bit of external motivation you might need to make running a way of life.

If you're considering any of these great runDisney events, visit the runDisney website for more information and to register. And, if you'd like to combine your race with a Walt Disney World vacation or a Disney Cruise, feel free to contact me and take advantage of my FREE travel agent services! I offer complimentary vacation planning services such as hotel and ticket booking, cruise booking, FastPass+ planning, transportation access, and dining reservations to everyone who books their vacation with me at the same price they would pay to book on their own with Disney and do all the hard work of planning themselves! Plus, I always like to send my clients a gift bag that they can take with them to help make their trip a little extra special! Contact me at ginger@marvelousmousetravels.com or Facebook.com/GingerMMT to see how I can help you. If you'd like to follow me on Social Media, I can be found on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram/IGTV.