10 Reasons Why You Need To Experience a runDisney Race

If you're a runner, Disney enthusiast, or just looking for a unique fitness challenge, participating in a runDisney race should be at the top of your list! runDisney events offer more than just a race – they provide an unforgettable experience filled with magic, excitement, and a strong sense of community.

I am an avid runDisney runner and can never say enough good things about running a Disney race. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned athlete, runDisney events can be fun for all and can be as serious (or fun) as you want it to be. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should lace up your sneakers and sign up for a runDisney race!

1. Run Through the Disney Parks, Including Backstage Areas

Easily the coolest thing about each runDisney race is being able to run through the parks! As you wind through iconic Disney parks and attractions, you'll see landmarks such as Cinderella's castle, zoom through Galaxy's Edge, and see unforgettable views of Main Street, U.S.A. runDisney runners get exclusive looks at the parks even before they open which is such a cool and indescribable experience! It's truly a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Disney magic while achieving personal running goals, making each step feel like part of an extraordinary adventure.

Not only do you get to race through the parks, but you also get to see some backstage areas as well! These areas are not typically open to the public, and therefore these races are pretty much the only way to see them. During Disney World races, you can see what the back of Test Track, Expedition Everest, Living with the Land, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and several other attractions look like from backstage areas. At Disneyland, you'll run through backstage areas of both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure and past your favorite icons and attractions such as Sleeping Beauty Castle, Cars Land, and Avengers Campus!

2. Unique Themes for Each Race

Each runDisney race comes with their own theme, which dictates what the medal and swag will look like! As a frequent runDisney participant, I always like to see the theme for each race before I commit to registering. However, you'll be sure to find a theme that you are excited about when looking for your next runDisney race.

Themes we have seen in the past include Pixar, “Adventure,” and Halloween-themed races. At this year's Princess Weekend, the theme is princesses and villains, which I am personally super excited to participate in this year!

3. Exclusive Medals and Swag

Another huge reason to consider runDisney races is for the medals and exclusive swag you receive for participating in the race. The medals are always so fun, and usually have a special feature such as lighting up or spinning! When you participate in a runDisney race, be sure to grab your medal next time you head into the parks to take photos commemorating your achievement!

Each runDisney race has an expo where runners will pick up their bibs and race shirts and shop for additional race merchandise and other running gear from dozens of vendors. Additional runDisney merchandise for purchase includes exclusive pins, spirit jerseys, Loungefly bags, magnets, and so much more. The expo takes place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and is an amazing event within itself.

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4. Beginner and Family-Friendly

If you're new to running or want to involve your kids in a runDisney event, you'll be happy to learn that runDisney races are both beginner and family friendly! All 5K runDisney races are not timed, and usually race personnel doesn't sweep runners off the course until up to 2 hours after the race starts. This gives runners plenty of time to enjoy and finish the course stress-free.

All other races in the 10K duration and longer require a 16 minute per mile pace. However, keep in mind that this pace is dictated by the final corral, meaning if you start towards the front of the pack, you'll have even more time than a 16 minute mile. This pace requirement is very generous, and as long as you train properly you shouldn't have trouble finishing even if you're on the slower side. And speaking from someone who is often towards the back of the pack, there will almost always be other runners and spectators cheering you on until the finish.

If you're planning on a runDisney race in Disneyland, there are also Kids Races for all children up to age 9 at both Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend and Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend. There is even a Diaper Dash for crawlers! Each participating child will receive a finisher medallion, race bib, post-race refreshments, unlimited digital downloads of race photos, and enjoy the activity village with DJ.

5. Race in Costume

Although adults aren't allowed to wear costumes in the Disney parks, they are absolutely permitted during runDisney races! Running in costume at runDisney races is a fun and creative way to enhance the race-day experience. Many participants dress up as their favorite Disney characters, superheroes, or movie icons, adding a festive atmosphere to the event. A lot of runners like to dress in a character according to the theme of each race.

Costumes range from simple accessories to elaborate, intricately designed outfits, and they often bring smiles to both runners and spectators. The combination of racing through magical settings and wearing a beloved character's attire makes the event feel like an adventure rather than just a run, making it a memorable race experience compared to other races. And don't worry, you definitely won't be the only person dressed up! I love seeing all of the different costumes, both simple and elaborate, and it just adds on to the magic of runDisney races! 

6. Take on a Challenge for Extra Motivation

runDisney weekends always give runners a choice of distance, which can include 5K, 10K, 10 miles, half marathon, and full marathon. However, runDisney also challenges runners to take on a challenge, which consists of completing two or more races over the weekend. When you complete any of these challenges, you will earn an extra challenge medal as well as a race shirt celebrating your accomplishment!

The hardest challenge runDisney offers is the Dopey Challenge during Disney World's Marathon Weekend which takes place each January. Dopey runners must complete a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon during the weekend, totaling 48.6 miles. Other challenges typically consist of a 10K and a half marathon, as well as the Springtime Surprise Weekend Challenge which consists of a 5K, 10K, and 10 miler.

Another awesome challenge runDisney offers is the Coast to Coast challenge. To achieve this coveted medal, runners will have to participate in at least one race in Disney World and Disneyland within the same calendar year. Furthermore, you must race in a distance longer than 10K in order to qualify for the medal. runDisney challenges are a ton of fun and just another reason why you should consider a runDisney race!

7. Top-Notch Race Organization

As someone who has run dozens of races outside of the runDisney organization, I can confidently tell you that no one does it better than runDisney. It is such a seamless and fun experience, despite the tens of thousands of runners that participate in each runDisney event. From pre-race announcements, tips on training, the expo, race packet pickup, and the race itself, they truly are a top-notch race organization. Especially for Disney fans, it's absolutely a must-do!

One particular example I always give is when I was a spectator at a runDisney race last year. I pulled into the parking lot just as the race was starting, and noticed there were Cast Members on golf carts driving through the parking lot and picking up runners that were running late to the race. They wanted to ensure that anyone running was able to make it to the start line in time since it's a pretty long walk from the parking lot to the starting area. I've never seen race personnel do this anywhere, and was extremely impressed! I've heard other amazing stories of runner support on the course and off from runDisney personnel, and I really believe they do their best to give runners an amazing and safe race experience. Although they are definitely not perfect, you can truly see the love and care they put into each event.

8. Be Part of a Supportive Community

Probably my favorite part of being a runDisney runner is the amazing community they have cultivated. Although I typically run with a group of friends or family, I always find myself chatting with other runners on the course, in the corrals, or during other parts of the weekend. I've made new friends and even reconnected with old friends through the runDisney community, and it's truly something special.

If you're a first time runner or are nervous for the race, I highly recommend joining the many Facebook groups available. There are often ones specific to a race weekend, or just runDisney groups to help motivate, give tips, and meet new people. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised to see just how large and supportive the runDisney community is, and is just another reason why you should consider a runDisney race!

9. Combine Fitness with Vacation

Although some may think this is an oxymoron, it can be fun to combine fitness with your next Disney vacation! I personally planned my first runDisney race around a vacation, and I honestly loved it. In order to avoid my feet getting too tired for the race, I started off my vacation with the Disney World Marathon and then spent the rest of the week enjoying central Florida. I was able to wear my medal proudly throughout the parks, relax, and eat all of the snacks in celebration of the accomplishment!

Another thing to consider is that most runDisney event weekends purposely take place when the parks aren't as busy. Although there will be some crowds due to the race events, race weekends can be a good time to visit Disney because of lower crowds, especially the weekdays after the race. Therefore, I definitely recommend considering booking your next Disney vacation around a runDisney event.

10. Great Way to Stay Motivated

Like most fitness events, runDisney races are a great way to stay motivated, regardless of where you are on your fitness journey. Since you typically have to register for runDisney events months in advance, it helps keep you accountable and stay active. This particularly true for the runDisney events that take place in January and February, as it helps you stay motivated even during the holidays.

If you're like me, having something to work towards is a great motivator, and runDisney races in particular are always so exciting to look forward to. Even when training gets tough, I think about the amazing experience of racing through the Disney parks and crossing the finish line!

runDisney Race Schedule

If we've convinced you to consider a runDisney event, be sure to keep an eye on the runDisney website for race announcements, including registration dates and prices. Typically registration can sell out very quickly, so it's important to know when you can register.

Both Disney World and Disneyland both offer regular runDisney events each year. Although each race weekend typically takes place outside of peak tourism seasons, some of these events still draw large crowds so be sure to start planning accordingly whether you are running in Disney World or Disneyland.

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