runDisney is by far of one of my favorite “extras” when it comes to Disney. I love the races, the camaraderie, and even the getting up at 2 am to purposely run. The run community, in itself, is normally a very welcoming and encouraging place to be, but when you add a little Disney magic, the experience is beyond, too infinity and beyond that is. It’s time for you Retro runners to lace up….
Today runDisney revealed their themes for the upcoming 30th Anniversary of the Walt Disney World Marathon. Can anyone say retro ?
Paying homage to the styles of the early 90’s you will find all your favorite characters decked out in their best neons. Each race has a unique theme, or “lead character’, which I am sure will also be represented on their medals.
What is a race weekend ?
If you are new to the runDisney community, you may not be sure what to expect. One thing you can expect, fun ! Each weekend has a theme and their own fan following, with this weekend having the longest mileage of them all. So what can you expect during Marathon weekend?
Walt Disney World 5K
- January 5, 2023
- Start Time: 5:00 AM Eastern Time
- Location: Walt Disney World Resort, Florida
Ready, set, go! Race through a 3.1-mile adventure at The Most Magical Place on Earth! It’s an exhilarating way to kick-start a weekend brimming with Disney fun.
Walt Disney World 5K Highlights
- 3.1-mile course through Walt Disney World Resort
- Beloved Disney Character sightings and entertainment throughout the race
- 5K finisher medal
- On-course and post-race refreshments
- Participant shirt
- Personalized bib (you must register by September 27, 2022 to get your name on bib)
- Digital Expo & Event Guide
- Downloadable finisher certificate
Walt Disney World 10K
- January 6, 2023
- Start Time: 5:00 AM Eastern Time
- Location: Walt Disney World Resort, Florida
Enjoy maximum fun on a magical 10K run! This 6.2-mile race has an abundance of dazzle and entertainment along the way––and is an ideal choice for runners seeking a good test of their endurance.
Walt Disney World 10K Highlights
- 6.2-mile course through Walt Disney World Resort
- Beloved Disney Character sightings and entertainment throughout the race
- 10K finisher medal
- On-course and post-race refreshments
- Participant shirt
- Personalized bib (you must register by September 27, 2022 to get your name on bib)
- Digital Expo & Event Guide
- Downloadable finisher certificate
Walt Disney World Half Marathon
- January 7, 2023
- Start Time: 5:00 AM Eastern Time
- Location: Walt Disney World Resort, Florida
Join Donald and Daisy Duck as your fine feathered friends host the 13.1-mile adventure through the Disney theme parks! Be surprised along the way by delightful Character sightings and entertaining moments as you join inspired runners from around the world.
Walt Disney World Half Marathon Highlights
- 13.1-mile course through Walt Disney World Resort
- Beloved Disney Character sightings and entertainment throughout the race
- Half Marathon finisher medal
- On-course and post-race refreshments
- Participant shirt
- Personalized bib (you must register by September 27, 2022 to get your name on bib)
- Digital Expo & Event Guide
- Downloadable finisher certificate
Walt Disney World Marathon
- January 8, 2023
- Start Time: 5:00 AM Eastern Time
- Location: Walt Disney World Resort, Florida
Join Mickey, Minnie and friends for an extraordinary 26.2-mile race and encounter delightful surprises as you run the course. It’s our longest distance event––and you’ll earn boasting rights as a Walt Disney World Marathon finisher!
Walt Disney World Marathon Highlights:
- 26.2-mile course through Walt Disney World Resort
- An array of Disney character sightings and entertainment throughout the race
- Marathon Finisher medal
- On-Course and Post Race Refreshments
- Participant shirt
- Personalized bib (you must register by September 27, 2022 to get your name on bib)
- Digital Expo & Event Guide
- Downloadable Finisher Certificate
Now onto the good part….the Challenges !! A runDisney weekend wouldn’t be complete with the challenges and this weekend has TWO of them !! (Well 3 if you are ready to set sail, more about that later)
Who’s feeling a little Goofy ? Challenge #1
Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge
- January 7 and 8, 2023
- Start Time: 5:00 AM Eastern Time
- Location: Walt Disney World Resort, Florida
Show your Goofy side over 2 racing days spanning 39.3 miles!
Get started with the Half Marathon on Saturday, followed by the Marathon on Sunday. Complete both races on pace to earn your Half Marathon and Marathon finisher medals––plus, get the coveted Goofy medal!
You’ll need to register for the Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, which includes both races, in order to be eligible for the challenge medal.
Dopey and Goofy Participants Receive
- 6 finisher medals (Dopey) or 3 finisher medals (Goofy)
- 6 participant shirts (Dopey) or 3 participant shirts (Goofy)
- On-course and post-race refreshments
- Personalized bib (you must register by September 27, 2022 to get your name on bib)
- Digital Expo & Event Guide
- Downloadable finisher certificate
Let your Dopey side shine through – Challenge #2
Dopey Challenge
- January 5 to 8, 2023
- Start Time: 5:00 AM Eastern Time
- Location: Walt Disney World Resort, Florida
Complete all 4 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend races on pace and earn:
- 4 individual events medals
- Goofy’s Race and Half Challenge medal
- Dopey Challenge medal
That’s a grand total of 6 medals in one weekend!
You’ll need to register for the Dopey Challenge, which includes all 4 races, to be eligible for the challenge medals.
Set Sail for another Challenge – Challenge #3
Disney Castaway Cay Challenge
- January 11, 2023
- Start Time: 7:00 AM Eastern Time
- Location: Disney Castaway Cay
- 2 Medals Total: Castaway Cay 5K Medallion and Challenge Medal
From the Theme Parks to an Island Paradise—Chart a Course for Fun!
Experience the ultimate runner’s vacation! Combine Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by State Farm event with a race on our private island, Disney Castaway Cay.
The Monday after Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, board the all-new Disney Wish ship where fantastical worlds and beloved characters are brought to life as you set sail for Bahamian fun and relaxation on Disney Castaway Cay––including one last 5K!
Book your cruise for January 9, 2023, aboard the Disney Wish to enjoy onboard magic, Broadway-style entertainment and imaginative dining. Availability is limited. Be sure to reserve your cruise beforehand. You’ll need to enter your Cruise Reservation Number when registering for the race.
Castaway Cay Challenge Participants Receive:
- Commemorative Disney Castaway Cay Challenge Finisher Medal for participating in one Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend 5K or longer event, plus the Castaway Cay 5K
- Participant Shirt
- Personalized Race Bib (You must register by September 27, 2022, to get your name on bib.)
- On-Course and Post-Race Refreshments
I HAVE to go, how do I get there ?
Now that you are ready to whip out those old pink and green neon running shorts, how do you get there ? Contact your favorite Enchanted Adventures agent and we can get the ball rolling (or the shoes running). We can even book your room now and guarantee you a spot in the race of your choice, with full payment of the race and deposit for the room due upon booking. So, how much does it cost for these magical miles?
- Club runDisney Gold and Platinum Registration begins April 12, 2022, at 10:00 AM EST.
- General Registration opens April 19, 2022, at 10:00 AM EST.
Registration fee varies based on the date of purchase:
Prices include a 6.6% platform service fee.
