I’ve Run 54 runDisney Races—Here’s What You Need to Know Before Signing Up

Did you know you can run through Walt Disney World and Disneyland? No, I’m not talking about racing to your favorite attractions at rope drop, though that can be a grueling race too. Both of the parks regularly host Disney races where you, along with thousands of other runners and Disney fans, can participate in distance runs through the most iconic theme parks in the world, complete with entertainment and characters along the course.

Writer Megan duBois has run more than 50 runDisney races.

Megan duBois

I’ve completed 54 races with runDisney, from 5Ks to “challenges,” in which I completed multiple race distances in one weekend. There’s nothing like crossing the finish line, seeing Mickey and Minnie Mouse cheering you on, and knowing your body can do hard things.

If you’re thinking about shaking up your next trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, or Disneyland in Anaheim, California, by participating in one of the extremely popular races, there are some things you need to know. Keep reading to learn more about runDisney, including what types of races you can participate in, how to register, and what exactly race entry covers.

Where are runDisney races held?

There are four themed runDisney race weekends at Disney World. The season begins in October with the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, followed by the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in January, the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend in February, and concludes with the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend in April.

My favorite race at Disney World is the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend, where the themes change every year. One year, I participated in throwback races, complete with a duo 5K and scavenger hunt through Disney’s Animal Kingdom and a 10-miler themed to the Tower of Terror attraction, and another, I raced in a Guardians of the Galaxy—themed 5K.

At the Disneyland Resort, there are currently two race weekends: the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend in September and the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend in January. Sadly, after the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, runDisney races at the Disneyland Resort will be paused due to construction projects for upcoming expansions.

RunDisney also hosts virtual races, which runners can complete at home, with medals shipped to your doorstep. These include the runDisney Virtual Love on the Run 14-miler in spring and the runDisney Virtual Series in summer.

The medals are an enticing enough reason to sign up for a Disney race.

Aiden Craver

What distances are available for each in-person race weekend?

At Walt Disney World, the Disney Wine & Dine and Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekends offer you the chance to participate in a 5K, 10K, and half marathon. The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend adds a full marathon to the mix. The runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend offers a 5K, 10K, and 10-miler.

At Disneyland, both race weekends feature a 5K, 10K, and half marathon.

What are runDisney challenges?

You can register for challenges for all races. These fitness feats have you running two, three, or four races in one weekend. I’ve done multiple challenges over the years, including Wine & Dine Two Course Challenge, Springtime Surprise Challenge, and the now-defunct Kessel Run challenge (meaning you did both Star Wars–themed races at Disneyland and Disney World during their corresponding weekends). Of the current races, the Springtime Surprise Challenge is a fun one. You’ll run the 5K, 10K, and 10-miler, and get medals for each race, plus an extra challenge medal.

For a true physical test, you can register for the Dopey Challenge during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. With this challenge, you’ll run the 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon on back-to-back days, totaling 48.6 miles and get six medals.

What race spends the most time in the parks?

During every race, you’ll spend time in the theme parks, but the amount of time is determined by the race distance. Longer races will have miles on highways. Shorter races, like 5Ks, are run almost entirely in the parks.

I love a 5K at Disney World. These are mostly run through EPCOT. Seeing Spaceship Earth and the World Showcase torches lit up at 5 a.m. is just beautiful.

How early do I need to register?

Registration for any runDisney race is the most challenging part of participating. Sign-ups are online through runDisney’s website and are typically 9 to 10 months in advance of a race. For the best chance of getting into the race you want, be online right when registration opens—typically at 10 a.m. EST, but do note that this is subject to change.

What do you get with your race entry?

All race entries include your bib, a commemorative T-shirt, and a race medal.

Do you get access to the theme parks with your race entry?

During each of the races, you’ll run through the Disney World or Disneyland theme parks, but you don’t get entry into the parks after your race is complete.

Should I stay at a Disney-owned hotel for runDisney races?

At Disney World, I highly suggest staying at an on-property hotel. I always book my hotel immediately after I register for a race. This nearly guarantees the cheapest room prices. You’ll want to add an extra day at the beginning of your trip to visit the runDisney expo, where you’ll get your bib, race T-shirt, and be able to shop for runDisney merchandise.