If you’re a runner or walker, did you know you can run through Cinderella’s Castle? That’s right! Disney holds a few events throughout the year where you can run through the different parks and catch early morning views, that can only be seen when you participate in a runDisney event!
As a runner and Disney lover, I am a huge proponent of runcations! What is a runcation, you ask? A runcation is when you turn your runDisney race into a vacation! Walt Disney World is the perfect place to do this! With races held at different times throughout the year, it allows the race participants to enjoy different experiences at Walt Disney World.
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
Kicking off the runDisney events for the year, in January, is the most popular race weekend of all runDisney events is the Marathon Weekend. It typically takes place on the second weekend of January. This means, the Dream lights are still up on the Cinderella Castle, and you can still find many of the holiday decorations up (specifically, in the Magic Kingdom). There’s something so magical about running down Main Street U.S.A. and seeing the Cinderella Castle all lit up with the beautiful Dream lights!
During the Marathon Weekend, you have the opportunity to run the 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon. If you’re really up for a challenge, you can register for the Goofy Race and a Half Challenge. You’re probably wondering what you would be signing up for… Goofy’s Challenge is the half marathon and full marathon. That equates to 39.9 magical miles! Which means you would receive 3 medals! One for the half marathon, one for the full marathon and one for the Goofy Challenge!
If you want to take it a step further, you can sign up for the Dopey Challenge! The Dopey Challenge is comprised of ALL of the races during Marathon Weekend! That’s the 5k, 10k, half marathon and the full marathon! You receive 5 medals. One for each race, as well as a medal for completing the Dopey Challenge! If you’re curious as to how many miles that is… it’s 48.6 magical miles!
Walt Disney World Princess Half Marathon
Then in February, runDisney holds the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. This is perfect for anyone who loves Disney Princesses! They hold a 5k on Friday, 10k on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday! Many of the participants dress up as their favorite Disney Princess, during these races! The weather in February is typically pretty mild, which makes for a great race weekend! You can register for the Fairytale Challenge, which consists of the 10k and half marathon. You would receive 3 medals for this challenge! The Disney Princess Half Marathon was my first runDisney event and it will forever hold a special place in my heart!
Walt Disney World Star Wars Half Marathon
After that, in the month of April, runDisney holds the Star Wars Rival Run Weekend. If you are a Star Wars fan, this runDisney event will not disappoint! This weekend holds a 5k, 10k, and half marathon, as well as the Rival Run Challenge. Run alongside other Star Wars fans and soak up the magic that runDisney brings to this fantastic event! I can’t think of a better way to spend a Star Wars runcation, than at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Galaxy’s Edge! Talk about immersing yourself into the theme of the weekend! While the weather can be a bit warmer this time of year, it’s usually pretty nice and makes for the perfect day in the parks!
Walt Disney World Wine & Dine Half Marathon
Finally, in November, runDisney holds the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. This typically takes place the weekend after Halloween. If you’re a fan of the International Food & Wine Festival at Epcot, then this race is right up your alley. At the end of the race weekend, you can get tickets to the Post-Race Party that is held at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival! Take part in the 5k, 10k, half marathon, or the Two Course Challenge. Did I mention, if you plan your trip dates just right, you might be able to catch the first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, of the holiday season! Whatever you decide, it is bound to be a blast!
Here are the upcoming runDisney events as scheduled:
2020 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (Nov. 5-8, 2020) – now virtual
2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (Jan. 6-10, 2021)
2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (Feb. 18-21, 2021)
2021 Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend (April 15-18, 2021)
If a runcation sounds like something you would be interested in, reach out to us at Enchanting Moments Travel. We will work with you to plan a magical runcation and iron out all of the details, including obtaining a race bib!
Photos © Disney
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