NEWS: runDisney Announces the Return of In-Person Races at Disney World

After more than a year of virtual races, runners will return to racing at Walt Disney World Resort this fall, kicking off the runDisney 2021-2022 race season. Catch all the details below:

The season will include four race weekends:

• Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend powered by AfterShokz: November 4-7, 2021
• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend: January 5-9, 2022
• Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend: February 24-27, 2022
• runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend presented by Otterbox: March 31-April 3, 2022

As COVID-19 guidelines may change before the return to on-site running at Walt Disney World, race weekends may not include every element from previous years; however, there will be some exciting new elements this season to enhance the runner experience. New runDisney offerings include:

• runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend: Each race season, the fourth weekend will be the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend, featuring new and evolving race themes and distances each year.
• Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga: On the first morning of the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, runDisney will introduce Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga, a professionally led yoga session in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park before the theme park opens to help runners gear up for their races.
• Virtual Races: All runDisney races will have a virtual race option, allowing runDisney fans across the country to participate in their favorite races, even if they are unable to run at Walt Disney World. Runners are encouraged to complete their race on the same morning of the on-site events as part of the runDisney community, and will receive the same finisher medal.
• Just for Kids: The runDisney Kids Races during each event weekend will become runDisney Kids Adventures, focused on health, fitness, and fun for kids.

Along with these new offerings, runDisney will bring back many things that make its races magical, including running through Walt Disney World theme parks, unique race weekend themes, special entertainment, and Disney-inspired finisher medals.

To kick it all off, the 2021 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, themed Wickedly Delicious, will celebrate beloved Disney villains and will feature the Disney Wine & Dine 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Disney Two Course Challenge (10K and half marathon), with in-person and virtual options available for all four. The Post-Race Party will cap off the weekend, allowing runners to celebrate their accomplishments with family and friends at EPCOT with exclusive, after-hours access to the park and the International Food & Wine Festival.

The theme of the 2022 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend will honor the 50^th anniversary of Walt Disney World, and the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend theme will celebrate courage and kindness inspired by some favorite Disney princesses.

For more information about runDisney and the return of in-person running at Walt Disney World Resort, visit https://www.runDisney.com/.

Registration Dates:

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

• • Club runDisney Gold & Platinum Registration Opens July 6, 2021 at 10 AM EST.
  • General Registration for In-Person Races Opens July 13, 2021 at 10 AM EST.
  • General Registration for Virtual Races Opens July 16, 2021 at 10 AM EST.

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

• • Club runDisney Gold & Platinum Registration Opens July 20, 2021 at 10 AM EST.
  • General Registration for In-Person Races Opens July 27, 2021 at 10 AM EST.
  • General Registration for Virtual Races Opens July 30, 2021 at 10 AM EST.

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

• • Club runDisney Gold & Platinum Registration Opens August 17, 2021 at 10 AM EST.
  • General Registration for In-Person Races Opens August 24, 2021 at 10 AM EST.
  • General Registration for Virtual Races Opens August 27, 2021 at 10 AM EST.

runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

• • Registration dates TBD

RELATED ARTICLE: The Best Places to Run at Disney World

by Mike and Jamie Sylvester

Who says you can’t keep that waistline in check at Disney – even though it is rather tricky! Good news… if you’ve accidentally eaten a couple of turkey legs and Mickey ice creams, Disney has excellent places to go running. Here are the best places to stretch those running legs while at Disney.

 Editor’s Note: Not all of the Disney resorts will be opening during the phased reopening of Walt Disney World and therefore not all running routes may be available. 

1 – Epcot Resort Area

Arguably one of the best and most beautiful running paths would have to be through the Epcot Resort area. Whether you begin at Disney’s Boardwalk, Yacht Club, or Beach Club Resort, you will enjoy the path that travels by these gorgeous resort areas around Crescent Lake. Particularly in the early morning, the sun rising over Crescent Lake makes the sweat all worth it! Maybe you’re feeling extra energetic and can continue through the path that connects to the Swans and Dolphin Resort area. You could also follow the longest stretch and start running towards Hollywood Studios by following Epcot Resorts Boulevard and Buena Vista Drive. There is also a fantastic path that guests at Disney’s Riviera Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort can enjoy. With so many options for distance and scenery, the Epcot Resort Area gets our vote!

2 – Seven Seas Lagoon

With magic under your feet, another great place to run at Disney would be around the Seven Seas Lagoon with a view of Magic Kingdom and Cinderella Castle. Start at either the Grand Floridian Resort or the Polynesian and follow the path between the two for roughly a 1-mile run one way. Not only will you have spectacular views, but you will even get to run by Disney’s Wedding Pavilion next to the Grand Floridian Resort. Hopefully, you’ll have a chance to watch a ferry boat cruise by or, better yet, the monorail!

3 – Art of Animation Resort

Disney and Pixar come to life right in front of your eyes. Hopefully, that doesn’t mean you’re dehydrated and hallucinating, but rather you’re simply checking out the Art of Animations jogging trail. We put this trail up on the best places to run list because it reminds you that you are still within the Disney World realm! Along this 1.38-mile path, you’ll get to pass several Art of Animation’s courtyards, which are filled with bright colors that seem to come to life! Cars, Nemo, The Little Mermaid, and scenes from the Lion King may just appear along your trek through animation.

4 – Fort Wilderness Resort Area

Take a deep breath and enjoy the fresh air! With the forest surrounding you, you can take a quick jog or long run through the beautiful trails. Pass by the cabins, campsites, and nothing but nature as you run through gorgeous loops and along the canal. Just don’t trip over Chip n’ Dale along the way!

5 – Lake Buena Vista Golf Course

Maybe you’re not the golfing type, but enjoy the lush greens and wide-open views a golf course has to offer. Take a jog around and throughout the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course that surrounds Disney’s Old Key West and Saratoga Springs. Old Key West offers a 1.75-mile-long path while Saratoga Springs has a 1.44-mile or 0.8-mile loop. Not only will you enjoy checking out the golf course, but the beautiful scenery and waterways either resort has to offer. Tip – if you hear someone yelling, “FORE!” duck!

6 – And More!

Looking to burn off that Jambalaya you for enjoyed at Port Orleans Boatwright’s? Head out for a run on the Port Orleans jogging path that stretches across the Riverside and French Quarter along the Sassagoula River on a 1.7-mile path. Disney’s All-Star Resort has a 1-mile jogging trail connecting 3 resort areas (Movies, Music, and Sports) with one path. Disney’s Coronado Springs also has a 0.75-mile-long trail with scenic views of the wetlands. Caribbean Beach Resort offers a 1.2-mile trek around Barefoot Bay. The Contemporary has a 0.9-mile path circling Bay Lake Tower and the South Garden Wing of the resort. Pop Century even gets in on the running action with a 1.1-mile or 1.38-mile loop around Hourglass Lake. With so many running trails, there really is no excuse… well, except for maybe you’re on vacation!

Don’t forget to check with Guest Services at your Disney Resort for a jogging path map. Some folks may decide to take a break from running while on vacation at Disney. However, Disney didn’t forget about you go-getters! Pick a path, and enjoy your run. If you find yourself struggling, just look around for some Pixie Dust to get you to your finish!