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runDisney is the road-race division of Disney Sports Enterprises that runs themed race weekends at Walt Disney World and virtual options you can complete from anywhere. Each event mixes park entertainment with race courses that pass through theme parks, backstage areas and resort property. All finishers receive themed medals; some weekends offer extra medals for completing multiple races.
Event calendar and distances
runDisney schedules multiple weekends over the season. For 2026-2027 at Walt Disney World:
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (October 22-25, 2026). This typically includes a half marathon (13.1 miles) and often shorter distances such as 5K and 10K.
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (January 6-10, 2027). Includes a 5K (3.1 mi), 10K (6.2 mi), half marathon (13.1 mi) and the full marathon (26.2 mi).
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February 25-March 1, 2027). Features a 5K, 10K and half marathon.
- runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend (April 15-18, 2027). Races vary by year but usually include multiple distances.
Medals and Challenges
Every race gives a commemorative medal. Weekend challenges earn extra medals when you complete multiple distances in the same weekend. For example at Marathon Weekend you can take part in: the Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge (half and full marathon) or the Dopey Challenge (all four distances totalling about 48.6 miles).
Booking Process
Registration opens many months before each event, usually at 10:00 AM Eastern Time on the announced date, and popular races can sell out in minutes. You need a runDisney account and to sign your digital participant waiver before expo pick-up. There’s a virtual queue on runDisney.com when registration opens.
Virtual Runs
runDisney also offers virtual race series throughout the year with a range of distances. These allow you to run the distance on your own route within a set date window and still earn the medal.
Dates and Planning
Specific registration windows are released well ahead of race season; for example general registration for Disney Wine & Dine 2026 opened on February 10 2026 and for Marathon Weekend 2027 on March 17 2026.
Practical Tips
Most races start early before parks open. Accommodations near Disney parks and race transportation fill up quickly around race weekends. Race bibs and official merchandise are collected at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo usually held the day before events.
This guide reflects the current 2026-27 calendar; future seasons may adjust distances or add new race weekends.
Guide Updated: 16 January 2026
