All the Races You Can Run at Walt Disney World, the Most Magical Place on Earth
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In our humble opinions, there are few things more spectacular than running through Cinderella's Castle at Walt Disney World. In those few early morning, sweat-soaked moments, when you're gazing up at the castle through a sea of similarly costumed companions, it doesn't matter what your pace is, how long you've trained, how out of breath you are — you just feel electric. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but one that you could have multiple times a year if you so choose.
As of press time, there are four race weekends scheduled annually at Walt Disney World; Disneyland races are on hiatus for the time being, and there is one race at Disneyland Paris. So for now, you've got four US options for traipsing about the most magical place on earth in a tutu and sneakers.
Each of these events is beginner-friendly, family-friendly, entertaining and fun, and has its own unique spin. Are you a foodie, or more of a Star Wars aficionado? Do you live for all things Disney, or do you secretly wish you were a Disney princess with an adorable animal sidekick? (It's OK if your answer is "all of the above.") There are options for all of these! Here's everything you need to know, including deadlines for registration.
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Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
Races:
- Fall Feast 5K
- Wine & Dine 10K
- Wine & Dine Half Marathon
- Two Course Challenge and Kids Races
Dates: Oct. 31–Nov. 3, 2019 (registration opens March 19, 2019)
Charity Partner: Second Harvest Food Bank
Details: If you're a fan of the delectably diverse cuisine at Walt Disney World (hello, Epcot), then this is your race weekend. Half-marathon runners get access to an after-hours party at the famed Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, where you can stuff your face with some of the finest cuisine from the world over. How's that for a postrace meal? Plus, this is Halloween weekend, which kicks off Thanksgiving weekend — this race is ideal for a food fest.
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Princess Half Marathon Weekend
Races:
- Disney Princess 5K
- Disney Princess 10K
- Disney Princess Half Marathon
- Fairy Tale Challenge (10K and Half Marathon) and Kids Races
Dates: Feb. 20-23, 2020 (registration opens June 4, 2019)
Charity Partner: Children's Miracle Network
Details: Don your sparkliest headband, your prettiest sneakers, and your running tutu — yes, running tutu! — because the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is a race fit for a queen. Arguably the most fun race for costumes (hello, you get to be any Disney princess), you'll be enchanted mile after mile with plenty of on-course entertainment. Make sure you hit the postrace events to grab a glittering beer or princess-inspired cocktail to celebrate!
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Star Wars Rival Run Weekend
Races:
- Star Wars Rival Run 5K
- Star Wars Rival Run 10K
- Star Wars Rival Run Half Marathon
- Star Wars Rival Run Challenge and runDisney Kessel Run Challenge
Dates: April 16-19, 2020 (registration opens July 16, 2019)
Charity Partner: Make A Wish
Details: Perhaps you prefer the Millennium Falcon to magical princesses. In that case, try the Star Wars Rival Run Weekend to give an athletic nod to your favorite fan universe — er, galaxy. Dress like Darth, and run 13.1 parsecs miles to a stellar finish line. May the force be with you.
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Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
Races:
- Walt Disney World 5K
- Walt Disney World 10K
- Walt Disney World Half Marathon
- Walt Disney World Marathon
- Goofy Challenge, Dopey Challenge, Kids Races
Dates: Jan. 8-12, 2020 (registration opens April 16, 2019)
Charity Partner: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Details: If you're a runDisney fan who's ready for the ultimate challenge, consider the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend your personal championship. Not only can you run 26.2 gloriously grueling miles through the magical expanse of Walt Disney World and Florida, but you can truly test your stamina (and sanity, TBH) with the "Dopey Challenge" — a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and full marathon on the same weekend. You read that correctly: 48.6 miles in four days, earning six medals total.
Whichever race you choose, you're guaranteed to have an absolutely magical experience that's saturated in childhood nostalgia, sweat, and Dole whip. The stuff dreams are made of, truly.