runDisney announces cancellation of 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

Sep 22, 2020 in "Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend"

Posted: Tuesday September 22, 2020 2:27pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

runDisney has announced the cancellation of in-person races for both the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Walt Disney World Marathon weekend will not take place in person during 2021

As with the 2020 Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend, both events will be converted to virtual events. The Marathon Weekend was scheduled for January 2021 and the Princess Half was scheduled for February 2021.

Participants who registered through runDisney.com will have the option of receiving a full refund for the race. Those who are registered with a U.S. mailing address may convert their existing registration to the new virtual event that can be completed from home, a local running track or favorite running trail.

Eligible runners who participate in the virtual race will receive a medal for each distance they complete and the option of a race shirt. Registered participants will receive an email beginning September 23 with instructions on how to make their registration selection before October 7, 2020.

Learn more about the refund details at runDisney.

Discuss on the Forums

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Rteetz15 days ago

Overall I thought it was a great weekend. It was nice to see you as always!

the.dreamfinder16 days ago

Disneyland Halloween Half should have its own Oogie Boogie Bash.

pdude8117 days ago

I managed to complete Dopey somehow so I consider that a victory given my utter lack of training. (Don't try this at home, kids). Really enjoyed this email from Sunday. BB wasn't even open due to cold weather. Did spend some time in the parking lot though!

DznyGrlSD18 days ago

How'd everyone do this weekend? The weather was, something. I saw @Rteetz a few times but that was about it. I worked 40 hours in 5 days Wednesday - Sunday on TOP OF my full time job. Hope everyone had a great weekend

LAKid5319 days ago

Hate to break it to you, but runDisney can change them at any point. To not allow a refund, even a partial one, for any circumstance that is beyond the control of the participant is crazy. Just about every contract has a force majeure clause. And that's in essence what as a runner you are signing....a contract.

CAV19 days ago

No, they shouldn't. Its clearly stated at registration "no refunds." If that term of service doesn't appeal to you, don't sign up. If you don't show up, Disney still incurs costs associated with your registration.

LAKid5321 days ago

Those terms can and should be modified to account for natural disasters that would prevent a runner from traveling from their state of residence to the race. Period.

Disney Dawg8821 days ago

I’m officially snowed/iced in my home and not able to travel to Orlando. Haven’t run a race there in 12 years and was looking forward to running a race there again. Will email RunDisney but not expecting anything, will let everyone know if they even respond.

lukacseven22 days ago

Back in the mid-2000's there was an after-party of sorts at Pleasure Island. Initially, it included free entry for all runners, back when there was an admission charge and in 2006 and 2007 was fairly well attended. After they stopped the admission charge to PI, the Downtown Disney area was advertised as hosting an "after-party" which offered dining discounts for runners, and sold some marathon merch. The only real after-party they ever had for the January race weekend was in 2010. On Sunday night, DHS closed to the public at 7:00 pm and was open for runners (free) and family (for a fee) until 10:00. They had cash bars and DJs set up in front of MMRR (formerly GMR) and RNR. A few rides were operating but the event was not well attended, probably because temperatures were in the 30's. I did get to ride TOT 7 times in a row without any wait. The next year they offered "Marathon Monday" with free admission on Monday (duh) to MK only and only for full marathon runners. The 2010 after party was a great concept and hopefully at some point a version of that will return.

Rteetz22 days ago

Wine & Dine used to be just a 5K and a nighttime race. It being held during food and wine then would end and have people go right into the park post race. I can almost guarantee if wine & dine was added now or within the last couple years they would charge for the party. They don’t currently because it’s always been that way. Springtime splash started last year. I did partake. It was fun with friends but not a must do. Yoga is considered an athletic event and is at the Disneyland races , princess and springtime. You register just like the races and it’s very very small in terms of people compared to the races so they have to make it an upcharge.

Rteetz22 days ago

When you sign up it’s in the terms. They don’t have to issue such. However… They have been giving back at least partial refunds via gift cards over the last couple years. Just email and explain the situation. Calling does nothing usually especially on a race weekend. Their staff is so small they are all working the events.

pdude8122 days ago

Found it

pdude8122 days ago

Does anyone know where I can find the graphic with the corral open and close times? I thought I emailed it to myself but coming up empty

surfsupdon22 days ago

There used to be a few races that had exclusive afterparties...namely Tower 13Ks, Everest Challenges, Wine&Dine. These original races all began at 10p with the afterparty usually running from 10p-2a or 3a. Then night races were all cancelled. I just think the afterparty works and fits with the W&D theme and they must make money! I would love to see more INCLUDED with registration afterparties!!