runDisney announces the return of races to Walt Disney World

Jun 30, 2021 in "Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend"

Posted: Wednesday June 30, 2021 11:31am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

runDisney races will return to Walt Disney World Resort this fall, kicking off the runDisney 2021-2022 race season with four events.

Familiar runDisney enhancements will return, including special entertainment along the course and running through the theme parks. Disney has said that depending on conditions at the time, runDisney may implement health and safety measures, such as face coverings, physical distancing and other requirements if they are deemed appropriate.

The line up for the 2021-2022 season is:

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend powered by AfterShokz: November 4-7, 2021
The theme, Wickedly Delicious, celebrates favorite Disney villains, and the weekend will include a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and Disney Two Course Challenge (both the 10K and the half marathon). The Post-Race Party will cap off the weekend so runners can celebrate their accomplishments with family and friends at EPCOT with exclusive, after-hours access to the park and the International Food & Wine Festival.
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend: January 5-9, 2022
Celebrating the Most Magical Celebration on Earth for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend: February 24-27, 2022
runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend presented by Otterbox: March 31-April 3, 2022

New additions to Disney's races at Walt Disney World include:

runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend: Each race season, the fourth weekend will be the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend that will include different race themes and distances each year.
Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga: On the first morning of the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, runDisney will host Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga in front of Cinderella Castle, before the theme park opens.
Virtual Races: All runDisney races will have a virtual race option, allowing runDisney fans across the country to participate in your favorite races, even if you can’t make it to Walt Disney World to run in person. Runners will be encouraged to run on the same morning of the on-site events, and will receive the same finisher medals.
Just for Kids: The runDisney Kids Races during each event weekend will become runDisney Kids Adventures, focused on health, fitness, and fun for kids

For the latest on runDisney head to the running section of the WDWMAGIC Forums.

Discuss on the Forums

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Rteetz3 days ago

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

the.dreamfinder4 days ago

Disneyland Halloween Half should have its own Oogie Boogie Bash.

pdude814 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!

DznyGrlSD6 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

LAKid536 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.

CAV6 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.

LAKid539 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 Dawg889 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.

lukacseven9 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.

Rteetz10 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.

Rteetz10 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.

pdude8110 days ago

Found it

pdude8110 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

surfsupdon10 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!!