runDisney Events Guide 2026-2027: Race Dates, Themes, Pricing & Registration Tips
Runners and non-runners alike love runDisney events! Train for months, dress up in your favorite character costume, stop for photos along the course, take in breathtaking views of the parks… and then cross that finish line to earn a one-of-a-kind Disney finisher medal.
Race weekends take place throughout the year at Walt Disney World, the Disneyland Resort, and even virtually for those who can’t make it to the parks.
Just keep this in mind: these events are incredibly popular and sell out fast. If you’re hoping to participate, planning ahead is a must!
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Planning a Disney World vacation in 2026? Be sure to check out our guide to all that the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer this year!
Race Registration Tips
Runners can register for any of the runDisney events online. These races do sell out quickly! So you will want to pay attention to the exact time registration opens. (And be aware that all times are Eastern Standard Time!) Your registration fee typically includes a shirt, a race bib, and a uniquely themed medal. Look for your confirmation email once you register. It is worth noting that registration cannot be transferred between individuals, event weekends, or to events that are sold out.
Also, if you plan on visiting the parks after you complete the race, you will need to purchase your theme park tickets and make a reservation! (You do NOT need a theme park ticket to race… You only need one if you plan to spend the day in the park.)
The day or two before race day, you will need to stop by the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports. This is where you will pick up your race bib, shirt, and any merchandise you pre-purchased. There will be runDisney merchandise available for sale, but be prepared for long lines as these are quite popular! (If you choose not to go on the first day the runDisney Expo opens, you will have fewer crowds, but sizes may be more limited.)
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend: January 7-11, 2026
This year’s marathon weekend celebrates different storybook genres. Runners can take part in a sci-fi 5K led by Pluto, a mysterious 10K hosted by Chip ‘n Dale, a romantic half marathon featuring Donald and Daisy, and a fantasy-themed full marathon led by Mickey and Minnie. For those looking for an extra challenge, Goofy’s Race and a Half includes both the half marathon and the full marathon, while the Dopey Challenge includes all four races over four consecutive mornings.
Registration opened March 4, 2025, for Club runDisney Members and March 11, 2025, for general registration. All races are currently sold out.
The Expo will run:
- Wednesday, January 7 from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday, January 8 from 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Friday, January 9 from 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, January 10 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Race start times (all Eastern Standard Time) begin bright and early. The 5K takes place Thursday at 5:00 AM, the 10K Friday at 5:00 AM, the Half Marathon Saturday at 5:00 AM, and the Marathon Sunday at 4:30 AM. Challenge participants follow the schedule of their respective races.
Pricing for the 2026 weekend ranged from $119.99 for the 5K to $736 for the Dopey Challenge.
*Next year’s Marathon Weekend will be held January 6–10, 2027. Club runDisney registration opens March 10, 2026, and general registration begins March 17, 2026.
Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend: January 29-February 1, 2026
In 2026, Disneyland will “Celebrate Happy” as part of its 70th anniversary celebration. Joy will host the 5K, Sorcerer Mickey leads the 10K, and the Half Marathon will be themed to “it’s a small world.” Runners can also take on the Dumbo Double Dare, which includes both the 10K and the Half Marathon. The weekend also features Kids’ Races hosted by Stitch and morning yoga with Miss Piggy.
Registration opened April 22, 2025, for Club runDisney Members and April 29, 2025, for general registration. All races are currently sold out.
Expo hours are:
- Thursday, January 29 from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday, January 30 from 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, January 31 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Pricing ranged from $130 for the 5K to $450 for the Dumbo Double Dare challenge. Kids’ Races were $45, and yoga was $140.
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend: February 26-March 2, 2026
This royal race weekend features a 5K with Merida, a 10K led by Moana, and a Half Marathon hosted by Rapunzel. Runners can also participate in the Fairytale Challenge (10K and Half Marathon) and Disney Princess Yoga at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Registration opened June 17, 2025, for Club runDisney Members and June 24, 2025, for general registration. All races are currently sold out.
Expo hours:
- Thursday, February 26 from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday, February 27 from 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, February 28 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Race start times (EST) are 5:00 AM for the 5K (Friday), 10K (Saturday), and Half Marathon (Sunday). Pricing ranged from $119.99 for the 5K to $432 for the Fairytale Challenge.
*Next year’s Princess Weekend will be held February 25–March 1, 2027. Club registration opens May 26, 2026, and general registration opens June 2, 2026.
runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend: April 16-20, 2026
Celebrating the power of friendship, this weekend features a 5K led by Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, a 10K hosted by Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, and a 10-Miler featuring Joy and Sadness. Runners can also participate in the Springtime Surprise Challenge (all three races) and morning yoga with Lilo and Stitch.
Registration opened July 22, 2025, for Club runDisney Members and July 29, 2025, for general registration.
Expo hours:
- Thursday, April 16 from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday, April 17 from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday, April 18 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Start times are 5:00 AM (EST) for all races. Pricing ranges from $119.99 for the 5K to $534 for the Challenge.
*Next year’s Springtime Surprise will be held April 15-18, 2027. Club registration opens June 30, 2026, and general registration opens July 7, 2026.
runDisney Virtual Series: June 1 – August 31, 2026
Every summer, runners can participate in the runDisney Virtual Series, which typically includes three separate 5K races and a challenge event for those who want to complete all three races. Participants who complete all three races will earn a special finisher’s medal. Each race entry includes a themed bib, commemorative finisher medal, and at-home themed kit with downloadable start and finish lines, mile markers, and a finisher certificate. Details for this year’s series have yet to be released, but we will keep you up to date!
*Registration opens April 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM. (Eastern Standard Time.)
runDisney Virtual Spooktacular: October 1-31, 2026
Information about this brand new virtual event has yet to be released, but we will keep you posted as we learn more!
*Registration opens August 11, 2026.
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend: October 22-25, 2026
In 2026, the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend will celebrate the tastes and tales of the World Showcase countries. Runners can enjoy a French-inspired 5K featuring the Aristocats, a festive Mexican-themed 10K hosted by Los Tres Caballeros, and a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious half marathon led by Mary Poppins. Those looking to go the extra mile can take on the Disney Two Course Challenge, featuring Grumpy and friends, which includes both the 10K and the Half Marathon.
Registration opened February 3, 2026, for Club runDisney Gold & Platinum Members and February 10, 2026, for general registration. At this time, all in-person races are sold out with the exception of post-race party tickets.
As with all runDisney events, runners must attend the Health & Fitness Expo at least one day prior to their race to pick up their bib, race shirt, and any pre-purchased merchandise. Be sure to complete your required digital waiver and retrieve your Expo Check-In Pass in your runDisney account before arrival.
The Expo will be held at ESPN Wide World of Sports during the following times:
- Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday, October 23, 2026 from 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Race start times (all Eastern Standard Time) are bright and early. The 5K begins Friday at 4:30 AM, the 10K Saturday at 5:00 AM, and the Half Marathon Sunday at 5:00 AM. Participants completing the Disney Two Course Challenge will race on both Saturday and Sunday at 5:00 AM. Pricing ranges from $125 for the 5K to $449 for the Challenge.
Runners participating in the Half Marathon or the Challenge receive entry to the post-race party at EPCOT on Sunday evening at 10:00 PM. Additional party tickets are available for family and friends for $125 per person.
runDisney Virtual 12Ks of Christmas: December 1-31, 2026
This festive virtual event gives runners the chance to earn four commemorative medals — which double as Christmas ornaments — by completing three 4K virtual races. Participants also receive a long-sleeved hooded shirt, a holiday CORKCICLE mug complete with a hot cocoa kit, a digital race bib, a finisher certificate, and a downloadable race toolkit with printable mile markers. Races can be completed anytime between December 1–31, 2026, making it a fun and flexible way to celebrate the season.
*Registration opens October 6, 2026.
*For more information about all of the runDisney events, be sure to visit their official website.
Looking to take part in any of the runDisney events? Be sure to visit my step-by-step guide to start planning your Walt Disney World vacation!
