Your Guide to runDisney Events in 2024 & 2025: New Halloween Half Marathon in Disneyland Coming in 2024!
Runners and non-runners alike love runDisney events! Train, dress up, spot your favorite characters, capture breathtaking views of the parks, and cross that finish line earning a one-of-a-kind Disney-themed finisher’s medal. And the best news of all? Disney has announced the return of runDisney events at the Disneyland Resort in 2024! We haven’t had a race in the California parks since 2017, so this will be a welcome return indeed!
These runDisney events are very popular and sell out quickly, so be sure to plan accordingly if you want to take part in the festivities!
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Planning a Disney World vacation in 2024? Be sure to check out our guide to all that the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer this year including the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the return of the Disney Dining Plan, and more!
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 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 8-12, 2025
This year’s marathon theme is “vintage athletics with a nostalgic Disney twist.” You can select from four different races, as well as the 20th anniversary of Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, and the Dopey Challenge which covers 48.6 miles across all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks.
- Races: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge (Half-Marathon and Marathon), and Dopey Challenge (all four races)
- Registration: Registration opened on April 2, 2024, for Club runDisney Members and on April 9, 2024, for general registration.
- Expo Hours: All runners must attend the Expo at least one day prior to your race to pick up your race bib, shirt, and pre-purchased merchandise. (Be sure to fill out your required digital waiver form prior to arrival as well as retrieve your Expo Check-in Pass. Both will be available in your runDisney account.)
- Wednesday, January 8, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday, January 9, 2025 | Noon to 7:00 PM
- Friday, January 10, 2025 | Noon – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, January 11, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Pricing: (all races are currently sold out)
- Dopey Challenge (all four races): $688
- Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge (Half-Marathon and Marathon): $442
- Marathon: $226
- Half-Marathon: $224
- 10K: $155
- 5K: $112
Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend: January 30 – February 2, 2025
runDisney made its return to the Disneyland Resort in 2024, and the weekend featured a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and a challenge event (10K and half marathon). Details for this year’s race should be announced soon as registration begins June 11 for Club runDisney members and June 18 for general registration.
- Races: TBD
- Registration: Registration opens on June 11, 2024, for Club runDisney Members and on June 18, 2024, for general registration.
- Expo Hours: TBD
- Pricing: TBD
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend: February 20-24, 2025
Another popular runDisney event, this race weekend brings out the Disney royalty in all who participate. Previous race weekends included “Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga,” which took place in the Magic Kingdom in front of Cinderella’s Castle prior to the park opening.
Here’s a look at what we know so far for 2025:
- Races: TBD
- Registration: Registration opens on July 23, 2024, for Club runDisney Members and on July 30, 2024, for general registration.
- Expo Hours: TBD
- Pricing: TBD
runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend: April 3-6, 2025
This event ultimately replaced the Star Wars Rival Run Weekend, and 2022 marked its inaugural run. Last year’s courses were inspired by popular Disney classics including Peter Pan, Up, and The Lion King. Runners could also earn a commemorative medal by completing all 3 races for the Stitch’s ‘Ohana Challenge. No information has been released yet for 2025.
- Races: TBD
- Registration: Registration opens on August 20, 2024, for Club runDisney Members and on August 27, 2024, for general registration.
- Expo Hours: TBD
- Pricing: TBD
runDisney Virtual Series: June 1 – August 31, 2024
Every summer, runners can participate in the runDisney Virtual Series, which typically includes three separate 5K races and a challenge event. This year’s theme is “A Snacktacular Celebration,” featuring the Mickey Mouse Waffle 5K, the Mickey Mouse Bar 5K, the Minnie Mouse Candy Apple 5K, and the Pineapple Whip Soft Serve Challenge. 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.
- Races: 3 separate virtual 5Ks
- Registration: Registration opens March 26, 2024, at 10:00 AM. (Eastern Standard Time.)
- Virtual Pricing:
- Mickey Mouse Waffle 5K: $54 (sold out)
- Mickey Mouse Bar 5K: $54 (sold out)
- Minnie Mouse Candy Apple 5K: $54 (sold out)
- Pineapple Whip Soft Serve Challenge: $176
Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend: September 5-8, 2024
This newly announced race will take place at the Disneyland Resort for the Halloween season! Runners can choose from multiple race distances including a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and a Challenge event. The weekend will also feature kids’ races and yoga.
- Races: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Challenge
- Registration: Registration opens on February 6, 2024, for Club runDisney Gold and Platinum Members. General registration will begin on February 13, 2024.
- Expo Hours: All runners must attend the Expo at least one day prior to your race to pick up your race bib, shirt, and pre-purchased merchandise. (Be sure to fill out your required digital waiver form prior to arrival as well as retrieve your Expo Check-in Pass. Both will be available in your runDisney account.)
- Thursday, September 5, 2024 | TBD
- Friday, September 6, 2024 | TBD
- Saturday, September 7, 2024 | TBD
- Pricing: (all races are currently sold out)
- Chills & Thrills Challenge: $440
- runDisney Kids Races: $40
- Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon: $260
- Disneyland Halloween 10K: $175
- Disneyland Halloween 5K: $120
- Disneyland Yoga: $130
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend: October 31-November 3, 2024
The 15th anniversary of the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend will showcase iconic Disney Chefs such as the Swedish Chef, Tiana, Remy, and Chef Mickey. The event lineup includes a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and two-course challenge, all featuring food-centric themes, Disney characters, and tasty snacks.
- Races: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Disney Two Course Challenge (10K and Half Marathon)
- Registration: Registration opened on March 5, 2024, for Club runDisney Gold & Platinum Members and on March 12, 2024, for general registration.
- Expo Hours: All runners must attend the Expo at least one day before their race to pick up their race bib, shirt, and pre-purchased merchandise. (Be sure to fill out your required digital waiver form before arrival as well as retrieve your Expo Check-in Pass. Both will be available in your runDisney account.)
- Thursday, October 31, 2024 | 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Friday, November 1, 2024 | 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday, November 2, 2024 | 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- In-Person Pricing: (all in-person races are currently sold out except for the post-race party)
- Disney Two Course Challenge (Half-Marathon and 10K): $400
- Disney Wine & Dine Half-Marathon: $240
- Disney Wine & Dine 10K: $155
- Disney Wine & Dine 5K: $112
- Post-race party tickets: $110 per person for runners’ family and friends (Party tickets are included for those running the half-marathon or taking part in the Challenge.)
runDisney Virtual 12Ks of Christmas: December 1-31, 2023
Details have yet to be announced for 2024, but last year provided runners the opportunity to earn 4 commemorative medals (which double as Christmas ornaments) by taking part in three 4K Virtual Races. Participants also received a long-sleeved hooded shirt, a holiday CORKCILE mug (with a hot cocoa kit), a digital race bib, a finisher certificate, and a digital race tool kit featuring printable mile markers.
- Races: 3 virtual 4Ks
- Registration: Registration opens July 9, 2024.
- Virtual Pricing: TBD
*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!
