Disney World Marathons in 2023 for Every Type of Runner

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Participating in a Disney World marathon weekend race is like nothing else you’ve ever experienced before! From the annual Walt Disney World Marathon to the Wine & Dine Half Marathon, runDisney offers a unique way to combine your love of Disney with your passion for running. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced marathoner, these incredible events have something for everyone. With races ranging from 5Ks to full marathons and even virtual events, there’s something for every runner at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Every event features magical moments throughout the course, as well as exclusive merchandise and access to special character meet-and-greets that make each weekend race genuinely unforgettable! So lace up those sneakers and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at one of the world’s most beloved destinations: Walt Disney World.

While there have been many runDisney events over the years, like Expedition Everest 5K and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10 Miler, there are 4 confirmed runDisney weekend events happening in 2023 that you won’t want to miss! Here’s what we’ll cover in this ultimate Disney World marathon guide (including videos from previous years): 

Disney World Marathon Weekend

The Disney World Marathon Weekend is a must-do event for Disney and running fans alike! Held every January at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, this annual event brings together thousands of runners from around the world to take part in Disney’s premier endurance event weekend experience! From 5Ks to full marathons, as well as virtual events and special character meet-and-greets, this runDisney event is one of the most popular and offers something for everyone — no matter your skill level or interest!

You’ll have your pick between the following races during the weekend-long event: Walt Disney World 5K, Walt Disney World 10K, Walt Disney World Half Marathon, and Walt Disney World Marathon! For those looking to participate in multiple events, you’ll want to check out Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge (Half-Marathon and Marathon), and the Dopey Challenge (all four races totaling 48.6 miles)! Here are all of the details we know so far:

Race dates: January 4-8, 2023

Availability: Currently all in-person races are sold out.

Registration: Registration opened for Club runDisney Members on April 12, 2022 and general registration opened on April 19, 2022. General registration for Virtual Races opened on April 22, 2022.

Expo Hours: All runners are invited to attend the pre-race Expo in order to pick up their race bib, shirt, and any other pre-purchased merchandise. Please note you must attend the Expo at least one day prior to your race. Hours of operation are as follows:

  • Wednesday, January 4, 2023 from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday, January 5, 2023 from Noon to 7:00 PM
  • Friday, January 6, 2023 from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday, January 7, 2023 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

Are you ready for the Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend? Celebrating it’s 15th anniversary, this runDisney event is more than just another race — it’s an enchanting experience celebrating courage, strength, and confidence in female athletes from around the world! Perfect for runners of all ages and skill levels, this extraordinary Disney experience offers a variety of races, from a 5K to a full 26.2 mile marathon course.

Whether you’re working towards achieving your running goals or simply looking for something fun to do, Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend has something for everyone. Races offered this year include a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Disney Fairy Tale Challenge (10K and Half Marathon)! The Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga event will also be back again this year and will take place in front of the iconic Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom theme park.

Race dates: February 23-26, 2023

Availability: Currently all in-person races are sold out.

Registration: Registration opened for Club runDisney Members on June 14, 2022 and general registration opened on June 21, 2022. General registration for Virtual Races opened on June 24, 2022.

Expo Hours: All runners are invited to attend the pre-race Expo in order to pick up their race bib, shirt, and any other pre-purchased merchandise. Please note you must attend the Expo at least one day prior to your race. Hours of operation are as follows:

  • Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday, February 24, 2023 from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

RunDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

RunDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend is a Disney event that won’t soon be forgotten! On April 13-16, 2023, Disney World in Orlando, Florida will host this special occasion for Disney fans of all ages. This year’s courses and Springtime Surprise Yoga are inspired by some of Disney Pixar’s greatest movies and will take place in the Hollywood Studios theme park. There’ll be a Disney Pixar Cars 5K, Disney Pixar Monsters 10K, and the Disney Pixar Toy Story 10-Miler. And, the runDisney Springtime Surprise Challenge will include all 3 events for a total of 19.3 magical miles!

The Disney Pixar Cars 5K is geared toward the younger fans out there who want to experience Disney magic up close! The 3.1-mile course will take you through Radiator Springs and other memorable locations from the movie. You’ll have the chance to spot some of your favorite characters, like Lightning McQueen and Mater, as you make your way through this exciting race!

The Disney Pixar Monsters 10K takes participants on an adventure through Monstropolis, where they’ll come face to face with Mike Wazowski, Sulley and their hilarious friends from Monster’s University. Runners will dash past iconic locations, including Oozma Kappa Fraternity House, and get to see a few surprises along the way through the 6.2-mile course!

Experience Disney magic in its full glory with the Disney Pixar Toy Story 10-Miler! This race is perfect for older fans as it takes you on an exciting journey reminiscent of Andy’s room from Toy Story. Look out for Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and Woody as you run past Andy’s house and Pizza Planet on your way to finish line glory! Participants can choose between running or walking this 10-mile course, making it suitable for all levels of fitness enthusiasts.

Race dates: April 13-16, 2023

Availability: A few of the in-person races are still available at the time of writing. Head to runDisney’s website for current information.

Registration: Registration opened for Club runDisney Members on August 16, 2022 and general registration opened on August 23, 2022. General registration for Virtual Races opened on August 26, 2022.

Expo Hours: All runners are invited to attend the pre-race Expo in order to pick up their race bib, shirt, and any other pre-purchased merchandise. Please note you must attend the Expo at least one day prior to your race. Hours of operation are as follows:

  • Thursday, April 13, 2023 from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday, April 14, 2023 from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Disney World Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

The Disney World Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend is an exciting event to look forward to every year! The race takes place during Disney’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and gives runners a unique chance to explore the incredible stories, music, and delicious food from around the world. You’ll get an opportunity see all of Disney’s international pavilions come alive as you make your way around World Showcase.

If like in years past, this event will feature lots of character stops along the course with Disney friends cheering you on as you take in some of Disney’s most iconic attractions. Runners will be able to kick back and relax at the finish line party where they can enjoy delicious food and drinks from some of Disney’s top chefs. A perfect way to end your half marathon journey! As if running through Disney isn’t enough, each finisher will receive a special medal commemorating their achievement. It also includes access to select merchandise discounts and exclusive events throughout the weekend.

Race dates: November 2-5, 2023

Availability: N/A

Registration: Registration dates have not been announced

Expo Hours: Expo dates have not been announced

Upcoming Disney Marathon Races

Looking into the Future: 2024 Marathon Dates

While we’re still waiting on some details for the race events at Disney World in 2023, the dates for the 2024 runDisney events have been announced:

  • Disney World Marathon Weekend: January 3-7, 2024
  • Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend: February 22-25, 2024
  • runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend: April 18-21, 2024
  • Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend: N/A

runDisney Race Registration Tips & Tricks

Registering for runDisney events is easy! All you have to do is go online to register on their official website for any of the runDisney races. You’ll need your name, address, email address and credit card information if paying by credit card. Once registered, all participants will receive a confirmation email with further instructions on how to pick up their race packet which includes bib number as well as other important information about the event itself such as start times and locations of water stops along the course.

Here are a few additional things to keep in mind when registering:

  • The races do tend to sell out quickly, so we recommend registering as early as possible if you’re thinking about attending
  • Registration fees typically include a shirt, a uniquely-themed medal, and a race bib
  • All times are listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST)
  • Make sure to read all of the fine print — for instance, registration cannot be transferred between individuals or events that are sold out
Vacation Rental Near Disney with Game Room and Private Pool

Plan Your Stay Near Disney World Now

Disney World is the perfect destination for runners looking to combine their love of Disney and running into one magical experience. For those attending a runDisney event, such as the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend or Disney World Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, staying at a vacation rental near Disney World can make your race even more memorable.

With spacious accommodations, convenient access to all the theme parks, and often better amenities than hotels in Orlando offer — renting a vacation home near Disney World provides an ideal base for exploring all that Central Florida has to offer while taking part in these fantastic events! So if you’re looking for a truly magical way to enjoy your runDisney experience this year, consider booking your stay at a vacation rental today!

Start by browsing through over 100 rentals on our website or choose from the VillaKey curated collections below:

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