runDisney Events at Walt Disney World in 2022

Every year Walt Disney World hosts runners from all over the world that take part in runDisney events across Disney Parks. But you don’t have to be a champion runner to get in on the action. With runs for every level of runner, kids, and even virtual opportunities, here’s everything to know about runDisney in 2022.

runDisney Events Dates 2022

runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend | February 24- 27, 2022

Join the Disney Princesses in the runDisney Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World. Taking place during the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World you can count on even more magic across the parks. This race is open to princes and princesses everywhere! 

Race Events at the Wine and Dine Marathon: Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga, 5K, 10K, Half-Marathon, Fairytale Challenge, Post Race Party, and Virtual Races.

Registration Opens: 

• Club runDisney Gold and Platinum: August 17, 2021, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time
• General Public: August 24, 2021, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.

Ages: 5 and Up

Race Time: 5 AM Eastern Time

Location: Walt Disney World Resort

runDisney Springtime Surprise Marathon Weekend | March 31- April 3, 2022

This brand new runDisney event will debut in 2022, and promises a new theme every year! A wonderful way to keep up with the times, this new event has dates, but limited information. Check the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend for all the latest details! In 2022, this special weekend’s theme is Celebrates Yestermorrow. 

• Expedition Everest 5K (April 1, 2022) – The race will once again feature a nighttime 5K combined with a scavenger hunt, but this time the hunt will be conducted during the 5K.
• Race for the Taste 10K (April 2, 2022) – The event will mirror the 10K from the past, but now the race will celebrate the newest attraction at Walt Disney World Resort, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT.
• The Tower of Terror 10-Miler (April 3, 2022) – The race will still be a 10-miler, but will be run in the morning instead of at night.

Registration Opens: 

• Club runDisney Gold and Platinum: December 7, 2021, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time
• General Public: December 9, 2021, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.
• Virtual Registration: December 14, 2021 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.

Ages: 5 and Up

Race Time: 5 AM Eastern Time

Location: Walt Disney World Resort

runDisney Virtual Series – VIRTUAL | TBD 

If you can’t make it to Walt Disney world then a runDisney Virtual Series may be just your cup of tea! Check out what being part of the Summer runDisney Running Series is all about. 

runDisney Wine and Dine Marathon  | November 3 – 6, 2022

runDisney’s Wine and Dine Marathon typically takes place the first week in November and offers an opportunity to really dig into the fun a couple of weekends before the holidays hit. Stay tuned for dates, and themes. 

runDisney Events Dates 2023

Confirmed for 2023, runDisney has announced the major races early! Check out the dates below if you’re ready to get a head start on your training. 

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend | January 4 – 8, 2023

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend | February 23 – 26, 2023

runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend | April 13 – 16, 2023

runDisney Know Before you Go! 

While runDisney has released these dates, themes, and details, know that due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, they have also shared a disclosure, below. 

We may not be quite ready to bring back every element of a runDisney race weekend as COVID-19 guidelines may change before our return to in-person running. Please visit our runDisney Return to In-Person Running page for the latest information.

While across businesses and communities COVID-19 guidelines are trending in a direction that could allow for a more familiar runDisney race experience, during the race weekend we may implement health and safety measures, such as face coverings, physical distancing and other requirements, if they are deemed appropriate.

runDisney Registration Tips

If you’re hoping to snag a spot in any of these runDisney in-person marathons, be prepared for a virtual queue. Plan to have both your phone and computer or other devices available for registration. And if you’re trying to register for other people you’ll want a designated device for each person if possible. runDisney events tend to sell out fast so be prepared with your credit card already attached to your Disney account and your correct address on your account. This will save time during registration and will ensure you claim a spot. 

runDisney Marathon Registration

• Due to the high demand for runDisney events, you must register on runDisney to attend.
• Create a Disney account
• Check the runDisney website for the day your race is open for registration.
• Registration Opens at 10 am EST/ 7 am PST.
• Be sure to have all runners’ information if registering multiple people.
• Most races involve a Virtual Queue that will open at 9:30 am on the website.
• You’ll be placed in a “virtual waiting room” and when it’s your turn add the items to your cart and checkout.
• Registration for runDisney events often sells out in minutes! 

How to Register for a runDisney Marathon

Just like any event where there is a virtual queue it is best to know the Date of Registration and be Signed-In to your Disney Account ahead of time. This year’s runDisney Virtual Marathon features The Lion King. Registrations opens on April 8th at 10 AM EST. 

runDisney Family Events

If you think this event is just for experienced runners, think again! There’s something for all ages and even spectators get to be part of the action when they grab a ChEar package that gets them close to the finish line.

Kids Dashes

• 12 months and under – Diaper Dash for crawlers
• 1-4 years old – 100-Meter Dash
• 5-8 years old – 200-Meter Dash

One Mile Run

Children ages 4 to 13 years old

Walt Disney World 5K

5 years of age ( and must be able to complete the 5K on their own)

Walt Disney World 10K

10 years of age or older

Walt Disney World Half Marathon

14 years of age or older

Walt Disney World Marathon, Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge and Dopey Challenge

18 years and older

runDisney Marathon Changes

Runners attending events in 2021 will tackle courses inside Epcot and Blizzard Beach Water Park. This is a major change from previous years where much of the time was spent outside the parks and on roads. So we’re excited to see more in-park courses.

The Marathon starts a half-hour earlier this year, at 5:00 AM.

Runners will get access to a new outdoor exclusive area which includes a place to take photos, pick up gear, stretch, and recover.

Spectators can get closer to the finish line and action with a ChEAR Squad package. This package will offer access to the finish line and a prime viewing spot in Magic Kingdom.

runDisney Annual Races 

• Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend- First weekend in November
• Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon- January through March
• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend- Second weekend in January
• Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend- Third weekend in February
• Star Wars Rival Run Weekend- Third weekend in April
• runDisney Virtual Series- Summer

runDisney Training Programs

Are you a beginner runner, or just want a great training program? You can grab all of the runDisney Programs crafted by former Olympian and runDisney trainer Jeff Galloway to help get you in shape for your run. Grab the runDisney Training Programs for download.

runDisney Marathon Medals

One of the most exciting parts of a runDisney event is crossing the finish line and getting your official Disney Marathon Medal. 

runDisney Merchandise

You can grab special merchandise at shopDisney.com or at Disney Parks. But, if you want to get a little creative, you can also DIY your own gear courtesy of runDisney. Grab the tips and instructions to make your very own Hades “Feel the Burn” t-shirt so you can make sure you are dressed for your next runDisney event.

runDisney Virtual Marathons

Can’t make it to Walt Disney World during runDisney events? No worries! You can register for a Virtual Run, run on your own, track your time and collect your medal. It’s that simple, and a great way to get started! 2021 has one virtual event open for registration. Know that these do sell out, so grab your spot if interested.