Dale with Runners; Fable Runner; RunDisney
  • On Dec 27, 2025
    Theresa from NJ Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    So if I want to do the Dopey challenge for 2027 and it happens on 7-12 and my birthday is on the 16 of January and that’s when I turn 18. Will I still be able to run it?

    Hiya, Theresa! Welcome to planDisney!

    As a fellow runner, I understand the excitement of planning a future event. Disney and running? Yes, please!

    I am happy to help answer your question regarding the 2027 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, taking place January 6 – 10.

    The age eligibility requirements for each race are listed on the runDisney website. As of this writing, the policies are as follows:

    - Participants for the 5K distance must be at least 5 years of age on race day and must be able to complete the 5K on their own. Children under age 14 must be accompanied by a registered Guest who is 14 years of age or older.
    - Participants for the 10K distance must be 10 years of age or older. Children under age 14 must be accompanied by a registered Guest who is 14 years of age or older.
    - Participants for a half marathon must be 14 years of age or older.
    - Participants for a marathon must be 18 years of age or older.
    - Participants for the Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge and Dopey Challenge must be 18 years of age or older.

    Since you will be 17 years old during the 2027 Marathon Weekend, this rules out the Dopey Challenge for 2027. However, the good news is you will absolutely be able to participate in the 5K, 10K, and half marathon events!

    Please note that registration for the 2027 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend opens to Club runDisney members on March 10, 2026, and to the general public on March 17, 2026. Registration for each event is very competitive, and booking as soon as you’re eligible is key to securing your spot!

    Currently, general registration opens at 10 AM ET. It’s best practice to be on the runDisney website and logged into your runDisney account a few minutes before the hour. When registration opens, you’ll be placed in a virtual queue until it’s your turn to book! This was my experience registering for 2026 events back in early 2025, however, the registration procedures are subject to change for 2027 events. Be sure to check back with the runDisney Blog and the Disney Parks Blog for the latest updates!

    I hope this answers your question, Theresa. I wish you the best of luck in registering for your race!

    If you have any other questions as you plan your trip, come back and see us here at planDisney!

    Happy running!

    Olivier
thumbnail image for Olivier

Meet the Panelist: Olivier, Saskatchewan

Hiya Pals! I am Olivier from Saskatchewan, Canada. I am a husband, father of two little Imagineers, and a Mountie! For our family, nothing compares to the joy we feel when we are at The Most Magical Place on Earth. The sights, the sounds, the smells, every detail adds to the enchantment that makes Walt Disney World feel like home. We’ve created so many lasting memories on our Disney vacations, and I can’t wait to help you plan magical adventures of your own, in English or en français! Learn More About Olivier

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