Ahoy, Lori!
I'm always happy to answer questions about my favorite place in the world - Disney's private island,
Castaway Cay. Not only is it beautiful, but you're provided with delicious lunch, fun activities and excellent customer service when you're a guest on the island. It's a little slice of paradise!
At this time, Disney Cruise Line offers the Castaway Cay 5K on itineraries that feature a stop at Castaway Cay. (On double-dip itineraries, which visit the island twice, the 5K is only offered once). The run, which takes guests on a 3.1-mile jaunt around the island, has become very popular! Participants receive race bibs, and a lovely newly-designed runDisney rubber medal at the finish. The event is free - you'll just need to sign up once you're onboard the ship. (Please note - activities offered are always subject to change).
Each day, you'll receive a Personal Navigator - a detailed daily schedule of all the fun activities happening during your sailing. If the 5K is going to take place, it will be listed in your Navigator with times and locations to meet and sign up for the race. You'll most likely see the race listed the night before you arrive at the island.
Make sure to stop by the shops on the island to pick up your Castaway Cay 5K t-shirt after you finish! On my last cruise, they had a nice variety of t-shirts and tech shirts to choose from.
You'll want to check with the cast members onboard to make sure Scuttle's Cove will be open before the race begins. They'll know exactly what time the runners will disembark, and will be able to give you suggestions regarding your child care options. Sometimes the race start time can vary, so I'm not able to give you a concrete answer. I hope it works out for you!
I hope this helps with your planning! Happy cruising and happy running! - Diane W.