Hi Shelby!
Welcome to planDisney! Oh boy was I excited to read your question because I love all things
runDisney! It is so exciting that you are planning to run a 5K at Walt Disney World Resort in 2024, so let’s talk about your options.
Usually the runDisney 5K course travels from the EPCOT parking lot, into EPCOT and finishes in the parking lot. Courses are subject to change for each race weekend. While you're in EPCOT there are character stops,
PhotoPass photographers, and other entertainment. During the Disney Wine and Dine 5K in 2023, I had to stop and take in the pure joy I felt seeing the World Showcase countries lit up with sparkling lights, hearing the music, and knowing I was in the park at a time that most people aren’t!
The
2023-2024 runDisney race season will begin with the 2023 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend on November 2 - 5, 2023. Race themes haven’t been announced yet, however race registration opens on March 21, 2023, so I hope they will be announced soon. Wine & Dine weekend takes place during the
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. As you register for your race, you’ll have the opportunity to also purchase a ticket for a
post-race party at EPCOT.
January 3 - 7, 2024, you can participate in the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. This is the only weekend that offers a full marathon course. Themes usually center around Pluto, Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Daisy, Goofy, and Dopey. However, these characters can also change. This race weekend registration will begin April 11, 2023.
Next is the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, set for February 22 - 25, 2024. This weekend is centered around the princesses we know and love. The princess themes for the individual races change each year. The registration for the February 2024 race will open on June 20, 2023.
The final race weekend is the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend, which will take place April 18 - 21, 2024. This weekend’s themes have changed every year. This year’s 5K race will be Disney Pixar Cars themed. In 2022, it was the Expedition Everest 5K and the race took place in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The 2024 race registration opens on August 22, 2023.
If this race schedule doesn’t work out for you, that’s ok! Each of these race weekends offers a
virtual option, which allows you to complete the race at home and still receive a medal and race shirt! From June through August 2023, there is a Virtual Series option. We use this series as a fun family activity while my kids are on summer break. Registration for this series opens April 25, 2023. I also suggest checking out the
training plans on the runDisney website. They’re a great guide to have as you train. You can follow
Disney Parks Blog for future announcements including race themes, merchandise, and medal reveals.
I love talking about runDisney so if you have any future questions, runDisney or Walt Disney World Resort, please
visit me again at planDisney!
Every mile is magic,
Kaitlin