Hi Annie!
I'm glad you ran over to planDisney to chat about one of my favorite things. . .runDisney! Whether you're running your first or fiftieth runDisney race, every mile is truly magical when you're racing around the parks and getting to hang out with characters!
I first discovered the joy of runDisney races back in 2015 and over the years have seen events change from time to time which helps keep each race weekend fresh and exciting. For example,
yoga has been added to some race weekends allowing everyone to stretch out and find their center before lacing up those running shoes! In addition, the 2024 Springtime Surprise weekend features an
after-hours party at
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.
Annie, I think we'll have to wait a bit longer to see what specific plans are made for the
2025 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, but so far we know the race dates are January 8 - 12 and general registration opens April 9. Usually, the race expo is held at
ESPN Wide World of Sports and opens on Wednesday with the 5K taking place on Thursday, the 10K on Friday, the half-marathon on Saturday, and the marathon on Sunday. You'll want to make plans to visit the expo at least one day before your race to pick up your bib and race shirt. If you're staying in the
Disney Resorts Collection, all of your transportation to the expo and your race(s) will be provided!
In case you missed the
announcement, Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages are now available to book through October 31, 2025. runDisney weekends can be very busy, so you may want to consider making your plans now. Currently, you can book your
vacation package for just a $200 deposit (prices subject to change). While I haven't seen discounts for runners on park tickets or hotels in recent years, there are often discounts at shops and restaurants around
Disney Springs during race weekends when you show your bib and/or medal. Beyond the race weekend activities,
Disney After Hours events began in January this year during the week following Marathon Weekend. It's too early to tell if and when these popular special-ticketed evenings will return in 2025, but we can certainly wish upon a star!
Annie, for all of the latest announcements, I recommend following
runDisney on Instagram or your preferred social media platform. You'll want to pay attention to the time that race registrations go on sale as you get closer to that registration date. If you haven't registered for a runDisney race before, they often sell out very quickly. I always plan to be logged into the runDisney site and ready to register when it opens!
I hope this helps as you get ready to go the distance in the Walt Disney World Marathon! Please stop by to see me or any of my planDisney pals again if there are any other vacation planning questions we can answer!
See ya real soon,
Kristi