Runner giving Donald Duck a High Five
  • On Apr 28, 2025
    Amy from WV Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    What parks will the Run Disney races be in January 2026?

    Hi Amy, and thanks for bringing your question to planDisney. I love running January runDisney races because it’s one of the only times of the year when you’re almost guaranteed the weather won’t be too hot.

    Racing through the theme parks is definitely the highlight of participating in a runDisney event! The course maps are usually released about two weeks before each race weekend. So I’d recommend keeping an eye on the runDisney Instagram account in mid to late December for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and early to mid-January for the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend.

    While the courses do change, they’re often similar from year to year. There are no guarantees, but we can take a peek at the 2025 course maps to see what parks the races might go through next year. It never hurts to dream!

    This year, the Walt Disney World 5k went through EPCOT (and covered an impressive amount of the park!), the 10k also looped through EPCOT and included a route around Crescent Lake (where you’ll find BoardWalk Inn, Beach Club Resort, and Yacht Club Resort), and the Half Marathon went through EPCOT and Magic Kingdom. Not all of the runDisney half marathons go through Magic Kingdom, so it’s always special to run a course that does. And then there’s the Marathon—the crown jewel of Disney races that goes through all four Disney World theme parks!

    In case you were also asking about the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend (which runs from January 29-February 1, 2026), the 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon all went through both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park this year.

    If you’re coming to Disney World for Marathon Weekend, I’d recommend making dining reservations as soon as your booking window opens—60 days in advance, or if you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, 60 days before check-in for your whole stay (up to a 10-night stay). Everyone loves a good post-race meal, so reservations for popular restaurants go quickly. I loved celebrating with my race buddies at ‘Ohana at the Polynesian and Wine Bar George and Homecomin’ at Disney Springs. Some Disney Springs restaurants and stores even have discounts for race participants. You’ll find more details in the Digital Expo & Event Guide that comes out around the same time the course maps are released.

    Remember, every mile is magic… even during those last winter long runs! If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to visit us again at planDisney.

    JoAnna
thumbnail image for JoAnna

Meet the Panelist: JoAnna, New York

Hi, friends! I’m JoAnna, an Imagineering nerd and dog mom from New York. I’ve traveled to all of the Disney parks around the globe, but Disney World will always be home.

Whether I’m navigating Rider Switch with my nephew or snacking around World Showcase with my friends, I love discovering what’s special about each of the different Disney destinations. I can’t wait to help plan your next adventure and get you on your way to making magical memories!
Learn More About JoAnna

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for Beginner’s Guide to runDisney | planDisney Podcast – Season 3 Episode 3

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.