Hello there, Mariah, and welcome to planDisney!
I love that you’re interested in participating in an upcoming runDisney race. As a person who wasn’t necessarily athletic growing up, I was shocked at how much I am obsessed with the runDisney experience. Once you participate in one race (either virtual or in-person), you will be hooked. And have you seen those beautiful medals? I can’t wait to add another one to my collection very soon!
So, let’s get down to business. First, head over to the official
runDisney website. At the very top of the site, you’ll see a blue banner that lists all of the upcoming races. For example, you’ll see that the
2027 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (which includes the infamous Dopey Challenge) has a sign-up date that is coming up on March 17, 2026. Take note of any of the races that look interesting to you, and put the registration date on your calendar. You don’t want to delay signing up because the registration slots go pretty fast on Day 1. And once it’s your turn to enter the website from the queue, be prepared with your personal information, know which race distances you’d like to do, your preferred t-shirt size, and a payment method.
Speaking of signing up: You’ll want to log in to your runDisney account 10-20 minutes before registration opens around 10 a.m. Eastern Time. For the last sign-up (the
2026 Wine & Dine), I noticed that it didn’t matter how early you signed in because it randomized you into the queue at opening time. However, I don’t think it ever hurts to be signed in and ready to go just in case.
The
virtual races tend to have longer sign-up availability because they are completed in your own hometown (or wherever your heart desires) instead of on Disney property with other runners. I’ve yet to do a virtual race, but the very real medals are mailed directly to your home and you can complete the race’s miles at your own pace.
Mariah, I hope that this answer helps you with your race planning. If you have any questions before, during, or even after your next Disney World vacation, please
ask them here at planDisney. Good luck with your registrations!
Magic always,
LeAndra