Ahoy Stephane!
Welcome back to planDisney. I'm so excited to hear your very first cruise is just a short time away!
Disney Castaway Cay is one of my favorite places on earth, so you are in for a real treat!
In the past, the Castaway Cay 5k was a timed group event with a designated start time however, it's not being offered as a formal race event at this time. But have no fear! You'll still be able to run or walk the distance on your own, you just won't have to worry about beginning at a set time. In fact, you can complete the course at any time you wish while docked on the island. Just keep the weather and temperature in mind that day as the course is mostly un-shaded.
While there are no lockers available on the island, there used to be a large treasure chest-type bin where runners were welcome to leave their items. I just reached out to a
Disney Cruise Line Cast Member who mentioned that there may be cubbies there instead at this time. There are plenty of restrooms and some outdoor showers available on the island if you'd like to freshen up or change after completing the course. If you'd rather not leave your items in an unlocked area, you can also head off the ship with just your Key to the World card and then use the complimentary trams to quickly return to the ship to grab the rest of your items once you've completed the course.
I will admit we've left our kid's sand toys and a bag of items like sunscreen and books near some of the loungers along the beach while we've left to pick up lunch or a soft-serve ice cream cone mid-day, and we've always returned to our belongings exactly as we left them. Use your best discretion, although I would advise keeping any valuable items in your
Stateroom or in your possession while completing the course.
Towels for day use are provided as guests exit the ship so if you want to disembark, run, and then return to change into swimwear afterward, you can just grab some to use once you're ready for your remaining hours of fun on the island.
The 5k starting location is directly behind the Guest Information booth, by the bike rentals. A route map is provided on the Island, and the course is marked. Once you've completed the course head back over to Guest Information Booth to request a completion medal, subject to availability.
I have yet to run the path myself, but my family loves renting bikes and riding along the same route each time we visit. You'll travel down an airstrip and on paved paths through lush vegetation. You'll even loop around an observation tower which I recommend taking a few minutes to climb and enjoy the panoramic views! Keep an eye out for your beautiful ship docked in the distance.
While you're enjoying the rest of your day on Castaway Cay be sure to enjoy a delicious lunch from Cookie's BBQ near the Family Beach, or Cookie's Too BBQ near Serenity Bay, the adult-only beach. You'll also see servers walking all along the sandy shores if you'd like to order a celebratory cocktail or mocktail after your race. I think the piña coladas on Castaway Cay are some of the most delicious I've ever enjoyed!
Stephane, I'm wishing you a magical cruise and plenty of sun and fun on your voyage! Come back and "sea" us again with any more planning questions.
Anchors Aweigh!
Amy