runDisney races are hugely popular and a lot of fun. If you like destination races, being surrounded by runners in costumes, or adding a race to your vacation, I highly recommend running one. There are four race events throughout the year at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. I live with a Disney World fan (he’s been there about ten times) and I love destination races, so runDisney events offer something we can both enjoy.
I’ve run two races at Disney World in Orlando – the Princess Half Marathon in February, and the Wine & Dine Half Marathon in November. While these races are exciting and entertaining, they are very popular and there is some planning involved. Here are my ten tips for running a runDisney race, from clicking “Register” to crossing the finish line:
1. Registration – It usually opens about six months before the race date. runDisney races typically sell out quickly, so be prepared to sign up the minute it opens. I’m not kidding! If registration opens at mid-morning on a weekday, this could mean booking a “meeting” so you can register at your desk or in a meeting space. If you work shifts or aren’t near a computer, you could ask a friend or family member who is available to register you.
2. Proof of time for a race corral – With 15,000 to 25,000 runners at each race, runDisney races have numerous starting corrals, organized alphabetically. When I ran the Princess Half Marathon in 2014, the corrals went from letters A to M. To be closer to the start line, you can submit proof of finish time from a race in the previous 18 months. Otherwise, they place you in the corrals at the back. With about five minutes between each corral send-off, this could mean waiting for up to an hour before starting your race. I highly recommend submitting proof of time if you can – whatever your pace, it will help boost your corral placement.
3. Hotel – I recommend staying at a hotel on Disney property. There are tons of hotels to choose from at various price points. Disney hotels will have shuttle buses that transport you to and from the race expo, the race start, and the finish line. Unless you are planning to rent a car, this removes the stress of getting around during race weekend.
4. Travel – Arrive in Orlando at least two days before the race, if possible. Depending on where you’re travelling from, you could be dealing with long flights, layovers, or a time change. Give yourself a day or two to rest, unpack and get settled. You also greatly reduce the risk of missing the expo (or even the race!) due to unforeseen travel delays.
5. Packing – Pack what you need for the race in your carry-on bag, in case there are any issues with your checked baggage. This includes your running shoes, clothing or costume, fuel such as gels or electrolytes, and gear such as your hat, sunglasses, or watch. If it won’t fit in your carry-on, then wear it! When I travelled to the Princess Half Marathon, I bought a plastic garment bag from the dollar store to transport my glitter-shedding tutu.
6. Arrival – After you arrive, as difficult as this might be, do not spend hours walking around the Disney World parks. Your legs will tire out and you will feel it during the race. If you’re travelling with family or friends who are not participating in the race, encourage them to go shopping or check out other Disney hotels, so you relax by the pool. Save the celebrating and park-hopping for after the race.
7. Race expo – The runDisney race expo usually takes place from Thursday to Saturday, if the race is on Sunday. There will be race bib and package pick up, runDisney merchandise, and plenty of vendor booths to check out. Depending on when you arrive, head to the expo on your first day in Orlando. Hop on the shuttle from your hotel and try to get there when the expo opens – you’ll beat the lines and save yourself from weaving in massive crowds. Plus, if you’re on the hunt for race keepsakes, there will be more to choose from!
8. Race morning – As I mentioned in my Princess Half Marathon race report, runDisney races start before the sun rises. Set multiple alarms – now is a good time to utilize the hotel’s wake-up call service. When I ran the Wine & Dine Half Marathon, I was woken up by the sweet voice of Baymax from Big Hero 6, which started my race day on a high note.
There will be multiple shuttles from your hotel to the race start, so don’t panic if there’s a line-up. As in most races with over 10,000 runners, it will be crowded on the course, at least for the first while. Just try to be patient, breathe, and alert other runners if you are passing. Along the course, runDisney races typically have tons of porta-potties, water stations, and of course, photo opportunities with Disney characters.
9. Finish line – After you cross, you will receive your medal, post-race food and proceed to the family meeting area. There are thousands of people milling about, so if your friends or family are meeting you at the race finish, pick a spot beforehand. There are large balloons with letters on them, so meet at the first letter of your last name. I know we all have cell phones to text, but it can be difficult to spot each other in a crowd of thousands – “I’m by the character meet and greet! Which one? Go left! No, your left!”
10. Celebrate! You have trained, travelled and traversed your runDisney race. Go for brunch, have a nap, jump in the pool, enjoy rides at the parks, wear your race medal, take selfies and smile!
Learn more about runDisney races and check out upcoming events at www.rundisney.com.
Run Revelry 