RunDisney- A Disney Nerd Perspective
I never considered myself a runner. I still don’t. But nothing gets you hooked into races more than two words: Run Disney!
In 1994, Walt Disney World held their first race and it’s grown bigger and bigger ever since. Personally, I’ve only been doing races since 2015 but I don’t know if I’ll ever want to stop! It all began with a friend suggesting we do a race. This discussion with friends and family and even with yourself begins months before the race even begins. You have to consider the time, dedication, and money involved and decide if it’s right for you. I knew that I could not do a half marathon so I opted for a 5k. I figured this was the best way to see if I liked it. My friend and I jumped online on the day of registration to sign up. This is a big tip because these races do sell out. We got in and registered for the races and we locked in. One thing I always tell people to keep in mind is that a RunDisney race is non-refundable. Once you register, you can not get your money back and that also do not allow you to have someone else use your registration in your place. But unless something major happens in life, you should be all set for your race.
Once you’ve registered for the race, the next planning is just like a normal Disney vacation.
Booking hotels, flights, tickets, dining reservations, etc. Just like a traditional Disney vacation, you have to decide if you should stay on property or not. In addition to the regular perks of staying on property (Extra Magic Hours, use of Disney transportation, etc) there is an extra perk. Disney has transportation services like the buses or monorails available to take guests to the races and the Health & Wellness Expo. The races are very early in the morning so you might prefer to use Disney transportation so you don’t have to drive. Just keep in mind that you have to make sure you have enough time to catch the Disney transportation and get to the race. I always tell people not to forget to check the event guide which will recommend how much time you should allow yourself to get to the race by Disney transportation. But if you don’t want to drive yourself to these events then this gives you another reason to stay on property.
Did someone say party?
In addition to registering for the race, some race weekends have post-race parties or dinners. These are events that are an additional cost but a lot of fun if you choose to do it. Personally, I’ve done the pasta party during the Princess Race weekend. This event is a blast! Lots of food, a DJ, view of IlluimiNations, and photo opps with characters! Unfortunately, this part is no longer being offered but I hope they bring it back. Another post party I’ve done if during the Wine and Dine races. This is a party in Epcot. The park closes early and only guests with tickets to the party get to stay in the park from 10pm-1am! Wine and Dine happen during Food and Wine which means the most booths are open during the party. There’s also a DJ in Epcot and some character photo opps! I recommend taking advantage of this party if you go during this race weekend.
When you arrive at Walt Disney World during your race weekend.
Your first official stop for the race is at the Health & Wellness Expo at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. I love the expo! Every racer has to go there at least once to pick up their race packet. Your race packet includes your race bib (has your race number and you wear it on you during your race), your t-shirt, and any race merchandise you might have pre-ordered (pins, shirts, jackets, etc). I usually accomplish this first and then I wander around the expo. The expo has two parts. There’s the race shop which has all the merchandise for the race and RunDisney. It’s always great to get a souvenir there and there’s plenty of options to choose from! The other side is all the vendors and some sponsors booths. You can check all kinds of race products there and there’s always something to purchase if you’d like. There’s also talks and seminars for the race too which will give you tips and tricks to help your race be better. You are missing out if you don’t take a look at everything the expo has to offer and it’s open during the entire race weekend.
Don’t Be Late For The Race!
Once you’ve picked up your race packet and explored the expo, the next thing you have to do during race weekend is, make it to your race. This might seem like an easy task but it’s not always the case. The races usually begin around 5-5:30am and you have to be there at least an hour before the race starts but you always want to check the race guide you receive just to be sure. You have to take this into consideration when it comes to your transportation. If you are staying on property and you’re using the Disney transportation then you must leave earlier than that because you have to consider waiting for the bus or monorail or whatever is taking you to the race. If you are staying off property then you have to factor in the drive time to the park and the line to get into the park. The last race I did, I stayed off property and there were big lines to get into the Epcot parking lot where the race started.
You Made It To The Race!
Once you’ve arrived at the race, you go to your corral which is the group of fellow racers you start the race with. You will know what corral you are in based on the letter on your race bib. Also, if you bring something with you that you do not want to carry with you during the race then there is a bag check. Bag check is a place to drop your bag which has to be a clear bag. Preferably, one of the plastic drawstring bags you are given at the expo when you pick up your packet. Personally, I carry as little as possible to the race. I have an armband to hold my phone, an ID, and maybe some money. I do this so I don’t have to worry about getting my bag after a race. I recommend this because I’ve seen people have to wait for their bags after a race so by not checking a bag you save time to get back to your room after the race to relax and shower before your day in the parks. Keep in mind, the races are happening before the parks open typically so running a race doesn’t affect your park time. Unless you’re in need of a nap, of course.
You’re Running THROUGH The Parks!
But I haven’t even gotten to one of the best parts of the races. You are running in the parks and you get to get your photo taken with characters! Yes, there are characters on the race course! Throughout the race, off to the side of the track are characters that you can stop and take your picture with. There are Disney photopass photographers there so don’t worry, you’ll have access to your photos even if you don’t take your phone or a camera with you. In fact, there are photopass photographers through the race course too! You’ll be able to access your race photos the same place you can access your normal photopass park photos! But back the characters, the characters on the course are usually themed with whatever race you’re doing. For example, if you’re doing the Star Wars race then you’ll see characters from the Star Wars films. You’re also running through the parks when they’re closed! I’ve seen the sunrise over World Showcase Lagoon and it’s a beautiful sight! It’s a completely different experience to see the parks before guests arrive. Even if you’re there with thousands of other runners.
Do you have to be a runner to do a race?
I often get asked about Run Disney races and I usually get the same question asked every time. The answer is No. I do the 5ks and I’m not a skilled runner. Now don’t get me wrong, you do not want to casually stroll through these races. The 10k, half marathon, and marathon races are timed races. What does that mean? It means that racers are expected to do an average of 16 minutes per mile. If you are unable to do that or don’t think you can train enough before the race to get to that point then you might want to wait until you can. Even though the races begin before the parks open, the longer races have parts outside of the parks. I’ve done a 10k one year and there were times I was running on the roads between the parks which were blocked off for the race that morning. Disney can’t keep those roads blocked off all day so they have the pacing guideline of 16 minutes per mile so all the racers can finish the race in a timely manner.
Still wondering why you should do a race at Disney?
It doesn’t matter if you are the fastest runner or not, any Disney fan will love a RunDisney race. I don’t think I can put into words properly how much fun these races are. Also, you walk away with great memories and a nice piece of bling! Yes, you get a medal for your race! It’s a great souvenir to display at home and remember the great weekend you had at the race. It also is a great reminder that you want more medals and you want to do another RunDisney race!
Have more questions about RunDisney races? Then check out their website here. Also, please feel free to join our RunDisney Disney Nerds facebook group! We’ll keep you informed on registration days, get you excited for your race, help keep you motivated while you train, and more!
Need help booking your RunDisney trip? Then look no further than Once Upon A Time Travel! They are the official travel agent of The Disney Nerds Podcast! Also, they’re fee-free so it doesn’t cost anything extra for their expert advice!
