Update on RunDisney’s 2021 WDW Marathon & Princess Half Marathon Weekends

Sad news from RunDisney.com today, they have announced that the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon and Princess Half Marathon Weekends are going virtual.

This November’s Wine and Dine was already converted to a virtual race with options for anyone who’s already paid to participate to either cancel or go virtual. Participants for WDW Marathon Weekend and Princess Half Weekend will have a similar option and should receive emails this week.

We have the official announcement from RunDisney.com:

“During this unusual time, race organizers around the world continue to pause on hosting in-person race events that draw large crowds. As we look at the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, we will convert both of these races to virtual events, similar to our offering for the 2020 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend.

While we share our Guests’ disappointment that we will not be running together in person, we have based this decision on the unique circumstances of hosting a road race experience on this scale under the current environment.

Participants who registered through runDisney.com will have the option of receiving a full refund for the race. Those who are registered with a U.S. mailing address may convert their existing registration to the new virtual event that can be completed from home, a local running track or favorite running trail.

Eligible runners who participate in the virtual race will receive a medal for each distance they complete and the option of a race shirt, in addition to the satisfaction of completing the race they’ve trained for. Registered participants will receive an email beginning September 23 with instructions on how to make their registration selection before October 7, 2020.

For those who would still like to register for the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend virtual events, we will open additional registration opportunities on a limited basis on Thursday, September 24 at 10 a.m. Eastern time. These race events may be completed from home, a local running track or favorite running trail.

Participants who’ve booked through a charity or tour operator should reach out directly to that organization. Athletes who’ve booked through the Walt Disney Travel Company may call them at 407-939-4786 (407-939-IRUN) for available options.

2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Refund Option

Runners registered for the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort who select the refund option will receive a refund back to their original form of payment for the following. If a Guest no longer has their original form of payment used when registering, they may contact runDisney by October 7, 2021 to receive a refund via check or a Digital Disney Gift Card for the following:

• Race registrations (Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Challenges and Kids Races)
• Commemorative merchandise (automatic refund – no virtual option)
• Processing fee

Additionally, any registered participant with a shipping address outside of the U.S. will automatically receive a refund back to their original form of payment. At this time, participants without a valid U.S. shipping address are not eligible for the virtual option.

Refund Timing:
Refunds from runDisney can be expected to be processed by mid-November 2020. If you haven’t received your refund by then, please visit the “contact us” section on runDisney.com.

2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Virtual Race Options
All registered participants with a valid U.S. shipping address for the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend or 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort who purchased their registrations on runDisney.com will have the option to participate in a virtual race. Please note PO Boxes and APO Boxes are not considered valid shipping addresses for this purpose. Participants who select this option will receive the following based on their registration(s):

• Race distance medal(s)
• Option of event tech shirt(s)
• Digital Bib and finisher certificate
• Digital Toolkit including start/finish line and mile markers
• Digital Goody Bag
• Virtual playlist
• A Digital Disney Gift Card for select races

Guests with a U.S. mailing address who already have received a refund for their registration may still register to participate in the virtual race option by registering at runDisney.com beginning September 24, 2020 at 10 a.m. Eastern time.

Digital Disney Gift Cards for Select Races:
Eligible athletes registered for select events during the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend or 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort will receive a Digital Disney Gift Card:

• Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Challenge

Digital Disney Gift Card Timing:
Digital Disney Gift Cards from runDisney can be expected to be processed by mid-November 2020. If you haven’t received your Digital Disney Gift Card by then, please visit the “contact us” section on runDisney.com.

Charitable Donations:
Donations made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals will not be refunded and will be delivered to those organizations as originally planned.

Castaway Cay Challenge:
The 2021 Castaway Cay Challenge will transition to a virtual event. However, the January 11, 2021 Disney Dream cruise is currently still scheduled to sail. If you need to make adjustments to your sailing, please contact Disney Cruise Line at 1-800-951-3532 or your Travel Professional.

Club runDisney Charter Membership:
Guests who purchased the inaugural year of the Club runDisney membership will receive a second year of membership at no charge.

Future Races:
We’re looking at every aspect of the runDisney experience and making decisions with the safety and well-being of our athletes, volunteers, Cast Members and Guests at the forefront of our planning. At this time, we have no updates regarding future runDisney events. We thank you for your continued patience and understanding.”

 

While we are disappointed to hear that two more race weekends will not be held in the parks next year, we can only hope that races will return one day. As always, we will keep you up to date with all the news from Walt Disney World and the other Disney parks!