This January, I participated in the 2026 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and completed the half marathon. Nothing compares to runDisney races. There are four runDisney race weekends each year: the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, and runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend. One of my personal goals is to complete every runDisney race weekend!
I chose the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend because of its theme, “What’s Your Story?” As both a book lover and a Disney lover, I couldn’t imagine a better fit. The half marathon theme celebrated romance book lovers and featured Donald and Daisy, which made the experience even more special. The atmosphere at runDisney races is truly unmatched. From character meet-and-greets to DJs and live bands lining the course, there is something magical waiting for you at every mile. I will never forget running down Main Street U.S.A., seeing Cinderella Castle glowing ahead, and spotting my family and friends cheering me on. It was an emotional moment that’s hard to put into words.
For this race weekend, we stayed at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and it exceeded every expectation. When I ran the Princess Half Marathon last year, we stayed at a different Disney resort, so trying Pop Century was a new experience for us. The cast members were incredibly supportive of all race participants. Transportation was seamless, with buses running efficiently to and from the expo and on race morning. After returning to the resort post-race, the staff greeted runners with cheers, congratulations, water, and snacks as soon as we stepped off the bus. I would highly recommend staying at Pop Century during a runDisney race weekend.
My biggest piece of advice for runDisney races is to enjoy every second. This is not the race to chase a personal record. Take in the characters, the DJs, the bands, and the energy of the crowd. The atmosphere is unlike any other race you will ever experience.
For spectators and families traveling with runners, the experience is just as special. Wake up early with your runner and plan where you want to see them along the course. Spectators can follow runners to the start line, then head to the monorail. From there, take the monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center and continue on to Magic Kingdom if your meetup spot is on Main Street U.S.A. A park ticket is not required for spectators to watch runners in the parks. Disney has cast members stationed everywhere to help families navigate, making it incredibly family-friendly. Even coffee shops and the Emporium are open early to keep spectators entertained while they wait. My family always texts me their exact location so I know where to look for them, and seeing familiar faces cheering me on gives me an incredible boost of adrenaline. After spotting your runner, head back to the monorail to make your way to EPCOT for the finish line.
Race weekends can be tough on your feet, but be sure to enjoy the parks as well. I like to visit the parks before race day but take it easy the night before. My family usually stays in the park until dinnertime, which gives me enough time afterward to rest, eat, and hydrate. That 3:00 a.m. alarm comes quickly! If possible, use race day as a park rest day. I personally need a solid breakfast and a nap before I’m ready to head back out.
RunDisney truly is for everyone. Whether this is your very first race or you’re a seasoned runner, it’s an experience every runner should have at least once. It’s a special way to bring family and friends together at Walt Disney World while accomplishing something amazing. If you’ve ever considered signing up for a runDisney race, I encourage you to take the leap—you won’t regret it. Planning your trip with a travel advisor can also help make the experience smoother and more magical by easing some of the stress during training season.
