2022 Walt Disney World Marathon & More In-Person runDisney Races Announced!

Some great news, as runDisney has announced the return of in person races, including the 2022 Walt Disney World Marathon for the 50th Anniversary! This post shares the announcement, plus details about what changes are in store, and more.

After a year of virtual races, runDisney is in the early planning stages to once again resume events at the Most Magical Place on Earth, just in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. This fall, runDisney is kicking off the 2021/2022 race season in person, beginning with Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend in November 2021!

Not all of the details are finalized, but runDisney will provide updates to participants leading up to race weekends. Their announcement indicates that they understand how much excitement, training, and time goes into planning and preparing to participate in runDisney events, and they greatly appreciate patience as in-person running returns to Walt Disney World Resort. For now, here are the top things to know as you prepare your next runDisney race…

Disney may not be quite ready to bring back every element of a runDisney race weekend as health safety guidelines may change before the return to in-person running. The latest updates will be provided on runDisney.com and the Digital Event Guide as race weekends draw nearer.

For example, the spectator experience continues to be evaluated. What’s allowed will be announced closer to the events. Additionally, runDisney Kids Adventures–a new Disney Kids experience–is currently in development and will replace the runDisney Kids Races. Please check back closer to the event for more details.

runDisney Health & Fitness Expo

  • Day-of-race bib pickup will not be available. Participants will need to pick up their race bib and participant shirt before the day of their race.
  • Check runDisney.com and the Digital Event Guide for more details on the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo closer to the event.

Event Arrival and Transportation

  • Check runDisney.com and the Digital Event Guide for more details on event arrival and transportation closer to the event.

Entertainment

  • runDisney races will continue to feature on-course entertainment for our participants, however this may look different than past races.

Now, let’s turn to the specific events that were announced by runDisney…

This year, some of your favorite villains are back for another wickedly delicious good time during the 2021 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. Only this time, you’ll experience the ghoulish fun at Walt Disney World Resort – right at the start of the World’s Most Magical Celebration!

This year’s menu will satisfy your cravings, whether it’s your first or 50th race. For those hungry for a little extra kick, there’s our Two Course Challenge that’s guaranteed to keep you running. Plus, you can keep things cookin’ at an after-hours Post-Race Party for runners and registered Guests!

Above is a look at the different race options and pricing during the 2021 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. The main 13.1 mile race will be held November 7, 2021 starting at 5:00 AM Eastern. Runners will enjoy sightings of fan-favorite Disney villains and characters throughout the course to cheer you on. Then, celebrate in style at an epic post-race party at Epcot!

For all 2021 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend events, Club runDisney Gold and Platinum Registration begins July 6, 2021 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. General Registration opens July 13, 2021 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. Registration fees vary based upon the date of purchase–prices go up starting August 10, 2021. Above prices do not include a 6.6% platform service fee.

Next up, the 2022 Walt Disney World Marathon, which will be held from January 5 to 9, 2022.

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort in style with Mickey and friends! Delight in an extraordinary race weekend–put your endurance through the paces, enjoy amazing entertainment and earn commemorative medals. Dare to test your limits? Try a multi-race challenge for the chance to earn even more medals. No matter your skill level, you’ll be a part of a uniquely Disney community of fun-spirited runners.

Above is pricing and events for the 2022 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

Club runDisney Gold & Platinum Registration Opens July 20, 2021 at 10 AM EST. General Registration for In-Person Races Opens July 27, 2021 at 10 AM EST. General Registration for Virtual Races Opens July 30, 2021 at 10 AM EST.

Following that, the 2022 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend will be held February 24 – 27, 2022.

Taking place during the magic of the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary celebration, the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend features events for all skill levels, coveted regal medals and Disney entertainment. Be inspired by some of your favorite Disney heroes to new heights of courage and kindness that propel you triumphantly to the finish line that ends with happily ever after!

Above is pricing and events for the 2022 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend.

Club runDisney Gold & Platinum Registration Opens August 17, 2021 at 10 AM EST. Registration for In-Person Races Opens August 24, 2021 at 10 AM EST. Registration for Virtual Races Opens August 27, 2021 at 10 AM EST.

Finally, the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend will occur March 31 to April 3, 2022.

If you’ve been looking for a new and exciting event, the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort is for you–it’s a completely different experience every year. You never know what to expect, except that it’s going to be fun and distinctively runDisney. More information about the 2022 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend event is coming soon.


All of these runDisney event listings include a disclaimer that Disney “may not be quite ready to bring back every element of a runDisney race weekend as COVID-19 guidelines may change before our return to in-person running.”

“While across businesses and communities COVID-19 guidelines are trending in a direction that could allow for a more familiar runDisney race experience, during the race weekend we may implement health and safety measures, such as face coverings, physical distancing and other requirements, if they are deemed appropriate.” This is simply CYA language since these races are so far in the future, and there’s always a remote possibility things will change for the worse between now and then, and rules might be reimplemented.

Longtime readers of the blog know that I think running is for chumps…but I am a chump. I went through a “runDisney phase,” doing a ton of events for a few years before becoming burned out. (I even created my own “patented” and highly effective guide to training for runDisney events!)

It didn’t help that runDisney prices continued to increase while on-course entertainment decreased, and the number of runners seemingly also increased. Consequently, I haven’t done a runDisney event in the last ~4 years.

Well, I guess “absence makes the heart grow fonder,” as I am incredibly excited by this runDisney news. More excited than I expect to be, in fact. I will absolutely register for the 2022 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend events, assuming they don’t sell out before I get the chance.

Suffice to say, I am really looking for the 2022 Walt Disney World Marathon. A big part of that is because it’s Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. I’m excited about pretty much anything surrounding that event, which I’ve been anxiously awaiting for years. Plus, the runDisney merchandise team always delivers during celebratory years. (I still treasure my Disneyland 60th Anniversary race shirts and medals!) Anyway, I’m hyped and hope other runners are as well. I’ll cut this short here, as I’m trying to suppress further elation because I’m worried about getting shut out of the 2022 Walt Disney World Marathon (cursed pent-up demand!), and don’t want to have my excitement dashed.

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

YOUR THOUGHTS

Excited about the return of in person runDisney races? Planning on doing 2022 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, the 2021 Wine & Dine Half Marathon, 2022 Disney Princess Half Marathon, or the 2022 Springtime event? Does the return of runDisney this year surprise you, or did you see it coming? Planning on doing any of the virtual races? Do you agree or disagree with our commentary? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

14 Responses to “2022 Walt Disney World Marathon & More In-Person runDisney Races Announced!”
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