Top 10 Reasons to runDisney
Wondering if runDisney events are worth it? Here are my top 10 reasons why doing the marathons at Walt Disney World or Disneyland are worth the time, money, and training, even if you are not (currently) an avid runner. I know I used to wonder this myself, so hopefully my reasons resonate with those of you non-believers.
I used to be a non-believer. Before the first time I did a runDisney event–the Tower of Terror 10-Miler a few years back–I often laughed at the entry fees and wondered why anyone would “pay Disney to allow them to run.” As are many others, I was incredulous of runDisney, writing it off as not being for me without even giving it a chance.
When I finally did run that Tower of Terror 10-miler, which I signed up for out of a sense of curiosity and so I could write intelligently about runDisney events, I realized my uninformed opinion–like so many of my opinions–was wrong. While I had fun with that, it wasn’t until this year’s Walt Disney World Marathon that I became hooked on runDisney events.
Now, I’m still not as hopelessly addicted as some of the “true crazies” who run 3+ runDisney events per year ;), but I have a better understanding of why runDisney has such a loyal, cult-like following. Here are my top 10 reasons why I runDisney–and why you should consider it, too…
10. Excuse to Visit
There comes a time in the life of every child-less adult where their friends and colleagues begin to whisper, wondering if something is wrong. Well, at least every child-less adult who visits Walt Disney World multiple times per year. Not that the opinions of others who don’t “get” Disney matter, but running a marathon is a totally plausible “adult” excuse for a trip.
More importantly, since those opinions of others really don’t matter, it’s the perfect way to justify it to yourself. Yeah, maybe you do already have two trips to Walt Disney World planned for a given calendar year…but you have to make a quick weekend jaunt to California because you need that Coast-to-Coast medal. Just like purchasing an Annual Pass is an enabler of more Disney trips, so too are runDisney events an enabler. That’s either a good or bad thing, depending upon your perspective…
9. Anticipation
Planning for a Walt Disney World or Disneyland vacation can be about as much fun (or more fun if you read award-winning* blogs like this one! 😉 ) as the vacation itself. From figuring out where to dine and making reservations to booking FastPass+, there can be a lot of build-up and excitement before the trip.
This is doubly so when the trip includes a runDisney event, as you’re spending extra time at the gym or hitting the streets going on runs. If you’re anything like me, this time is spent thinking about the race, perhaps listening to Disney podcasts, and just generally getting hyped. It makes training a lot more interesting, and heightens the sense of anticipation for that next trip. In a way, this means you’re getting more entertainment value out of your runDisney entry fees…if you want to think about it that way.
8. Community
From running teams to blogs and podcasts to social media enclaves devoted to the topic of runDisney, there’s a tremendous sense of community among runDisney enthusiasts. While I will admit that I haven’t waded too far into these waters, I know they can be invaluable. And from what I can tell, this is an incredibly welcoming community. No one will judge you if you’re a linebacker-sized male who wears a Tinker Bell costume to the Princess Half–your running compadres will cheer you on no matter what.
As someone who has had great experiences and built some of my strongest friendships through the Disney photography community, I can say that sub-niches like this are a great place to meet others who share at least two similar interests (Disney and, in this case, running), and will be supportive and friendly.
7. Characters
I know several people who are rare character hunters (photo hunters…not the other type) who do runDisney races solely for the rare character opportunities. I mean, where else are you going to see Darkwing Duck?!
The downside to these is that they impact your time (if you care about that sort of thing), and the lines can get longer for later corrals. Because of this, a lot of runners end up skipping them, which is a big reason they are only #7 on this list, and not higher. Rest assured, though, if I see Darkwing Duck on the course, I’m waiting in any length of line for him, and I don’t care if that means I get swept!
6. In-Park Sunrise
One of the greatest motivations a lot of people have for attending the annual 24-hour days at Walt Disney World and Disneyland is being in the park for sunrise. It’s a special time of day to be in the park, period, and that is even more true if you’re running through the park. In the Walt Disney World Marathon, this stretch was basically an energy boost for me, and kept me going strong for several miles after exiting the Magic Kingdom at sunrise.
Even though sunset is basically the inverse of a sunrise, there’s still something very cool about watching dawn give way to the morning light; it’s like you’re waking up with the parks, and it’s a truly beautiful transition to experience. I know I’m not alone in this sentiment, because there are always plenty of other runners stopped dead in their tracks with their phones out, capturing the beautiful scene.
5. BLING!
The medals you receive at the finish line in a runDisney event are pretty cool, but you know what’s even cooler? Strutting around the parks wearing that bling. If you’ve ever wondered how Kramer felt walking the streets of New York in the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, I’m pretty sure you’ll have the answer when you wear your medals into the parks.
Not only is walking around the Magic Kingdom like a boss a great feeling, but wearing these medals makes for great photos in the parks, especially at character meet & greets. I’d also highly recommend wearing the medals to your place of work once you get home to show your athletic prowess to your coworkers, and to establish your authority (again, like a boss…Andy Samberg style).
4. Cronuts & Turkey Legs
Scientists these days seem to theorize that exercise is healthy for you. They also are saying calories actually do count on vacation! I don’t know about all that, but I do know that if this so-called “exercise” can help offset the copious amounts of cupcakes, cronuts, and fried meats I eat while at Walt Disney World or Disneyland, then that’s probably a good thing.
I’m only half-kidding. I really dislike exercise and eating healthy, but training for runDisney events is about as good of motivation as any for me to skip that trip to In-N-Out Burger or to spend a bit of time in the gym. This makes participation in runDisney events “good for me” in the long term, which is probably the objectively #1 reason for doing them.
3. Pixie Dust High
I cringed a little when I wrote those three words because that saying is so overused. However, I can’t really think of a better way to put it. You know that feeling you get when you watch the Kiss Goodnight? Or when a row of Cast Members are waving to you with Mickey Mouse hands saying ‘See Ya Real Soon’ at the end of the night? Well, imagine that, except over the span of an entire race course. This is probably the safest, most euphoric, and prolonged high known to humankind.
For me, runDisney events are like “Disney Utopia.” Much like I envision the parks when I view photos from the 1970s, with everyone seeming happy and dressed up, runDisney events are all of the magic of Disney without any of the meltdowns, temper tantrums, or sense of entitlement. Everyone–from runners to spectators to volunteers–is happy to be there. Everyone is supportive of one another. Everyone is positive. Part of what gets me through these events is the “high” I get from the people around me, and the smile that puts on my face. It’s an intoxicating feeling, and it really is something you have to experience firsthand to truly understand.
2. Different Side of Disney
For Disney fans, that special feeling you get when you step into the parks never wears off. No matter how frequently you visit, it never becomes commonplace or mundane. The way you visit and your priorities when visiting do change. Namely, it becomes less about doing attractions and more about doing “other stuff.”
runDisney is the perfect “other stuff.” From visiting the ESPN Wide World of Spots for the Expo to attending seminars and pre-parties to getting to run through back stage areas and just generally being part of the runDisney community, it is a different side of Disney that encompasses so much more than running. You can take an entire trip centered around runDisney, averaging 1-2 attractions per day (that might sound like heresy to some), and still have an incredibly satisfying vacation (assuming you like to run on vacation).
1. Accomplishment
Not to get overly sentimental again, but you gain a sense of accomplishment from runDisney races unlike anything else you can possibly experience in the parks. The closest I had previously come to feeling the same sense of accomplishment at Walt Disney World as I did when I finished the Marathon is when Sarah and I (mostly me) finished the Kitchen Sink at Beaches & Cream all by ourselves. (I’m not going to lie, eating all that ice cream was much more satisfying!)
Kidding aside, there are actually several times when I’ve felt a sense of accomplishment at Walt Disney World or Disneyland. When we execute a “perfect” rope drop and do 5+ attractions before 10 am. After the end of a gorgeous sunset when I’m drenched in sweat because I scurried around capturing as many photos as possible. When I can barely stand at 2 am after a full day plus Extra Magic Hours. All of those are silly, fun types of accomplishment. Completing a runDisney event is totally different, and actually makes me feel proud. I feel like I have conquered something, and proven something to myself. I know it’s not climbing Mount Everest or something like that, but we all have our goals.
Every time I cross that finish line, I feel like I “defeat” one of those nagging, self-doubting voices in my head. (I seriously paused at this sentence for like 5 minutes trying to think of a way to reword it to make myself sound less crazy, to no avail. I think we all have these “mental gremlins,” so hopefully I don’t sound too crazy.) Finishing a runDisney event instills in me an unparalleled sense of confidence, and is the #1 reason why I happily pay Disney money to “let” me run.
As promised with these runDisney posts, here’s a quick update on my Walt Disney World Dopey 2015 training: the last few weeks weren’t good for ‘in the gym’ training, but I hiked 10+ miles per day in the Canadian Rockies and walked an average of even more than that at Walt Disney World, in both cases, carrying 20+ pounds of camera gear. Back to the gym this weekend for “real” training…
If you’re planning on getting into runDisney, read my runDisney Race Reports (plus other running-related posts). Also be sure to check out my runDisney Packing Tips post for what you should use to train, and what to carry on race day.
For additional planning resources, the best places to start are our comprehensive Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide and Disneyland Trip Planning Guide to make the most of your experience!
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YOUR THOUGHTS…
Okay, runners, why do you runDisney? Anything I’ve overlooked that brings you back again and again? Anything on my list you would really emphasize or place higher? For those runDisney newbies, what interests you the most about runDisney? Any questions? I’d love to hear feedback from other runDisney enthusiasts!
Great post as usual. Except maybe the last picture where I am getting the goat eye and the finger at the same time.
Thanks for putting to words what I have been feeling for a year! I got started with the inagural Avengers half, did the Dumbo Double Dare this September and am getting my coast to coast with Wine and Dine in a few weeks!
I’m not allowed to do any disney races next year as the registration/trips for us are significant and we are trying to buy a house/get married (the ONLY good reasons for not running in my opinion!) But hopefully the year after I can do it again!
I love this list! II became addicted to runDisney events after I ran the PHM in ’14. I’m running in all of the races for the Avengers weekend in Nov, the PHM weekend in Feb and Tinkerbell weekend in May. Must have all the Medals! Especially the pink Coast to Coast!
Unfortunately a limit has been set for how many runDisney events I can run :/ only 2 per calendar year.
You are very perceptive & very articulate. You have accurately described how it feels to be in a race. I started walking a few years after I had double knee replacement. As I got a bit faster my daughter encouraged me to enter a charity 5k with her. Fast forward 3 years & I’ve been in several half marathons, 10k & 5k’s. Now I’m always in the last group to finish but it doesn’t matter. Everyone cheers for me like I was in the lead! My daughter & I will be doing our first Disney race in April- the Star Wars Darkside. We can’t wait!
How inspirational! Thanks for sharing your story and congratulations for overcoming the knee replacements.
Of course I WAS going to use it as my “excuse” for a trip this fall for the food and wine half marathon but the event was full in less than 30 minutes. Could not believe at that price people were that “rabid” about getting spots to excercise. Any advice for getting any actual spot?
Be set up to register right at opening or run for charity 🙂
DVC members & AP holders can book early. Or you can also book through a travel partner usually even after regular registration is full.
This year’s wine & dine was particularly rough for registration because they cancelled several WDW races. There was just way more demand than availability, especially for those of us trying to complete a coast to coast, it was the only fall race. With the Star Wars one added, hopefully registration will go back to its normal level of crazy.
Have to concur with BevH, Tom. Most runners reserve the term “marathon” for the full, out of respect for the distance and the accomplishment.
runDisney is actually my excuse to become a runner – and my excuse to travel from Tokyo Disney to Disneyland in May for the Tinker bell Half Marathon. The thought of it is what gives me motivation to train now.
Great post – Thanks, Tom!
Tom – Hey, trust me on this one: It’s a violation of a natural law to run ANY race over 5k in a pair of sub-knee length basketball shorts – don’t do it! It totally diminishes your cred on the subject of running!
Great write up!
Chris,
The problem that I constantly encounter is that I just have WAY TOO MUCH street cred. Thus, in order to ‘take it down a notch,’ so to speak, I have to do dumb things like wear basketball shorts running. 😉
(I still have no idea why this is a thing, but rest assured, I will have running shorts for the next event.)
My daughter did the Tower of Terror kids races last year. All of the other races were already sold out by the time I realized it was going on while we would be there. I was sad to see they didn’t do the TOT this year. Doing this race inspired my daughter to join the Girls on the Run club at her school. We are taking our first Disney cruise in December and I really want to do the Cataway Cay 5K with my daughter since she is training for a 5K at school, but we won’t be able to do it because she is only 8 and you have to be 10. So sad!
Way back in 2010 we visited Disney World during the Marathon weekend in January. While we were not participating, it was still really neat to see all the runners with their shinny medals around the park afterwards. Unfortunately I’m not much of a runner, but kudos for those who enjoy it!
Tom,
Love your posts but have one minor correction. There aren’t any marathons at Disneyland (a lot of backstory there) and in the running community, we don’t tend to toss around the word marathon unless it is an actual 26.2 mile race. Might I suggest the terms “distance running” or simply “races” when referring to the RunDisney events. It’s considered a party foul among the die hards 😉
On another note, were you able to secure a spot at the Disneyland Paris half? It was tricky, but all 18 of us in our running group miraculously got in.
Thanks for the correction for us neophytes. But it is easier just to use the common usage of ” marathon “, etc. , with the common understanding it ain’t.
I agree with BevH, because there is one Marathon at WDW, so you can’t just assume that when marathon is said it really isnt. Especially because there is a hige difference in distance, not all events have Half Marathons or full Marathons offered and it is insulting not only to Marathon runners, but to other runners as well. So race or event is the neutral term not Marathon.
Given that the Disneyland Half Marathon has “marathon” in the name, it is, in fact, a marathon. This post delineates between the 26.2 mile race at Walt Disney World and the 13.1 versions by referring to the former as “the Marathon” and the latter as “marathons” (note the capitalization).
I understand that the running community has a lot of its own little ‘pet peeves’ and ‘customs’ (to put it mildly), but this is a Disney site, not a running one. 😉 Their customs do not change the fact that from a linguistics perspective, my use of the terms is not incorrect.
Calling a Half Marathon a marathon because it has ‘marathon’ in the name is like calling a Veggie Burger a burger because it has ‘burger’ in its name 😉
Oh! As for the Disneyland Paris Half, I’m going to wait to register until the general sales start. Don’t want to book a whole package for the trip. Hopefully there’s still plenty of availability then! 🙂
My problems started with the Expedition Everest 5k. Now a Coast to Coast and Paris next year. I’m addicted. I think I need an intervention.
I am completely new to running, but my goal is to do a Run Disney event in the next two years. This post gave me some more motivation to keep training!
By the way, thanks for the best Disney blog on the entire web. No, really.
I was never a runner until the day after I registered for my first runDisney race. It sounds crazy, but I did it to be able to experience the parks in a new way. As someone who grew up with a WDW annual pass, I have done the “usual” stuff many, many times. I had read race reports on blogs, and I was envious of the good time everyone seemed to be having. I wished that I was a runner so that I could experience it, too. On a whim, I signed up for Wine and Dine, and I started running that week. So was I bitten by the bug? Well, I am currently signed up for the Jingle Jungle 5K, Wine and Dine Half Marathon (November), Dopey (5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon in January), Glass Slipper Challenge (10K and half marathon at Princess in February), Star Wars Dark Side Challenge (10K and half marathon in April), and Tinkerbell Pixie Dust Challenge (10K and half marathon in May).
How is your training going?
Ha ha it’s been a long day. I see your update now!
Tom –
I am wondering if there are many walkers (regular walkers not speed walkers) who go to runDisney. Basically, I have been your current age for a number of years, work in a non-physical job and do minimal / no exercise. However, when at WDW for usually 1 or 2 weeks, I tend to walk quite a bit each day (not sure how many miles). WDW is where I get the most exercise.
Would walkers feel out of place in runDisney? Are the marathons full marathons (26 miles) or half marathons? Do they tend to have the medals for slowpokes or do they run out of them?
Thanks.
There are plenty of walkers in the races, but you have to be able to keep at least a 16 minute/mile pace to avoid the possibility of getting swept. You won’t feel out of place, and you will be placed at the very back with hundreds of other walkers. They have enough medals for everyone registered for the race, and as long as you don’t get swept, you will cross the finish line while people cheer and a volunteer puts a medal around your neck just like everyone else! There is only one Disney marathon, and that is in January of each year at WDW. None of the other races are marathons. They are half marathons, 10Ks, and 5Ks (and some shorter kids’ races as well).
Thanks Lisa. What do you mean by “swept”?
I tried to type this underneath your question about being swept, but it wouldn’t let me. Being swept means being removed from the course. Disney has to clear the people out of the way after awhile so that they can return to normal operations. There are a group of volunteers known as “balloon ladies” that start at the same time as the very last people to cross the starting line, and they maintain a 16 minute/mile pace throughout the race. If you fall behind them, you are in danger of being swept, or removed form the course. If that happens, you will have to get on a bus that will take you to the finish area and you won’t be allowed to finish the race. As long as you keep up with the balloon ladies, you will be fine. A 16 minute/mile pace is, for most people, a brisk walk.
Agreed with that Darkwing Duck thing! I’ve been doing the Disneyland 1/2 since 2011, and I’ve never stopped for a character photo out of fear ‘something’ will happen at some point during the run that will cause me to regret waiting those extra 15-30 minutes… but if I see Darkwing, it’s all over I don’t care screw corrals and personal bests, nostalgia wins everything lol
(I also took my first trip to Disney World in 14 years using reason #10 for the Princess 1/2 earlier this year, so I definitely concur with that as well!)
Tom – Any resources you recommend for preparing for the races – suitable for non-runners. You have me intrigued.
I would see if you have a local running club, they are very inviting! Or I’d sign up for a 5k, they are normally run/ walks so it is a good way to try it out and hopefully get bitten by the running bug!
There are some great Counch to 5k programs you can find online(or even on an app for your phone, they are rather fun!
Yes, this worked well for me, I used one of the apps along with a group of coworkers. We ran our first 5k together a few weeks ago.
I am running the Never Land 5K and my wife is running the Tinker Bell 10K next May. I would love to do a half some day, but at that distance, I think my legs would break off at the knees after about mile 5. I’ve run quite a few 5Ks though.
I’m mostly excited about running through the parks.
I am also by no means a morning person and am already dreading having to get up that early. We live about an hour and a half away from Disneyland, but will be getting a hotel for the weekend.
My plan is to go back to bed after the race, and visit the park in the afternoon.
A local running club is invaluable. Runners are a nice group of encouraging people. There are apps for Couch to 5k, and the Bridge to 10K. I don’t have marathon aspirations but I am super proud of myself for my 5K’s. This time last year I could not run even a few minutes without feeling like I was dying. It is amazing how you can actually become a runner in eight weeks!
Love this list! TOT was my first race too, and now we have three coming up this year. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier than finishing a Disney race 🙂
get swole tom
Hmm, not totally sure what you mean by that: if it’s a knock that I need to get fit, or something else entirely…?