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All details are based on the 2021 Walt Disney World® Half Marathon Weekend and the prices and dates should be used as a guide only. Please click on the "BECOME A PRIORITY CLIENT" button above to sign up, so that we will notify you as soon as further information becomes available. Alternatively, please pay a preliminary deposit and guarantee your place for next year.Please Note:
The date of the 2022 Walt Disney World® Half Marathon is to be confirmed.
Flights to Orlando, Florida can be booked now so why not let the team at Travelling Fit help by booking your preferred airline on the dates that best suit you. We can arrange your complete holiday package all in the one place to help you save time and money.
All events will start & finish at Epcot® – You’re about to head out on the most magical course on earth during – a 21.1km run that’ll take you through the Magic Kingdom® Theme Park & Epcot®.
From the magic, wonder and charm of the Magic Kingdom® Park, home of Mickey, Minnie and the whole Disney gang to the incredible Epcot® home of international World Showcase & Future World, your Half Marathon adventure is unlike any other anywhere on earth.
This year there will be plenty of Disney entertainment and some of your favourite Disney characters out on the course to cheer you on!
All Disney names and logos are used with permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement by Disney, express or implied, of any organization, company, or fundraising campaign. Disney does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of information contained on this website. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Disney, and agreement with those views may not be implied by use of the Disney names and logos
Event Flyers
All details are based on the 2021 Walt Disney World® Half Marathon Weekend and the prices and dates should be used as a guide only. Please click on the "BECOME A PRIORITY CLIENT" button above to sign up, so that we will notify you as soon as further information becomes available. Alternatively, please pay a preliminary deposit and guarantee your place for next year.Please Note:
The date of the 2022 Walt Disney World® Half Marathon is to be confirmed.
Flights and Additional Travel
Travelling Fit is a fully accredited travel agency which offers a full range of services to our clients. This enables us to book your flights and additional touring to help us assist you in creating your perfect holiday experience.
Entry Fees
Entry Fees are included in your Travelling Fit Package.
Qualifying Times
There are no qualifying times for the Walt Disney World ® Half Marathon.
You are strongly encouraged to have proof of time when you are registering for your event so that you receive a better corral placement.
Start Time
Saturday 9th January- 5:30 am
Cut-Off Times
All athletes entering the Walt Disney World ® Half Marathon must maintain a 16-minute per mile pace throughout the race.
Anyone not able to maintain the respective paces may be picked up and transported to the finish.
You may be picked up at any point along the course and transported for not maintaining pace.
It is suggested that you train at a 15-minute per mile pace.
If you stick to the 16-minute per mile pace your finish time for the Half Marathon would be 3:30:00
Race Timing
All Walt Disney World ® Marathon Weekend events will be timed
Race Packets
Race bib collection must be collected from the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo. Refer to Expo paragraph below for details.
You will be required to take your confirmation of entry document and your passport/ID card.
Pace Setters
Pace Cyclists will be in the course indicating when runners are behind pace by waving light wands or flags at each mile markers according to the official pace time.
If you reach a mile marker with a light wand or flag waving, please note you are behind the required 16-minute per mile pace and can be picked up at any time and transported to the course pick up tent.
If you stick to the 16-minute per mile pace your finish time for the Half Marathon would be 3:30:00
Aid Stations
There will be one Food Stop on the course located at Mile 7.9 (approx. 12.5km) with Sport Beans® Energizing Jelly Beans®.
Personal Refreshments and Clothing
You will receive a clear plastic bag at Race Bib Pick-Up, please use this bag for the bag check service.
Once you finish, your race number will be used to verify your bag when you pick it up.
Unclaimed bags will be transferred to Epcot® Guest Relations, located to the right of the main park entrance.
Articles of clothing that are found on the course will be donated to charity.
Transport
Walt Disney World ® Weekend Transportation is provided to and from all Walt Disney World ® Resorts (i.e. theme parks, water parks, sports facilities, and shopping, dining and entertainment areas) .
Approx. Hours of operation from both resorts (subject to change):
Expo
- Wednesday: 6th January | From Resort to Expo: 9:30 am to 7:30 pm | From Expo to Resort: 10:00 am to 8:30 pm
- Thursday: 7th January | From Resort to Expo: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm | From Expo to Resort: 10:00 am to 7:30 pm
- Friday: 8th January | From Resort to Expo: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm | From Expo to Resort: 10:00 am to 7:30 pm
- Saturday: 9th January | From Resort to Expo: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm | From Expo to Resort: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Race Day Transfers
- Thursday: 7th January | From Resort to Start Line: 3:30 am to 5:00 am | From Start Line to Resort: 6:30 am to 8:30 am
- Friday: 8th January | From Resort to Start Line: 3:30 am to 5:00 am | From Start Line to Resort: 7:30 am to 9:30 am
- Saturday: 9th January | From Resort to Start Line: 3:00 am to 5:00 am | From Start Line to Resort: 6:30 am to 11:00 am
- Sunday: 10th January | From Resort to Start Line: 2:30 am to 4:30 am | From Start Line to Resort: 6:30 am to 2:00 pm
Expo
runDisney Health & Fitness Expo is located at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
All runners are required to attend the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo for race number and Packet Pick-Up. Transport is provided from all Walt Disney World Resorts.
You will need to download your personalised race number pick-up card/waiver form online and bring it with you to Packet Pick-Up at the Expo when it becomes available online before the event.
runDisney Health & Fitness Expo Location: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Opening Times (subject to change):
- Wednesday: 6th January | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 7th January | 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Friday: 8th January | 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 9th January | 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Finishers T-shirts, Medals and Certificates
Race participants in the Walt Disney World ® Half Marathon will receive:
- Champion Unisex Long-Sleeved Half Marathon Tech Shirt Women’s or Men’s Cut
- Commemorative Finisher medal
- Official Race Guide
- Virtual Goody Bag
- On-course and post-race refreshments
- Personalized results website
Weather Conditions
Orlando weather in January has an average high temperature of 21 degrees Celsius and an average low temperature of 10 degrees Celsius. However in recent years the weather has dropped way below 10 degrees Celcius.
The race will be held rain or shine. If there is lightning in the area, the race will either have a delayed start or, depending on the intensity of the weather, be cancelled. The determination will be made by the Event Management staff.
As a reminder, the registration fees are non-refundable.
Other Events
- Dopey Challenge presented by Cigna
- Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge presented by Cigna
- Walt Disney World® Marathon presented by Cigna
- Walt Disney World® 10K presented by Cigna
- Walt Disney World® 5K presented by Cigna
- runDisney Kids Races presented by GoGo squeeZ® Applesauce on the Go
All Disney names and logos are used with permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement by Disney, express or implied, of any organization, company, or fundraising campaign. Disney does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of information contained on this website. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Disney, and agreement with those views may not be implied by use of the Disney names and logos. ©Disney
Walt Disney World Marathon
The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend certainly lives up to its reputation as the most Magical Race Weekend on Earth! I hadn’t even completed a marathon when I first heard of the Dopey ...Written By Tim and Tara Ellis
Walt Disney World Marathon Dopey Challenge
There’s some things I just knew I’d never do. I have no desire to bungee jump, base jump or sky dive, mountain climb or indeed climb anything involving crampons and oxygen tanks, and you ...
There’s some things I just knew I’d never do. I have no desire to bungee jump, base jump or sky dive, mountain climb or indeed climb anything involving crampons and oxygen tanks, and you couldn’t pay me to run with bulls, lions, tigers or swim with sharks. In that category, was visiting Disney World. Just the thought of Disney World would send waves of nausea my way; the crowds, the enclosed space, the artificiality. My running involves big skies, wide spaces, trails, beautiful century old cities, Paris Marathon, Alice Springs, around lakes in Tasmania, beaches in Western Australia, not theme park running.
So, January 2014, I find myself at Disney World, for not one but four running events, The Disney World Marathon Weekend Dopey Challenge. How did friend Iain convince me? It was an all-out assault; firstly past competitor’s glowing reviews, then pictures of the resort, emails with cheap pricing quotes, videos of fireworks starting the races, the Frozen soundtrack with runners achieving their goals whilst being high fived by princesses, and then the bling, and more bling, seven medals, daily photos of the race bling until I gave in.
It was an amazing event. I’d go back to Disney faster than you can say Jiminy Cricket.
Disney World Marathon is just one of the Run Disney races held in Disney World (Florida) and Disneyland (California). Disney World Marathon Weekend is held the beginning of January, in Orlando, Florida. Across the weekend there are four running events; 5k Family Fun Run, 10k, Half Marathon and Marathon. You can combine the Half and full marathon to register for Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, or you can register for the ultimate Disney endurance event, all four races, called the Dopey Challenge.
We registered for the Dopey Challenge amidst great ribbing from family and friends, who already thought that just running a single marathon was dopey enough.
The weekend was really well organised. A running travel company, ‘Travelling Fit’ organised our accommodation in one of the Disney resorts and race entry package. Included airport transfers made getting to the accommodation easy and event buses from the resort to race starts made event mornings hassle free. The event expo was huge, yet easy to navigate, we received no less than seven technical race shirts, one for each event, plus Goofy and Dopey shirts. Gear check was fast, pre event information was clear and toilets were everywhere!
Let the races begin.
The Pluto 5k Family Fun Run was just that, very fun, very family oriented. The pace was very slow, with families out for a morning ramble through one of the theme parks. It was still dark, but lit well enough to see the Disney characters who’d come onto the course to meet and greet the runners and walkers. I loved zipping in and out of the crowd through the dawn’s half-light in what appeared to be Canada, China, France, Germany, Venice, Morocco. Later I realised it was, Disney’s Epcot International Showcase. When else can you run around 11 countries in one run, and a 5k run at that!
The next morning was a second early rise; 2:30am, for the 3:00am bus, to get to the event at the recommended time of 3:30am, to be in the starting corrals at 4:30am for the 5:30am start of Minnie’s 10k race. Minnie Mouse was our race starter. The music was loud, the competitors were excited. I started beside two pink flamingos, three Minnie Mouses, Woody and Buzz Lightyear and a number of princesses, all ages and abilities, all as colourful as the fireworks that accompanied the start of each corral. I was obviously grossly underprepared for the challenge, in terms of my costume. I was wearing running shorts, shoes and a singlet.
The Dopey Challenge consists of the four races on consecutive mornings. By the third day, the body was feeling good but sleep deprivation was definitely setting in. Even with a post-race nap on the two previous days, going to bed fairly early in the resort and having a slowish saunter around the theme parks during the day (which by the way I was loving), my running companions and I were exhausted.
Nevertheless, day 3 we boarded the bus pre-dawn for the 5:30am Half Marathon start. Donald Duck was the race starter. He had his running shoes on, but disappointingly for him he didn’t get to race because by the time he started my corral, which was the last, the winners were coming through the finish and poor old Donald had to race to high five them at the finish. My big hot tip for this event, is to register in an earlier corral, otherwise there’s a huge amount of waiting around. Cut off times in this event begin from when the first runner crosses the start, so if you plan to walk some of the event, the last couple of corrals can become a tad stressful.
The Half Marathon started with the typical Disney colour and spectacle of fireworks. The race was a fun run in every sense of the word. Characters greeted us, runners lined up to pose for official photos and selfies with all of the Disney favourites. Jack Sparrow and a full sized pirate ship met us at about the 10k mark, kites were flying all along the course, and spectators came out in force. Anticipation amongst the field was high as we headed down the tunnel into Magic Kingdom. Well it was as emotional as it can get running down Disney Main Street towards the surreally lit up magic Kingdom Castle, the street lined with the most enthusiastic spectators I’ve ever experienced. The moment was only eclipsed by running through the castle. I didn’t even know that running through a castle was on my bucket list.
The Marathon, day four. The body was still feeling good. We’d walked around the theme parks albeit very slowly, eaten fantastic recovery food provided at the end of each race, we’d napped, elevated legs at night, even ice bathed in the resort pool. I’d hunted and hunted for a Minnie Mouse costume but none could be found (my second hot tip, buy your costume before arriving at Disney). We’d lined up and had photos taken after each day’s events with every Disney character you could poke a camera lens at. We had three of the most spectacular medals I’d seen. It was hard to believe anything more could be added to the Disney experience.
At the last minute I found it, my costume, ears and a Minnie Mouse………… cooking apron. We started the marathon with 13 746 other runners. It was dark. Surreally, Jack Sparrow’s pirate ship appearing out of the darkness didn’t surprise me. We ran through Magic Kingdom, my friend Molly desperate for the bathroom. A Disney miracle occurred, as an event volunteer ushered us into secret Disney bathrooms through a broom closet?! We met Prince Charming, all of the princesses, Buzz and Woody for real. We ran on the Cars race track and past Mount Everest, as competitors hopped in roller coasters for a spin (no, not making that up). Marching bands and cheer leaders cheered us on, even a high school track team hurdled beside us.
If we had started in an earlier corral, we would have been fine. My friend Molly had had her training interrupted by a professional quilting project with a deadline. She decided to jog and walk the marathon. We got to the three quarters point, in a fatigued haze of not really knowing where we were due to the “miles” going by rather than familiar kilometres. It was then that we saw her. The race cut off girl, her name also Molly, carrying balloons, indicating if you fell behind her, you were out of the race. We had heard rumours that she was 20 minutes behind us, 10 minutes, 5 minutes. We entered a 400 metre stadium track on the course, 200 hundred metres behind us, Balloon Molly as we were now calling her also entered. It was then that I saw one of the most incredible marathon performances I’d ever seen. My friend Molly (who to be honestly doesn’t usually run) and all of the other ‘back of the packers’, lifted. The Dopey competitors after 4 days’ running, hobbling with their battered knees and achilles, fatigued from lack of sleep, gritting their teeth through tears, telling their inspirational stories, stayed ahead of Balloon Molly.
With 300 metres to the finish we passed the gospel choir, who’d just sung their own six hour marathon. We finished with the amazing ‘Back of the Packer’s’, each with their own story of goals achieved. We finished with the two flamingos, Santa Claus, and a fire fighter in full gear including an oxygen tank, all sprinting (well as much as you can sprint after four day’s racing culminating in a marathon) towards the finish. I even managed a few high skips which have made some priceless event photos with the Minnie Mouse apron falling off around my knees, as I danced to high five Micky on the finish line.
Would I do the event again? Yes! Would I recommend the event to others? Definitely! Would I have the goal to just finish, forget about times, take lots of photos, enjoy the spectacle and finish with friends in the back of the back? There’s no other way to approach a Disney race.
Written By Beck Myors
All details are based on the 2021 Walt Disney World® Half Marathon Weekend and the prices and dates should be used as a guide only. Please click on the "BECOME A PRIORITY CLIENT" button above to sign up, so that we will notify you as soon as further information becomes available. Alternatively, please pay a preliminary deposit and guarantee your place for next year.Please Note:
The date of the 2022 Walt Disney World® Half Marathon is to be confirmed.
Welcome to Walt Disney World – Orlando, Florida
Travelling Fit would like to help you celebrate with a spectacular weekend of amazing runs and endless fun in the most magical place on Earth where your favourite classic Disney characters are the hosts!
With race distances for all skill levels, including Kids Races, a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon, participants will enjoy special Disney entertainment on course and earn one-of-a-kind Disney finisher medals.
EVENTS during the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend
- Dopey Challenge
- Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge
- Walt Disney World® Marathon
- Walt Disney World® Half Marathon
- Walt Disney World® 10K
- Walt Disney World® 5K
- runDisney Kids Races presented by GoGo squeeZ® Applesauce on the Go
Travelling Fit is offering packages which include accommodation at both Disney’s Pop Century Resort (our lead in property) and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort located within Walt Disney World. The beauty of staying at these resorts is that all your transport to the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo, the Walt Disney World ® Resort (theme parks, water parks, sports facilities, and shopping, dining and entertainment areas) and airport transfers are included as part of your package.
Travelling Fit staff will be present at this event and will have a dedicated tent near the finish line for all runners and supporters to gather around and meet prior and after each event.
Travelling Fit is an accredited travel agency which offers a full range of travel services. This enables us to book your flights, Walt Disney World ® Resort Park Passes and additional touring so that we can create your perfect holiday experience.
All Disney names and logos are used with permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement by Disney, express or implied, of any organization, company, or fundraising campaign. Disney does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of information contained on this website. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Disney, and agreement with those views may not be implied by use of the Disney names and logos. ©Disney
Package Flyers
Packages Include
- Guaranteed Race Entry (Runners Only)
- 4 or 6 Nights Accommodation at the hotel category of your choice
- Return Transfers between Airport and Resort (operated by Walt Disney World ®) Resort
- Return transfers between hotel and Race Start/Finish area
- Return transfers between hotel and Walt Disney World ® Resort (theme parks, water parks, sports facilities, and shopping, dining and entertainment areas)
- Access to the Travelling Fit Team Tent near the start/finish over the Walt Disney World ® Marathon weekend
exclusive to Travelling Fit clients - Supporters will be looked after on Marathon Race Day
exclusive to Travelling Fit supporters - Celebration Function post-marathon race
exclusive to Travelling Fit clients - Travelling Fit representative available on site to answer any questions
exclusive to Travelling Fit clients - Receive a personalised Travelling Fit running top
exclusive to Travelling Fit clients - An invitation to our "Travelling Fit - Walt Disney World Marathon" Closed Facebook Group allowing you to communicate with other Travelling Fit clients
exclusive to Travelling Fit clients
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$800 per Runner and $450 per Supporter | |
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$350 per Runner and Supporter due Friday 29 May 2020 | |
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Friday 02 October 2020 |