The events for this fall have now been officially announced by runDisney.
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend powered by AfterShokz: November 4-7, 2021
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend: January 5-9, 2022
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend: February 24-27, 2022
runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend presented by Otterbox: March 31-April 3, 2022
New offerings will also be included this year for runners to enjoy.
runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend: Each race season, the fourth weekend will be the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend, featuring new and evolving race themes and distances.
Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga: On the first morning of the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, runDisney will introduce Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga, held in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park.
Virtual Races: All runDisney races will have a virtual race option, allowing runDisney fans across the country to still participate in their favorite races, even if they are unable to run at Walt Disney World. Runners will also still receive their special medal for completing the race.
Just for Kids: The runDisney Kids Races during each event weekend will become runDisney Kids Adventures, focused on health, fitness, and fun.
All runDisney events, including the 2021 Marathon Weekend, have been virtual for the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The upcoming events will be the first in-person event since Walt Disney World’s 2021 closure.
Hakuna Matata… it means “no worries”! As we cruise into warmer weather, it’s time to pull those running shoes out of the closet and get ready to get those legs moving with a special virtual run series being launched by runDisney. Disney is celebrating six years of therunDisney Virtual Series as they honor the timeless, The Lion King, with three wild and wonderful 5Ks!
Get ready to have a roaring good time with three different 5Ks, each featuring its own medal inspired by the three unique storytelling versions of “The Lion King.” Want all four medals? You’ll need to register for the runDisney Virtual Challenge. Since this is a Virtual Run Series, you’ll get to decide when and where you run. Plus, when you register, you get a downloadable themed bib and at-home kit that includes a start line, finish line and mile markers.
runDisney has released a statement announcing the final year of the 2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend and its transition to a virtual race next spring.
Here is the statement from the runDisney website:
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 to the 2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend, we will convert this race to a virtual event, similar to the previous runDisney race weekends this season. In addition, we will reimagine the theming of this race weekend for 2022 and will share more information on that at a later date.
While we share our Guests’ disappointment that we will not be taking our final run in the Star Wars Rival Run Weekend 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.
In addition to the satisfaction of completing the race they’ve trained for, eligible participants in the virtual race will receive a medal for each distance they complete and the option of a race shirt. Registered participants will receive an email with instructions on how to make their registration selection before December 18, 2020.
For those who would still like to register for the 2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend virtual event, we will open additional registration opportunities on a limited basis Tuesday, December 15, at 10 a.m. ET. This race event 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 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend Refund Option
Runners registered for the 2021 Star Wars Rival Run 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 December 18, 2020, to receive a refund via check or a Digital Disney Gift Card for the following:
Race registrations (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, only participants with a valid U.S. shipping address are eligible for the virtual option.
Refund timing:
Refunds from runDisney can be expected to be processed within six to eight weeks. If you haven’t received your refund by then, please visit the “contact us” section on runDisney.com.
2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend Virtual Race Options
All registered participants with a valid U.S. shipping address for the 2021 Star Wars Rival Run 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 December 15, 2020 at 10 a.m. ET.
Digital Disney Gift Cards for select races:
Eligible athletes registered for select events during the 2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort will receive a Digital Disney Gift Card:
Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Challenge
Digital Disney Gift Card timing:
Digital Disney Gift Cards from runDisney can be expected to be processed within six to eight weeks. 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 Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida will not be refunded and will be delivered to that organization as originally planned.
Club runDisney Charter Membership
Guests who purchased the inaugural year of the Club runDisney membership have received 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.
runDisney has cancelled 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and 2021 Disney Princess Half Weekend. Virtual events will be held in their place.
As shared on the runDisney website: 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:
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.
In addition to the general registration date for the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, runDisney has now announced various other registration date adjustments, including pre-sale dates and general registration dates for the upcoming 2020 runDisney Virtual Series and next year’s Princess Half and Star Wars Half marathons.
The following update was released by runDisney:
With circumstances continuing to change rapidly around the globe because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been making critical and timely decisions based on guidance from local, national and international governments and health agencies. As we previously shared, one of these decisions was to adjust the initial on-sale date for the runDisney Virtual Series while we monitored the situation.
As people look for alternative and acceptable ways to stay active while maintaining social distancing, many are choosing to run at home. With that in mind, sales for the fifth-annual runDisney Virtual Series are currently open. Themed around favorite Walt Disney World Resort attractions, this series of 5K runs is a great way to bring some of the magic of the parks to your home or favorite local running trail. And to provide additional flexibility, runners will have the entire summer to complete any virtual 5K of their choosing – or the series.
Along with this new on-sale date for the runDisney Virtual Series, we also have adjusted the sale dates for the remaining runDisney race season. We hope sharing these dates will help you in your planning and give you ample time for training.
Races will be available for registration at 10 a.m. Eastern Time
2020 runDisney Virtual Series(Summer 2020)
· April 16, 2020 – On-sale date
2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend(Jan. 6-10, 2021)
· May 7, 2020 – Pre-sale for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members and Golden Oak residents
May 12, 2020 – General on-sale date
2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (Feb. 18-21, 2021)
· June 11, 2020 – Pre-sale for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members and Golden Oak residents
· June 16, 2020 – General on-sale date
2021 Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend (April 15-18, 2021)
· August 6, 2020 – Pre-sale for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members and Golden Oak residents
