A number of runDisney marathon events have been cancelled or otherwise affected by the prolonged parks closures. For a brief moment, registration for the 2021 runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend seemed delayed, but a new registration date has been released on the runDisney site, and it is coming up soon!
The page for the 2021 runDisney Marathon Weekend now shows that general registration for future runDisney races will open on May 12, 2020 at 10:00 AM (EST). Additional information will be released soon, with all individual races still showing “Registration Opening Soon”. The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is scheduled to take place from January 6 through January 10, 2021.
Other runDisney events recently impacted include the Star Wars Rival Run Weekend presented by OtterBox, which was scheduled to make an epic return to Walt Disney World Resort for its 5th year running April 16 – 19, 2020, but has since been cancelled.
Looking to get inspired? Look no further! Over the next few weeks Disney has decided to share stories about runners who have inspired them. First up, DisneyParksBlog shares the story of Hannah Herman:
During these challenging times, many have found comfort, relief and hope in getting outside for some social-distanced exercise. We have often seen such hope, inspiration, and #DisneyMagicMoments at our runDisney events, meeting runners with incredible stories. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to highlight some of those courageous stories here on the Disney Parks Blog, starting with …
Hannah Herman
For Erin and Hannah Herman, Feb. 21 is affectionately known as the “Hannahversary,” marking the day when Erin adopted Hannah from an orphanage in Kazakhstan. That day was extra special this year, not only because it was the 10th Hannahversary, but because together they ran the Disney Princess 5K even though a decade ago, doctors doubted Hannah would ever walk.
Here’s a look at Hannah’s magical experience. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog in the weeks to come as we look back at more amazing, inspirational #DisneyMagicMoments from runDisney events!
As an infant, Hannah was left in a maternity hospital in Kazakhstan. She was also born with a severe club foot, and the adoption agency told Erin that Hannah would likely never walk. Despite this challenge, Erin brought Hannah back to the United States, where they immediately began treatments. More than one year later, at the age of 2, Hannah walked for the first time – and has been unstoppable since, running and swimming competitively. Finishing the Disney Princess 5K was one step toward Hannah’s ultimate goal of completing a triathlon.
Disneyland Paris has announced the cancellation of the Disneyland Paris Princess Run, which was set to take place from May 8 to May 10 due to concerns over the Coronavirus pandemic.
With circumstances continuing to change rapidly around the globe, we are making critical and timely decisions based on guidance from French authorities. In an abundance of caution, Disneyland Paris Princess Run (May 8 – 10) will no longer take place.
All bookings of bib only or hotel stays with bibs will be cancelled and refunded for all participants of the Disneyland Paris Princess Run.
Our Disneyland Paris Run Weekend 5th Edition is still scheduled for September 24-27, and we look forward to welcoming run participants this fall.
How can I get a refund for this event? If you have booked your bibs or stay on Disneyland Paris’ website or with our Central Reservation Office you will be fully refunded on the credit card you used to settle your deposit/reservation. If you paid by bank transfer or check, we will contact you for your IBAN and your BIC in order to refund by bank transfer. If you didn’t book with Disneyland Paris directly, we invite you to contact your point of sale.
When will I receive the refund of my booking? We anticipate heavy volume of demand over the next several days and appreciate your patience.
Is it possible to exchange my booking for another event at Disneyland Paris? All bookings of bib only or hotel stays with bibs will be cancelled and refunded for all participants of the Disneyland Paris Princess Run. If you wish to book another live event, our Central Reservation Office is available to give you advice and organize your stay. Please get in touch with our holiday experts or find more information on our website.
Will the Disneyland Paris Run weekend 5th Edition still happen? Yes, Disneyland Paris Run Weekend 5th edition on September 24-27 is maintained.
runDisney has released an Advisory via their website that states in abundance of caution, the 2020 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend is cancelled. Please see the details below as shared by runDisney.com:
With circumstances continuing to change rapidly around the globe, we are making critical and timely decisions based on guidance from local, national and international health agencies. As we have shared before, we are basing our decisions on the safety and well-being of our Cast Members and our Guests, since there is nothing more important than that.
In an abundance of caution, the 2020 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend will be cancelled. In addition, because our runDisney races require the presence of local medical professionals and first responders to monitor and treat runners, this will free up those resources for more critical needs during this time.
All participants for the Star Wars Rival Run Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort who purchased their registrations on runDisney.com will receive a refund for their race registration.
Star Wars Rival Run Weekend: Runners registered for the 2020 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort will receive a refund back to their original form of payment for the following:
Race registration (Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, Rival Run Challenge)
Commemorative merchandise
ChEAR Squad
Processing fee
Guests who’ve already received a partial refund will receive their remaining balance to a Disney gift card.
Refund Timing: Refunds from runDisney can be expected to be processed in four to six weeks. If you haven’t received your refund after six weeks, please visit the “contact us” section on runDisney.com.
Alternate booking methods: Runners who’ve booked through a charity or tour operator should reach out directly to that organization. Runners who’ve booked through the Walt Disney Travel Company may call them at 407-939-4786 (407-939-IRUN) for available refund options.
On-sale dates: On-sale dates for future runDisney races will be adjusted, and we will have more information to share soon.
Stay In Touch With runDisney
Send us an email with your questions about runDisney. Contact Us
Reach us by phone at (407) 939-iRUN or (407) 939-4786.
If you love taking a spin on the teacups, racing around the galaxy, or practicing your terror with ghoulish delight, this year’s runDisney Virtual Series might be worth running to.
Celebrating its fifth anniversary, this year’s runDisney Virtual Series pays tribute to three iconic Disney Parks attractions which were voted on by fans during last year’s D23 Expo, with the Virtual Challenge honoring a beloved piece of Disney Parks’ past.
The Virtual Series is made up of three 5K runs to be done at the guest’s course of their choosing at home in June, July, and August 2020. Each race has its own medal that all registrants get, so if you’re into running and classic Disney Parks attractions, be sure to register!
June’s 5K might drive you a little mad, but don’t worry, everyone’s mad at the Mad Tea Party! Featuring an emblem of the race details within the Mad Hatter’s hat, runners will be celebrating the attraction as it marks it’s 65th anniversary at Disneyland this summer.
Go for launch with July’s Virtual 5K celebrating Space Mountain! The logo surrounds the iconic attraction building that hosts the beloved roller coaster, which celebrated its 45th anniversary at the Magic Kingdom earlier in January.
The 50th anniversary celebrations may have been last year, but this August, runDisney celebrates The Haunted Mansion with this Virtual 5K! It’s not surprising to see this be the August run, given that that’s when Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicks off at the Magic Kingdom.
And if you complete all 9.3 miles of the three 5K runs this summer, you’ll complete the 2020 runDisney Virtual Challenge! If you register for this, you’ll receive a completer medal themed to the classic ticket books of Disney Parks past.
