If you love to run then what better place is there to do it than the most magical place on Earth? The 25th Annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Celebration kicks off tomorrow morning.
It’s a huge weekend celebration with amazing sights, spectacular surprises and fantastic runs for the whole family including the 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon, Half Marathon, Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, 5K, 5th Anniversary Dopey Challenge, 10K, runDisney Kids Races and Disney Castaway Cay Challenge. Plus, there’ll be plenty of Disney entertainment, favorite Disney characters, all-new anniversary commemorative medals and T-shirts, and much more! Share the magic and the memories during the 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.
25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon presented by Cigna
Sunday, January 7, 2018
5:30 a.m.
Start/Finish: Epcot
Celebrate 25 years of running magic with Mickey at the most magical race on Earth! It’s a spectacular four-park celebration with your host Mickey Mouse during the 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon celebration. Every step is magic on this 26.2-mile run through all four Walt Disney World theme parks and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex with plenty of surprises, entertainment and Disney magic along the way. Experience the most magical course on Earth, including runs through the Magic Kingdom Park, home of favorite Disney characters, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park where wild adventures happen, Disney’s Hollywood Studios with all its show biz magic, and Epcot with its amazing Future World and World Showcase. Plus, you’ll receive a special, one-of-a-kind 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon commemorative finisher medal and T-shirt to remember the magic!
Walt Disney World Marathon Highlights:
- 26.2-mile course through all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
- Disney Characters and 25th Anniversary entertainment on course
- Event Weekend Transportation for Walt Disney World Resort guests
- Family Reunion Area with live entertainment and characters
Walt Disney World Marathon Participants Receive:
- NEW! 25th Anniversary Commemorative Mickey Mouse Finisher Medal
- NEW! 25th Anniversary Champion Long-Sleeved Tech Shirt in Women’s or Men’s Cut
- Official Digital Event Guide
- Virtual Goody Bag
- Personalized bib (Must register by October 3, 2017 for name to appear on bib)*
- On-course and post-race refreshments
- ChronoTrack B-tag timed race with live runner tracking sign up for friends and family
- Runner’s World Trial Subscription
Walt Disney World Half Marathon presented by Cigna
Saturday, January 6, 2018
5:30 a.m.
Start/Finish: Epcot
The Walt Disney World Half Marathon is chock full of excitement, adventure, and surprises on a 13.1-mile course through two of Disney’s most beloved theme parks. Your run begins in Magic Kingdom Park, home to Mickey, Minnie and the whole Disney gang and overflowing with magic, wonder and charm. Then it’s on to spectacular Epcot, home of international World Showcase and all the thrills and delights of Future World. There’ll be lots of Disney entertainment along the way plus your favorite Disney characters to cheer you on to a fabulous finish in the shadow of Spaceship Earth.
Walt Disney World Half Marathon Highlights:
- 13.1-mile course through Walt Disney World Theme Parks
- Disney Characters and Entertainment on course
- Event Weekend Transportation for Walt Disney World Resort guests
- Family Reunion Area with live entertainment and characters
Walt Disney World Half Marathon Participants Receive:
- Half Marathon Finisher Medal
- Champion Long-Sleeved Tech Shirt in Women’s or Men’s Cut
- Official Digital Event Guide
- Virtual Goody Bag
- Personalized bib (Must register by October 3, 2017 for name to appear on bib)*
- On-course and post-race refreshments
- ChronoTrack B-tag timed race with live runner tracking sign up for friends and family
- Runner’s World Trial Subscription
Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge presented by Cigna
Saturday, January 6 – Sunday, January 7, 2018
There’s nothing Goofy about Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge! It’s 39.3 miles and two days of pure fun and Disney magic. Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge combines Saturday’s Half Marathon – over 13.1 miles through Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot – with Sunday’s Marathon, which covers 26.2 miles through all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks including Epcot, Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Complete both races within the pacing requirements and you’ll earn the coveted Goofy medal in addition to your finisher medals.
You must register for Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge to receive the Goofy medal upon completion of both races within the pacing requirements.
Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge Highlights:
- Half Marathon and Marathon courses through Walt Disney World Theme Parks totaling 39.3 miles
- Disney Characters and Entertainment on course
- Event Weekend Transportation for Walt Disney World® Resort guests
- Family Reunion Area with live entertainment and characters
Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge Participants Receive:
- Special Goofy finisher medal along with the commemorative Half Marathon and Marathon finisher medals
- Champion Long-Sleeved Tech Shirt in Women’s or Men’s Cut – For the Marathon, Half Marathon and Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge
- Official Digital Event Guide
- Virtual Goody Bag
- Personalized bib (Must register by October 3, 2017 for name to appear on bib)
- On-course and post-race refreshments
- ChronoTrack B-tag timed race with live runner tracking sign up for friends and family
- Runner’s World Trial Subscription
Walt Disney World 10K presented by Cigna
Friday, January 5, 2018
5:30 a.m.
Start/Finish: Epcot
Enjoy a thrilling 6.2-mile run throughout Epcot for the Walt Disney World 10K with your hostess Minnie Mouse. The course will take you through the beautiful World Showcase and Future World as well as Disney’s spectacular Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. There’ll be plenty of Disney entertainment along the way including your favorite Disney characters to cheer you on! Take home a one-of-a-kind Walt Disney World 10K finisher medal and T-shirt! It’s a perfect run and ideal choice for runners of all levels.
- 10K course through Epcot
- Disney Characters and Entertainment on course
- Event Weekend Transportation for Walt Disney World® Resort guests
Walt Disney World 10K Participants Receive:
- 10K Finisher Medal
- Champion Long-Sleeved Tech Shirt in Women’s or Men’s Cut
- Official Digital Event Guide
- Virtual Goody Bag
- Personalized bib (Must register by October 3, 2017 for name to appear on bib)
- On-course and post-race refreshments
- ChronoTrack B-tag timed race with live runner tracking sign up for friends and family
- Runner’s World Trial Subscription
Walt Disney World 5K presented by Cigna
Thursday, January 4, 2018
5:30 a.m.
Start/Finish: Epcot
Invite the whole family and enjoy a great run the in the shadow of Disney’s spectacular Epcot Theme Park during Walt Disney World 5K. You’ll make your way through the amazing Future World and then on to international World Showcase before a thrilling finish. It’s all part of the excitement during Walt Disney World 5K that’s a perfect event for beginners, intermediates, or even racing veterans. Adults, teens, tweens – and everyone in between –is invited to join the fun!
Walt Disney World 5K Highlights:
- 5K course through Epcot
- Disney Characters and Entertainment on course
- Family Reunion Area with entertainment and characters
- Event Weekend Transportation for Walt Disney World Resort guests
Walt Disney World 5K Participants Receive:
- 5K Finisher Meda
- 5K Unisex T-shirt
- Official Digital Event Guide
- Virtual Goody Bag
- Personalized bib (Must register by October 3, 2017 for name to appear on bib)
- On-course and post-race refreshments
- Runner’s World Trial Subscription
5th Anniversary Dopey Challenge presented by Cigna
Thursday, January 4 – Sunday, January 7, 2018
We’re celebrating five years of the ultimate endurance challenge and you’re invited to join the fun! It’s four days of race magic for a total of 48.6 miles in the 5th Anniversary Dopey Challenge! Participants will run the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World® Marathon, and if you complete all four races within the pacing requirements you will be awarded the Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge medal and the Dopey Challenge finisher medal for a total of six pieces of “bling.”
You must register for the Dopey Challenge to receive the Goofy Challenge and Dopey Challenge medals upon completion of all four races within the pacing requirements. Registering for these four events individually will not enable you to receive the challenge medals.
- Four races through Walt Disney World Theme Parks totaling 48.6 miles
- Disney Characters and Entertainment on course
- Event Weekend Transportation for Walt Disney World® Resort guests
- Family Reunion Area with entertainment and characters
Dopey Challenge Race Participants Receive:
- NEW! 5TH Anniversary Dopey Challenge finisher medal along with the commemorative medals for the Marathon, Half Marathon, Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, 10K and 5K
- NEW! 5TH Anniversary Dopey Challenge Champion® Women’s or Men’s cut Long-Sleeved Tech Shirt in addition to Tech Shirts for the Marathon, Half Marathon, Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, 10K and 5K cotton Unisex T-Shirt
- Official Digital Event Guide
- Virtual Goody Bag
- Personalized bib (Must register by October 3, 2017 for name to appear on bib)
- On-course and post-race refreshments
- ChronoTrack B-tag timed race
- Runner’s World Trial Subscription
runDisney Kids Races presented by GoGo squeeZ Applesauce on the Go
Friday, January 5 – Saturday, January 6, 2018
Kids Dashes: 10:30 a.m.
One Mile Run: 1:00 p.m.
Location: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Every child 13 and under who participates in the runDisney Kids Races goes home a winner with their very own finisher medallion! Children 13 and under are invited to participate in the runDisney Kids Races taking place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Friday and Saturday during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. Encourage your youngsters to participate and sign up for any of the Kids Dashes or the One Mile Run during this fun-filled weekend. There’s even a Diaper Dash for crawlers! Space is limited.
Parents are allowed to run with their child. Any parents that participate with their child must sign a separate event waiver. The event will follow a rolling start beginning with the 100m dash followed by the 200m and Diaper Dash. The One Mile Run will have a separate start location and time. All distances will utilize the same finish location.
- 12 months and under – Diaper Dash for crawlers
- 1-4 years old – 100m dash
- 5-8 years old – 200m dash
- One Mile Run – Open to all children 13 years old & under
runDisney Kids Dashes Race Participants Receive:
- Finisher Medallion
- runDisney Kids Races T-shirt
- Personalized bib (Must register by October 3, 2017 for name to appear on bib)*
- Post-race refreshments
One Mile Run Race Participants Receive:
- Finisher Medallion*
- runDisney Kids Races T-shirt
- Personalized bib (Must register by October 3, 2017 for name to appear on bib)*
- Post-race refreshments
- One Mile Run Finisher Certificate
- ChronoTrack B-tag timed race
runDisney Health & Fitness Expo
Wednesday, January 3, 2018 – Noon – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 4, 2018 – 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, January 5, 2018 – 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 6, 2018 – 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Headquarters for everything you need to prepare for race weekend is at the Expo. All runners must attend the Expo for race number, shirt & gEAR bag pick-up. During the Expo celebration, you’ll be able to check out the latest in Official runDisney Race Weekend Merchandise, and get a sneak peek at the latest in fitness apparel, footwear, sunglasses, high tech gadgets, and nutritional products.
- Race number, shirt & gEAR bag pick-up
- Official runDisney Merchandise
- Latest in apparel, fitness equipment, high tech gadgets and nutritional products
Disney Castaway Cay Challenge
Disney Cruise Line 4-night Bahamian Cruise January 8-12, 2018 following Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend January 3-7, 2018
Disney Castaway Cay 5K
January 10, 2018
From Parks to Paradise, join the Disney Castaway Cay Challenge! The Disney Castaway Cay Challenge is an ultimate running adventure, combining one magical 5K event or longer during the 2018 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (January 3-7, 2018) with a Castaway Cay 5K on Disney Cruise Line’s private tropical island in the Bahamas the following week. On Monday, when Marathon Weekend is over, set sail on board the Disney Dream for a 4-night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral. You’ll sail to Disney Castaway Cay for your 5K run along sandy white beaches, past swaying palms and sparkling turquoise lagoons, with magical Disney moments to surprise you along the way. It’s a runner’s paradise in a spectacular island oasis. From parks to paradise…and a dream getaway on board a magical cruise!
Castaway Cay 5K Highlights:
- 3.1-mile course through Disney Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas
- Course runs past sparkling lagoons, the harbor and white sandy beaches
- Surprise Disney magical moments and entertainment on course
Castaway Cay Challenge Participants Receive:
- Castaway Cay Challenge Event T-Shirt
- Castaway Cay 5K Finisher Medallion
- Castaway Cay Challenge Finisher Medal for participating in one Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend 5K or longer event PLUS the Castaway Cay 5K
- Personalized bib (Must register by December 1, 2017 for name to appear on bib)
- Post-race refreshments
- Exciting activities and access to Special Merchandise on board Disney Cruise Line
- Featured Healthy Menu Options on board Disney Cruise Line
Runner’s World VIP
The Runner’s World VIP program returns to the 2018 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna. This offers runners the best of both worlds, producing a race experience unlike any other. The program is an exclusive opportunity to be coached by Runner’s World‘s director of training and four-time Olympic Trials qualifier Budd Coates. Plus, you’ll also receive advice from the magazine’s experts on training, nutrition, and injury prevention. Then on race weekend you’ll be treated like a VIP with exclusive race weekend amenities at the place where running dreams truly do come true.
Runner’s World VIP participants receive:
- Runner’s World VIP Champion® tech shirt in time for your training to start
- 25th Anniversary Commemorative Embroidered Champion Backpack
- Exclusive 25th Anniversary Marathon Finisher’s Jacket
- A membership in a 16- to 20-week training plan designed by Coach Budd, who has coached thousands of elites, celebs, and everyday runners (celebrity/VIP appearances subject to change or cancellation without notice)
- Weekly email from Coach Budd leading up to the event with training, nutrition, and health tips for the upcoming week’s workouts
- Direct online access to Runner’s World experts on training, nutrition, and injuries during the 16- to 20-week event training plan
- Access to private RW VIP online training forum to connect with other runners training for the 2018 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
- A membership for our interactive training log, where you can log your totals, watch your progress, and receive nightly e-mail reminders about the next day’s training
- Exclusive early access to the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, including private packet pick-up—there’s no need to walk all over the Expo since we’ve pulled all your race swag together for you (some restrictions may apply)
- Pre-race course strategy session with the Runner’s World experts and editors
- Pasta Party with Runner’s World editors
- Exclusive pre-race walkout to corrals for the half marathon and full marathon
- Corral placement will be determined based on proof of time that all runners must submit by October 3, 2017.
- Entry to the Race Retreat on Saturday and Sunday
- Pre-race amenities include hot and cold beverages with fruit and bagels, dedicated stretching area, and private port-a-lets, bag check and Disney character meet & greets
- Post-race amenities include catered brunch, massage, private port-a-lets, bag pick-up and live results
Runner’s World VIP Registration Package Fees
- Dopey Challenge – $1,150
VIP Race Retreat Package
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
Exclusive Early Access to the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo
Location: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Saturday, January 6, 2018
3:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. (runners only)
5:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (runners and Platinum ChEAR Squad only)
Location: Imagine Lot, Epcot
Sunday, January 7, 2018
3:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. (runners only)
5:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (runners and Platinum ChEAR Squad only)
Location: Imagine Lot, Epcot
Enjoy your race weekend even more with a VIP Race Retreat Package!
The VIP Race Retreat Package is the ultimate way for runners to prepare for their race, get pampered, and reunite with friends and family once the race is over.
- Exclusive Early Access to the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo
- Private Hospitality tent near the Finish Line including live video feed from the race and access to live runner results
- Pre-race bagels and fruit, plus coffee, water and PowerAde
- Private restrooms, changing tents and bag check
- Disney character appearances
- Recovery Zone including padded stretching area, self-treatment and first aid station and massages available for purchase (first-come, first-serve)
- Disney catered post-race brunch
- Designated location to meet friends and family to celebrate your accomplishment!*
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend commemorative item
Race Retreat Pricing:
- Walt Disney World Marathon – $120
- Walt Disney World Half Marathon – $120
- Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge – $230
- Dopey Challenge – $230