10 Things To Know Before You runDisney

1. Racing Bibs

In order to pick up your race bib, participants in runDisney races must attend the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at least one day prior to their first event. You must have a valid ID to pick up your race bib. This includes driver’s license, passport, military ID, or government-issued ID. It is important to note that you may not pick up another adult participant’s race bib. 

On the day of the race, every participant must wear their race bib. The letter on the bib will determine your assigned start group. The bib must be centered in front of your outermost garment. Your bib must also be clearly visible on the front of the torso, unaltered and unmodified, pinned in all four corners and not covered with shirts, jackets, runner belts, water bottles, etc. If a runner is seen without their bib, they will be removed from the course for security and safety reasons. Also, all runners must remember to fill out the Emergency Medical Information on the back of their bibs.

2. Waiver Forms

All guests participating in a runDisney event must complete a waiver form for each event in which they are participating prior to their arrival. Disney has now made it easier by allowing guests to complete it digitally! To complete this, you must access your runDisney account, select “View & Sign Your Documents” in the important reminders section. From there, you will select “View Your Registration” and then “View Documents”. Once you have read the waiver, you agree to sign it and you may then download or email yourself a copy. 

As of right now, there is still a Covid-19 Warning waiver. This basically states that there is an inherent risk of exposure to Covid-19 because you will be in a public space where other people are present.

3. Health & Fitness Expo

Disney has dubbed their Health & Fitness Expo as the official race headquarters for runDisney. This is free to the public and draws thousands of visitors including participants of runDisney, spectators and health and wellness enthusiasts. There are activities strategically placed around the Expo venues to encourage a high flow of foot traffic to all its areas. This is the place where participants will pick up their racing bibs, racing packets, gEAR bags and can purchase runDisney merchandise and other race, health and wellness related goods.

4. Fuel Stops

It is very important to keep hydrated during the race. Many people underestimate the impact that the Florida heat and humidity can have on their bodies. runDisney does a great job of offering plenty of fuel stops to help keep runners hydrated. You may bring your own water as well as take advantage of the fuel stops along the way. During the 5k races, only one fuel stop is offered. There are three fuel stops during the 10K races, and nine beverage stations set up that offer water and Powerade during the half-marathon. The stops are placed approximately every 1.5 miles. Additionally, there is one food stop available at mile 8.3. During the Walt Disney World Marathon, there are 19 beverage stops and five food stops located along the course. 

5. Photo Ops

One of the most fun parts of the runDisney races are the fun photo ops and character meet & greets along the way! There are professional photographers from Disney’s Photopass set up in multiple locations along the course. If you are an Annual Passholder and purchased the Memory Maker add-on, you will be able to access your pictures from the race for free. You may purchase the Photopass for the day of the race to access your pictures as well. You are also able to take your own pictures during the race.

8. Weather

One of the most important things to know before heading to Florida for your race is that Florida weather is very unpredictable. When starting the race, it could be cool and 55 degrees and then in the 80s once the sun comes up. Depending on the time of year, it can also be very rainy. Another thing most people don’t plan for is the humidity. It is important to dress appropriately and be prepared for any weather situation. Races are held rain or shine! If there is lightning within 10 miles of the event, it will be delayed.

9. Picking the Right Race

runDisney has plenty of different races and events to choose from. Every runDisney race offers different themes, distances and challenges and is done at different times during the year. The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend takes place in January. The races that weekend range from a 5k to a full marathon. There are usually challenges too, such as the Dopey Challenge, where you run a 5k, 10k, half and full marathon. January is the only time of the year that runners can do a full marathon.

10. Pacing Requirements

Most people want to know if you can walk during the runDisney races. The short answer is yes and no. Yes, you can walk but you must maintain a minimum of a 16-minute per mile pace. A walking pace of 15-minutes-per-mile is the recommended pacing requirement. There are pace cyclists that will be on course and their job is to indicate which runners are falling behind pace by waving a red flag. If a participant reaches a mile marker with a red flag waving, it means that they are behind the 16-minute-per-mile pace and will be picked up and transported to the course pick up tent. Don’t be discouraged if this happens to you, you are still welcome to register for more events in the future!