RunDisney: 6 Tips to Make the Most of Your Race Weekend

There’s no race in the world quite like a runDisney race.  

Whether you’re running a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon or taking on one of their epic multi-race challenges, runDisney races are full of Disney magic.  

Some racecourses send you sprinting through the theme parks, crossing beneath Cinderella Castle or circling the World Showcase at EPCOT.  

Along your run, you’ll encounter popular and rare characters posing for the perfect photo op.  

You’ll also get to admire the cleverly crafted, creative costumes of your fellow runners and earn a coveted commemorative medal inspired by the race weekend’s exclusive theme.  

From the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in January to the Princess Half Marathon Weekend in March to the Food and Wine Half Marathon Weekend in November, there are plenty of opportunities to participate in an amazing runDisney race.  

Be sure to register early; runDisney races typically sell out in a matter of minutes once registration is live.  

If you’re one of the lucky runners getting ready for a magical runDisney race, here are our tips for making the most of your runDisney weekend. 

1. Enjoy the runDisney Expo

The runDisney Expo at the ESPN Wide World of Sports is where you’ll go to pick up your race bib, participant shirt, and any pre-purchased merchandise.  

It’s also a Disney-loving runner’s paradise.  

The Expo hosts a variety of vendors selling unique, adorable merch like clothing, running shoes, athletic accessories, and products to make your run even more enjoyable.  

Give yourself time to shop, explore, and celebrate this incredible feat, whichever race you’re running! 

2. Stretch in Your Hotel Room the Day Before 

Keeping your body stretched and limber is key to maintaining your stamina on race day. A clean, quiet hotel room is the perfect place to center your mind and make sure your muscles are ready for what lies ahead.  

Dynamic stretches like side lunges, figure-fours, arm swings, and leg swings can help loosen joints, help blood flow, and prep your muscles.  

Put on some chill music, use soft lighting, and find a nice open floor space. This is your time to prepare for the excitement and physical challenge ahead.  

3. Get a Good Night’s Sleep 

Whether you consider yourself a morning person or a night owl, if you’re participating in a runDisney event, be prepared to set your alarm for a shockingly early wake-up.  

The 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon all begin at 5 a.m., but that doesn’t mean you can plan on parking at 4:25 a.m. and getting to your corral a few minutes later. In fact, runDisney recommends that you plan to arrive around 3:30 a.m. to ensure you’re where you need to be with  extra time. Traffic getting to the race on race day can be brutal, so give yourself plenty of time.  

An early arrival doesn’t mean you’ll be sitting around bored, though. There’s typically a DJ, character meet-and-greets, photo opportunities, food trucks, gear check, and other activities.  

So, while spending the entire day before your race in a theme park may be tempting, be mindful of when you want to turn in for the night with a 2:30 a.m. alarm waiting for you on race day. 

4. Soak in the Disney Magic...  

The best part of any runDisney race is the Disney magic.  

From routes that take you through the theme parks to special character meet-and-greets along the way, a runDisney race is unlike anything you’ve ever run before.  

There’s a time and a place to focus on setting a personal record or trying to cross the finish line in as little time as possible – a runDisney race may not be that time.  

Instead of trying to rush to the finish line, take the time to stop and enjoy everything the race has to offer. Stop to take photos with your favorite characters, even if there’s a line. Pause to enjoy the drumlines and stilt walkers cheering you on as you pass each bench marker.  

It’s no secret that runDisney races come with hefty registration fees, but for the amount of entertainment and the immersive magic that come with the race, it’s well worth it – if you take your time and savor it.  

5. ...But Be Mindful of Your Timing 

While it’s important to enjoy as much of your runDisney race as possible, you do still need to be aware of your timing.  

At the very back of the last corral are the Balloon Ladies. This friendly and encouraging group of volunteers toting large Mickey Mouse balloons set the official 16-minute-per-mile pace for 10K, half-marathon, and marathon races.  

Should you fall behind the Balloon Ladies, you’ll be swept off the course to board a bus that will take you to the end.  

It helps to make a list of characters with whom you definitely want to stop and pose before the race so you can prioritize your pit-stops. There are usually lines to see the more popular characters, but you can still make it work with your timing as long as you’ve thought ahead.  

You can also ensure you’re well ahead of the Balloon Ladies by submitting proof of time from another race, earning you an earlier corral and giving more distance between you and them.  

6. Recover in Your Hotel Room  

Once you’ve crossed the finish line and your beautiful finishing medal is hanging around your neck, you can return to your hotel room to rest and recover.  

Ease tired muscles with a gentle dip in a pool, or soak in a cool bath with Epsom salts.  

Give yourself plenty of time to chill out on a comfortable bed, and, since the day started at such an early hour, let yourself catch up on well-deserved sleep.  

Stretch, stay hydrated, and replenish your energy with snacks. You’ve earned a day (or two or three) of indulgence after a big race!  

Looking for the perfect hotel for your race weekend? We know just the place... 

Run Toward Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista  

At Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista, we have everything you need for a restful and rejuvenating race weekend.  

As a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel, we uphold specific standards set by Disney to ensure that our guests have the best stay possible.  

Our comfortable rooms are the perfect retreat leading up to and following a runDisney race. Every room has a king or two queen beds with Simmons Beautyrest pillow-top mattresses for ultimate relaxation and modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen HDTV.  

When you’re ready to hit the theme parks, take advantage of our complimentary scheduled theme park shuttle service.  

Whether you’re gearing up to race or resting and recovering, we’re here to cheer you on and make sure you have a fantastic stay.