runDisney: 15 Tips for Beginners

If you're a fan of anything and everything Disney, I would highly recommend adding a runDisney race to your Disney bucket list! Even if you don’t consider yourself a runner, the runDisney experience is so unique and they have events that you can walk throughout the entirety of the race (hello 5Ks!).

I don’t consider myself a runner, but I did have the opportunity to participate in the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend 5K earlier in January for the very first time; it was such an incredible experience and I felt so inspired throughout the entire process - thanks to runDisney, I may even consider running another 5K or 10K in the future (maybe, we'll see).

If you're thinking about signing up for your first runDisney event and want to learn more about what to expect, I have 15 runDisney tips for beginners that will help you prepare from the beginning at registration to the moment you cross the finish line.

Registration and Training

Register as Early as You Can

The runDisney races will sell out SO FAST so make sure you register as soon as you can on registration day. With so many people trying to register at the same time, you’ll want to have plenty of time just in case you may have to wait in a virtual queue or if there may be technical issues with the website. If the race you want has sold out and you weren't able to sign up, have no fear! There may be a chance that runDisney may open up slots for each race after it's sold out; this of course is not guaranteed but I would periodically check the runDisney website to see if you're able to sign up for the race you want between registration and the race weekend.

Multiple runDisney Events

If you’re not able to register for the race you want, there are also many runDisney events throughout the year so be on the lookout for those as well! Some of the events that runDisney will have throughout the year include the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, Princess Half Marathon Weekend, Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend and the Springtime Surprise Weekend, to name a few. RunDisney also hosts virtual races that you can do at home so you don’t have to be at the parks in order to participate.

Proof of Time Requirement

If you’re planning on participating in a runDisney half marathon or marathon and are expecting to finish the race in a certain amount of time, you'll have to submit a proof of time from a previous race. Submitting a proof of time will help with your starting placement on race day and you can submit a proof of time either when you register or by emailing disneysports@trackshack.com. If you're participating in a 5K or 10K, you don't need to worry about submitting a proof of time. RunDisney has more information about proof of time requirements so make sure to check out the website for the specific requirements.

Training

You have now registered for the race and you're ready to start training! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned runner, runDisney has great training programs that will help you achieve your running goals! For the 5K, I didn't commit to a training program since I walked the 5K but I have heard of a lot of runners using Jeff Galloway's Run Walk Run training method. Not only will training be a great way to prepare for the race and exercise, but it will also make you extra excited for your race coming up!

The Expo

Transportation

If you’re staying on Disney property, the resort will have complimentary buses that will take you to the expo and the races. The resorts do a great job with directional signage so that way you know exactly where to go and they also have a volunteer at the bus stop in case you have any questions about anything.

Bib and T-Shirt Pickup

The expo is held at ESPN Wide World of Sports on Disney property and that is where you'll be able to pick up your race bib(s) and t-shirt(s). During the marathon weekend, bib pick up was in the State Farm Field House and you’ll also be able to sign a waiver here if you haven't completed one through your email. Once you pick up your bib, you’ll be able to pick up your t-shirt inside the Visa Athletic Center.

Merchandise

There’s nothing quite like Disney merchandise, especially the runDisney merchandise! This year during marathon weekend, runDisney had all participants attending the expo join a virtual queue if they were interested in purchasing merchandise. Personally, I loved the virtual queue because it helped us prioritize our time and we knew exactly when we could expect to get inside to start shopping! The virtual queue also helped us not wait in an hour-long line once we got inside the Advent Health Arena where all of the exclusive merchandise was.

Photo Opportunities

There will be many opportunities for photo ops throughout the expo that will get you excited for race day! During marathon weekend, runners were able to meet Goofy and Dopey inside the Advent Health Arena and they also had photo spots themed for each race throughout the expo. With each runDisney event having different themes, there will probably be different characters coming out for meet and greets during each event and expo. Since the Marathon Weekend had the Goofy Challenge and Dopey Challenge, Goofy and Dopey of course had to make an appearance at the expo! So depending on the event that you do, you may get to meet characters related to that event.

Race Day

Set A LOT of Alarms on Race Day(s)

On the day of your race, trust me when I say that you’ll want to set A LOT of alarms and I’d recommend setting them anywhere from 2 to 2:30 AM. With the races starting at 5 AM, you’ll want to try to be at EPCOT by 4 AM... it will be a very early morning! You’ll be waking up basically in the middle of the night but it will be soooo worth it because you’ll get to experience the race you’ve been looking forward to for months!

Head to the Bus EARLY

With the 2 AM wake up call, you’ll want to make sure you get to the bus early. I believe the buses will start running around 3 AM so the earlier that you can get to the bus, the better as the lines can get long! With the races starting at 5 AM, they recommend that you get on the bus no later than 4 AM.

Prepare to Wait

Trust me when I say that you will feel a lot of adrenaline and excitement on race day, even during the early hours of the morning! You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to get to EPCOT and will want to make sure you make it to your corral before the race starts (you’ll be able to find your corral letter on your bib). Depending on what corral you’re in, you may be waiting a while to start the race. When I did the 5K in January, I was in corral D so although the race started at 5 AM, I didn’t cross the starting line until a little after 6 AM. It will be so worth the wait once the race starts but just remember to be a little patient leading up to the start!

Keep an Eye Out for PhotoPass Photographers

If you want to get a fun picture of yourself during the race, be on the lookout for PhotoPass photographers under the green tents throughout the course! To see the images that the photographers take, there will be directions on the back of your bib that will explain how you can see the photos on the My Disney Experience app.

Keep a 16-Minute Pace Per Mile for 10Ks and Up

For the runDisney 10Ks, half marathons and marathon, you'll want to strive to keep a 16-minute pace per mile to ensure that you finish the race and not risk getting pulled from the course. No matter if you want to run, walk or a mix of both, keeping a 16-minute pace per mile is what is most important!

What to Expect at the Finish Line

It will feel so surreal when you reach the finish line no matter if you’re completing a 5K or a marathon! Once you cross the finish line, there will be volunteers standing at the end handing out the beautiful medals along with water, Powerade, bananas and a box of snacks to help you replenish. After you’re past the finish line, you’ll be led to an area where you’ll be able to relax, reunite with friends and family and wait for the bus to take you back home to your resort.

Have Fun!

And finally, my most important tip is to have fun throughout the whole experience! From the moment you get that first confirmation email to the moment you cross the finish line, make the most out of the whole experience and don’t spend too much time worrying about the race if the nerves start to kick in. Running in a runDisney race is such a magical experience and you should feel so proud of yourself!

If you're thinking about running a runDisney race for the first time, you should totally give it a try and I promise you won't regret it! To learn more about runDisney, the events they offer, training and more, check out the runDisney website.