Are you ready to lace up your running shoes and experience the magic of Disney like never before? RunDisney events are not only the perfect way to challenge yourself but also an unforgettable journey through Disney parks. With the 2025-2026 race season shaping up to be spectacular, it’s important to plan early to secure your spot and make the most of your RunDisney experience.

RunDisney Race Weekends for 2025-2026

Here’s a breakdown of the major race weekends, including race types and dates:

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February 20-23, 2025)

• Races: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Fairy Tale Challenge (10K + Half Marathon)

• Feel like royalty as you race through the parks in this popular, princess-themed weekend. The Fairy Tale Challenge combines the 10K and Half Marathon for an added challenge.

RunDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend (April 10-13, 2025)

• Races: 5K, 10K, 10-Mile

• This exciting weekend is all about surprises, with different race themes and distances each year. Perfect for those looking for a unique race experience.

Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend (September 7-10, 2025

• Races: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Chills & Thrills Challenge (10K + Half Marathon)

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (October23-26 2025)

• Races: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Two-Course Challenge (10K + Half Marathon)

• Combine your love for running and great food during this fun weekend that culminates in an after-party at EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival.

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (January 7-11, 2026)

• Races: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Full Marathon, Dopey Challenge

• Kick off 2026 with Disney’s iconic marathon weekend. Whether it’s your first or fifth time, this race through all four Walt Disney World parks is an unforgettable adventure.

Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend (TBD 2026)

• Races: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Dumbo Double Dare (10K + Half Marathon)

• After a long hiatus, the Disneyland races are making a triumphant return!

Critical Registration Dates

RunDisney races sell out quickly, so securing your spot requires early action. Here are the key registration dates for the 2025-2026 races:

• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (2026) Registration opens March 11, 2025

• Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (2025) SOLD OUT

• Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (2025): Registration opens February 11, 2025!!!!

• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (2026): Registration opens April 15, 2025

• Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (2026): Registration opens June 24, 2025

• RunDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend (2026): Registration opens July 29, 2025

• Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend (2026): Registration date TBD

Pro tip: These races tend to sell out within hours, especially for popular challenges like the Dopey and Fairy Tale Challenges. I recommend setting a reminder and logging in as soon as registration opens.

Tips for Securing Your Spot

• Sign Up for a RunDisney Account: Create your account ahead of time so you can streamline the registration process on race day.

• Plan Your Race Strategy: Decide which races or challenges you want to run, and be prepared to act fast during registration. Popular races and challenges like the Dopey Challenge sell out very quickly.

• Be Flexible: If your preferred race sells out, consider other race weekends or distances. The 10K and Half Marathon races tend to fill up more slowly than the 5K and Full Marathon options.

• Let Me Help: As a Disney Travel Professional, I can assist in securing your race registration through early-booking access and ensuring your vacation package aligns perfectly with race dates.

Why Early Planning is Key

RunDisney race weekends are incredibly popular, and they draw large crowds not only of runners but also Disney vacationers. Here’s why planning early is crucial for a smooth experience:

• Hotel Availability: Hotels close to the starting lines, especially Disney Resort hotels, tend to book up months in advance. By booking early, you can secure a room at one of the top resorts with convenient race transportation and proximity to the start/finish areas.

• Dining Reservations: Dining reservations open 60 days in advance, and popular restaurants fill up fast. Whether you’re looking to carb-load before race day or celebrate your finish with a character dining experience, early reservations are a must.

• Park Passes: Don’t forget to plan your park days around your races! Disney’s park pass system requires you to reserve your admission in advance, and during race weekends, parks like Magic Kingdom and EPCOT can reach capacity.

• Race Expo: The RunDisney Health & Fitness Expo, where you pick up your race bib and explore vendor booths, is a major part of race weekend. Planning your arrival to attend the expo is essential, especially for first-timers who may want to shop for official race merchandise or attend panel sessions.

This is another post in our RunDisney Prep Series. Click the link to be connected to the series of articles.

Ready to Plan Your RunDisney Experience?

Whether you’re running your first 5K or taking on the Dopey Challenge, planning your RunDisney race weekend is key to ensuring you have a stress-free and magical experience. With our expertise as a past RunDisney runner and Disney Travel Professional, we can help you with everything from providing race registration advice to finding the best resorts and planning park time around your race schedule.

Let’s get started! Contact us today to book your RunDisney vacation package and secure your spot in the race weekend of your dreams. Early booking is the best way to guarantee you get the hotel, park passes, and dining reservations you need to make the most of your trip!