Disney officials announced last week they will be bringing back their half-marathon to its parks in California and Florida next year after a seven-year hiatus.
The “runDisney Race,” which is part of the park’s “Half Marathon Weekend,” will take place in January 2024. The event will feature 5K and 10K races, with registration starting next month.
According to officials, it will also offer races at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, in November of this year and in January, February, and April of 2024.
Participants can earn various Disney-themed medals for each race completed. Races are accompanied by music, live entertainment, and even Disney character sightings.
Runners and fans are encouraged to dress in accordance with each race’s theme, which will be announced at a later date.
For those unable to make it to either park, Disney will offer virtual runs for both their 5K and half-marathons, in which participants can enter races by running in their own neighborhoods and communities.
Registration for races at Walt Disney World in Florida has already sold out, according to the park’s website. For those wishing to enter, prices for the runDisney weekend for Florida events range from $80 for virtual runs, up to $479 for on-site races. Registration for Disney’s California races will not open until mid-February this year.
Thousands are expected to participate next year in California’s races. In previous years, the races have seen about 30,000 runners, according to Disney.
While reasons for the races’ suspension since 2017 remain unclear, charity sponsors announced their optimism in their continuing involvement in the events.
One such sponsor, the New York-based nonprofit Leukemia and Lymphoma Society announced in a Dec. 30 statement its program for participants who wish to enter the Disney races to raise money for children suffering from cancer.
