Upcoming runDisney Races Going Virtual

in Disney, Merchandise, Walt Disney World

rundisney goes virtual

It’s been said before. These times are unprecedented. But with the need for us to stretch our legs, runDisney is trying not to let us down. With the huge popularity of the Disney Parks Attraction themed summer runDisney virtual series 5Ks and the move of Disney’s Wine and Dine races to virtual settings , we were afraid that the Walt Disney World Resort Marathon Weekend and the Princess Half Marathon weekends were due the same fate. The runDisney website confirmed today that both of these large-crowd weekends will now be converted as the next few runDisney Races go virtual.

runDisney’s Current Offerings Go Virtual

While we are disappointed not to be able to run with Ursula or Marie, we get it. The unique circumstances this year have forced the Florida road races to go virtual. The good news is that there are a few refund options as well as virtual run selections to be made by runners.

Those who registered through runDisney.com have the option of a full refund or a conversion to a virtual event. Virtual runners to participate will continue to earn a medal for each distance they have trained for. Registered participants will receive an email beginning September 23 with instructions on how to make their registration selection before October 7, 2020.

wdw marathon medals 2021 runDisney Races Go Virtual
Credit: runDisney

Going virtual also means that ADDITIONAL RACE ENTRIES will now be accepted for the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend virtual events. These additional slots will be opened on a limited basis on Thursday, September 24 at 10 a.m. Eastern time. Runners will be able to complete these events at home on a local trail, running track, or around their homes. Participants will earn with their virtual entry”

  • Race distance Disney medals
  • The option of event tech shirt(s)
  • Downloadable Race Bib and finisher certificate
  • Digital Toolkit including start/finish line and mile markers
  • Digital Goody Bag
  • Virtual runDisney race playlist
  • A Digital Disney Gift Card for select races

Charity participants who’ve booked through a specific charity or tour operator should reach out directly to that organization. Donations made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals will not be refunded and will be delivered to those organizations as originally planned.

Goofy
Credit: runDisney

Walt Disney World Marathon & Princess Half Marathon Refunds

Disney fans registered for the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort who select the refund option will receive a refund back to their original form of payment. If a Guest no longer has their original form of payment used when registering, they may contact run Disney by October 7, 2021, to receive a refund via check or a Digital Disney Gift Card. This applies to all Race registrations, commemorative merchandise, and all processing fees. Refunds can be expected by mid-November of this year.

Anyone having a shipping address outside of the United States will AUTOMATICALLY receive a refund because at this time, participants without a valid U.S. shipping address are not eligible for the virtual option.

WDW Marathon finish with Margaritas
Credit: Jessica Quinn

Castaway Cay Challenge

Runners who entered into the 2021 Castaway Cay Challenge will also have to transition to a virtual event and compete in the 5k race from home, regardless of the status of Disney Cruise Line sailings. For instance, if you signed up for the race on January 11, 2021, your cruise aboard the Disney Dream is currently still scheduled to sail on time. Many other cruise dates in December of 2020, however, have been pushed or canceled. Please contact your travel agent for updates.

Club run Disney Charter Membership

runDisney offered an inaugural membership into Club run Disney, which offered runners prime registration spots in high demand races as well as other membership perks. With the conversion of these races to virtual and the additional entries factoring in, these Club runDisney members will receive a second year of membership at no charge.

Are you planning to enter a runDisney virtual race? Leave us a comment below, and we’ll see ya’ at the finish line!

in Disney, Merchandise, Walt Disney World

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