Credit: runDisneyrunDisney is a popular race series in the U.S. that combines distance running with the excitement of Disney parks. It attracts serious runners and casual participants who enjoy themed experiences. Runners race through the parks before opening, meet beloved characters, earn themed medals, and celebrate their achievements in a magical setting. This successful formula draws tens of thousands to events at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, fostering a community where Disney fans who are also runners can form friendships and share fitness goals.
The runDisney calendar features multiple race weekends annually at both Disney resorts. Events range from 5K races for beginners and families to full marathons that challenge even seasoned runners. Some times of the year are busier than others, known as peak runDisney seasons, when major events happen close together. One peak season is from January to early February, featuring the Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend. These events attract thousands of runners to both coasts, filling the parks with racers wearing bibs and finisher medals.
The runDisney season is ramping up with major events on the horizon. The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend takes place from January 7 to 11, 2026, featuring a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and full-marathon. Shortly after, the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend is set for January 29 to February 1, 2026, catering to West Coast runners. Dedicated fans can participate in both events, but must be ready for the challenge of racing at Walt Disney World and then heading to California just weeks later.
Disneyland Half Marathon Course
runDisney has unveiled the official course map for the Disneyland Half Marathon, which covers a 13.1-mile route through Disney California Adventure, Disneyland Park, and nearby Anaheim streets. Unlike Walt Disney World races, which primarily stay on Disney property, the Disneyland course includes public roads due to the resort’s smaller footprint, comprising only two theme parks and limited surrounding land.
The official race course begins on Disney Way, then heads down S. Harbor Blvd. and turns onto W. Katella Ave. From there, runners enter Disney California Adventure, passing through Cars Land with its detailed recreation of Radiator Springs and a Route 66 atmosphere, before looping over and around Pixar Pier, the waterfront area featuring various Pixar-themed attractions and the iconic Pixar Pal-A-Round Ferris wheel.
After leaving Pixar Pier, runners navigate up around the left side of Grizzly Peak, the mountain centerpiece of the park’s wilderness area, before making their way back down and around Avengers Campus, the Marvel-themed land featuring Spider-Man and Guardians of the Galaxy attractions. The route then hangs left through Buena Vista Street, the park’s entrance area themed to 1920s Los Angeles, before crossing over to Disneyland Park.
Once inside Disneyland, runners experience the classic park’s most iconic areas, making their way down Main Street U.S.A. before veering right into Tomorrowland. The course zips through Tomorrowland’s futuristic theming before heading up through Mickey’s Toontown, the whimsical area designed to look like cartoon come to life, then back down through Fantasyland with its classic Disney dark rides and Sleeping Beauty Castle backdrop.
The route continues into Frontierland’s Wild West theming, New Orleans Square with its elegant Southern architecture, and Critter Country before exiting the parks entirely. Runners then navigate Ball Rd., turning left onto Anaheim Blvd for several blocks before winding through various Anaheim streets, experiencing the city surrounding Disneyland that most park-focused visitors never explore.
The course eventually returns to Anaheim Blvd, with runners going left on Cerritos Ave., left again on Lewis St., before making their way back to Anaheim Blvd and finishing on Disney Way where the race began, completing the full 13.1-mile journey.
Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Medals
runDisney medals are a major draw for participants, featuring intricate designs with moving parts and detailed artwork that elevate them above typical race finisher medals. The Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend in 2026 celebrates Disneyland’s 70th anniversary.
Participants in the Disneyland 5K will receive a medal featuring Joy from Inside Out and the Pixar Pal-A-Round, connecting to the race route through Pixar Pier. This distance is ideal for beginners and families.
The Disneyland 10K medal showcases Sorcerer Mickey with his magic broom, representing Disney’s animation heritage while incorporating a running theme. It offers a middle-distance challenge for those seeking more than a 5K.
Finally, half marathon finishers will receive a medal featuring “it’s a small world” children, celebrating global unity and Disneyland’s legacy. All medals prominently display “70,” marking this special milestone year.
The runDisney Season Momentum
The Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend happen close together, making it a busy time for runDisney at both resorts. Cast Members at both locations prepare for the challenges of hosting thousands of runners. This includes providing early morning access to the parks, managing road closures that impact transportation, organizing character appearances along the race routes, and handling the logistics of transforming theme parks into race venues. After the races, they quickly return the parks to normal for regular guests later in the day.
For runDisney participants, this is the peak season when the community unites, training leads to race-day performances, and the blend of running achievement and Disney magic creates cherished memories. Whether at Walt Disney World or Disneyland, or attempting both within three weeks, runDisney offers opportunities for runners to challenge themselves while celebrating their accomplishments in truly magical settings.