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Should You Add the 5K to your runDisney Race Weekend?

04/3/2017

Throughout a runDisney race weekend, there are many race options to consider. While the longer distance events and challenges are usually the main goal, there are many who want to experience it all.

Adding the 5K to your runDisney Race Weekend

When you are getting ready to register for that 10K, half marathon, marathon, or challenge, you may start to think about adding on the 5K as well. After all, what’s 3.1 more miles? Here are a few things to consider as you make your decision!

Adding the 5K to your runDisney Race Weekend

 

Cost

While the mileage may seem “small”, the cost is not. As of 2017, the cost for the 5K is $80. Included is a cotton t-shirt and finisher medal, along with the race experience. However, if you have multiple family members or friends participating, the cost can continue to skyrocket quickly.

Opportunity for Character Photos

The 5K events are not timed, meaning that the 16 minute per mile pace is not enforced. (Note: Disney does need to get the park opened, so you may be “gently nudged” if you are toward the back.) This allows more time to take it all in, including getting character photos! Many runners will use the 5K to get some character photos and take the longer event a little more seriously. Do be aware that the lines can get quite long for the characters.

Extra Day

Adding on the 5K means that you will need to arrive in Walt Disney World or Disneyland a day earlier. Along with the race itself, you will need to pick up your race packet the day before the race. While spending another day in the parks is fantastic, be aware of the additional costs of hotel, travel, etc.

(Somewhat) Family Friendly

In years past, the 5K was a family event where any age could participate! Over the past few years, this has changed a bit, with an age requirement of 5 years (on the day of the race). That being said, it is still a great opportunity for the younger runners to get involved and experience a runDisney event like the adults! (Note: the Walt Disney World 5K in January is more difficult for families due to the number of Dopey Challenge runners.)

Extra Mileage

3.1 miles may seem small in comparison to the longer events, but it is still an additional amount of mileage to consider! Not only is it the race itself, but waiting in the corrals, walking back to the bus/vehicle, and of course, the day in the park after the race.

Lots of Time in a Park

The 5K events are some of the few races that take place almost entirely inside a Disney theme park! Not only that, but you get to experience the dawn of the day during the race. It’s an experience you will definitely want to enjoy at least once!

Another Early Morning

In all honesty, sometimes the hardest part of a runDisney race is the early morning. If you are planning on running multiple races during the weekend, the ultimate factor on adding the 5K may be including another early morning to the mix. The 5K races tend to start a little later, but the Walt Disney World events will require transit time on the bus (meaning another earlier-than-normal wake up call).

Adding the 5K to your runDisney Race Weekend

It’s not a decision to be taken lightly and may be different for each individual. Regardless of the race (or races) you register for and participate in, there are many magical miles ahead!

 

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Filed Under: Avengers Half Marathon, Disneyland Half Marathon, Disneyland Paris Half Marathon, Princess Half Marathon, Races, Star Wars Half Marathon, Star Wars Half Marathon Dark Side, Tinker Bell Half Marathon, Walt Disney World Marathon, Wine & Dine Half Marathon

Comments

  1. Andreas Devlin says

    April 3, 2017 at 11:23 am

    5k was sold out instantly… I’m traveling from Norway and signed up for 10k. When I wanted to sign up for the 5k run, it was sold out – same day as registration was opened. Big disappointment!

  2. Magical Miles says

    April 3, 2017 at 11:27 am

    I am so sorry to hear that! With the 5K being the smallest in terms of participants, unfortunately it tends to fill quickly (especially in January when the Dopey runners take up a good chunk of the field).

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It takes expert planning to incorporate a runDisney event into an already jam-packed family vacation. Magical Miles: The Runner’s Guide to Walt Disney World will guide you through all runDisney events, outlining the answers to questions any participant may have.

Offering advice on resorts, restaurants, race registration, packing tips, spectator information, training, race day information and much more, The Runner’s Guide to Walt Disney World gives participants peace of mind before heading into their first or fiftieth runDisney event. Having experienced runDisney events, Disney resorts and restaurants, along with in-depth research about runDisney events and logistics, the author of Runner’s Guide to Walt Disney World has every aspect of your vacation and race covered.

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