This is part two of our series on choosing your runDisney race. With so many great events to choose from, it can be difficult to decide! Here are some things to consider when it comes to the runDisney 10K events. (See Also: 5K events, half marathons, challenges)
The 10K events are the newest addition to the runDisney race family. These races are a great bridge between those who have already run a 5K, but are not quite yet ready for a half marathon.
Each 10K event is 6.2 miles in length. Along with numerous character photo opportunities, these races also include a tech shirt and medal. There is an age requirement of 10 years of age.
So how do you decide which one to participate in? Here is a little insight into each event!
Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World 10K
When: January during Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, Friday at 5:30 AM
Race Course: The course begins in the Epcot parking lot. The first half follows the roads surrounding Epcot, before making its way into World Showcase. It winds through the countries, then exits at International Gateway, following the Boardwalk and Yacht/Beach Club areas. The course then goes back into Epcot, through Future World and ends in the Epcot parking lot area.
What’s Unique: Held during the largest runDisney event weekend, there is a race for everyone in your family! This race also occurs on a Friday, which allows you to make this trip an extended weekend vacation. Running along the Boardwalk is a fun experience as well!
What’s Difficult: The route is the same as the Enchanted 10K, and also follows similar roads to the 5K and half marathon events during this and Princess Weekend. With the addition of the Dopey Challenge runners in 2014, this course can be crowded for those wanting to only run the 10K.
Princess 10K
When: February during Princess Half Marathon Weekend, Friday at 5:30 AM
Race Course: The course begins in the Epcot parking lot. The first half follows the roads surrounding Epcot, before making its way into World Showcase. It winds through the countries, then exits at International Gateway, following the Boardwalk and Yacht/Beach Club areas. The course then goes back into Epcot, through Future World and ends in the Epcot parking lot area.
What’s Unique: This is a great girls’ getaway and is a distance many can prepare for. With a Princess theme, the costumes and tutus are plentiful!
What’s Difficult: The race course is the same as Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, and truly leaves much to be desired.
Star Wars 10K – The Dark Side
When: April during Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend – The Dark Side, Saturday at 5:30 AM
Races Course: The race begins outside of Epcot, then weaves through Future World and out the International Gateway. Runners continue along the Boardwalk, then toward Hollywood Studios. After a short tour of the park, it’s on to the road, heading toward ESPN Wide World of Sports for the finish.
What’s Unique: This is the first race series to occur on both coasts, with this race specific to the Galactic Empire. It is sure to include many of your favorite characters from a galaxy far, far away!
What’s Difficult: April is a busy time of year as it coincides with many spring breaks. Another aspect is that Easter may fall on this weekend, which may mean that the race weekend will change (or include an increase in crowds).
Wine & Dine 10K
When: November during Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, Saturday at 5:30 AM
Races Course: The course begins in the Epcot parking lot. The first half follows the roads surrounding Epcot, before making its way into World Showcase. It winds through the countries, then exits at International Gateway, following the Boardwalk and Yacht/Beach Club areas. The course then goes back into Epcot, through Future World and ends in the Epcot parking lot area.
What’s Unique: The weather is usually pleasant, with the possibility of rain. This is a fun distance to add, while experiencing the holiday decorations.
What’s Difficult: This particular weekend in November can bring in crowds as it is the final weekend of the Food & Wine Festival and usually follows with Veteran’s Day.
Disneyland
Star Wars 10K – The Light Side
When: January during Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend, Saturday at 5:30 AM
Race Course: The course takes you clockwise outside the parks, then into Disneyland park through the front gates. It goes throughout the park (however not through the castle), around the backside and just outside Downtown Disney. Head through the esplanade and into California Adventure, then finish outside the Disneyland Hotel.
What’s Unique: Disneyland 10K events tend to have some of the best courses, staying mostly in the parks. This course is sure to include a lot of your favorite Star Wars characters!
What’s Difficult: This race weekend is a week after Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and may result in slightly higher crowds.
Tinker Bell 10K
When: May during Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend, Saturday at 6:00 AM
Race Course: The course begins on Disneyland Drive, then enters Disneyland Park and winds throughout. It then goes through the concourse into California Adventure. The last two miles are on the surrounding roads, ending in the parking lot near Disneyland Hotel.
What’s Unique: Most of this course is within the two parks! This allows for many photo opportunities. Also, without a challenge medal, this race doesn’t appear as crowded as the Walt Disney World counterparts.
What’s Difficult: This race weekend was moved to May in 2015. Since it is during Mother’s Day Weekend, there may be crowds and travel may be harder.
Disneyland 10K
When: August during Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, Saturday at 5:30 AM
Race Course: The course begins on Disneyland Drive and goes along the surrounding roads before entering California Adventure. The course winds throughout, then goes through the concourse into Disneyland Park. It then goes through Downtown Disney, ending near the Disneyland Hotel.
What’s Unique: Like the Tinker Bell 10K, this race is almost entirely in the two parks! The race course also takes you through Sleeping Beauty Castle.
What’s Difficult: There are challengers in this race, which may make it a bit more crowded. The water stops do not include Powerade, which may be needed during the summer heat.
Super Heroes 10K
When: November during Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend, Saturday at 5:30 AM
Race Course: The race starts outside of the parks for the first two miles, then enters California Adventure near Cars Land. The course weaves through the park, around the World of Color and backstage. Runners will enter Disneyland Park, hitting most of the lands before exiting through Downtown Disney for a finish near Disneyland Hotel.
What’s Unique: With the popularity of the Avengers, this race will not only let you explore the parks but also get photos with your favorite super heroes! Also, be on the look out for the holiday overlays in the parks.
What’s Difficult: Since the Avengers are popular and limited, the lines for the characters will most likely be long.
Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris 10K
When: September during Disneyland Paris Half Marathon Weekend, Saturday at 7:00 AM
Race Course: TBD (Likely through both Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios parks.)
What’s Unique: Experiencing an international location is definitely unique and fun! Disneyland Park is full of amazing detail, and the characters are plentiful during the race.
What’s Difficult: As an international race weekend, the cost of travel will be high. It will also require taking the kids (if you choose to bring them along for the adventure) out of school for an extended period of time.
No matter what 10K you choose, you are sure to experience the runDisney magic!
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