This is part one 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 5K events. (See Also: 10K events, half marathons, challenges)
The runDisney 5K events offer fun for the entire family! Since these events are not timed, the pressure is off which allows for a lot of fun and smiles. Whether it’s your first race, a family event or just fun with your friends, the 5K races are full of Disney magic!
The 5K events are 3.1 miles in length. Everyone ages 5 and older are allowed to participate and no strollers are allowed. All events include character opportunities as well as a cotton t-shirt and finisher’s medallion.
So how do you decide which one to participate in? Here is a little insight into each event!
Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World 5K
When: January during Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, Thursday at 6:15 AM
Race Course: Begins in the Epcot parking lot, then proceeds into World Showcase. You will continue through all of the countries, then back to Future World and finishing in the Epcot parking lot.
What’s Unique: Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is the largest runDisney event and offers something for everyone! In early January, the weather is (usually) mild and the parks are less crowded.
What’s Difficult: With the addition of the Dopey Challenge, this 5K lost some of its “family” appeal in 2014. The course is also the same as Princess, which means there isn’t much variety.
Princess 5K
When: February during Princess Half Marathon, Friday at 6:15 AM
Race Course: Begins in the Epcot parking lot, then proceeds into World Showcase. You will continue through all of the countries, then back to Future World and finishing in the Epcot parking lot.
What’s Unique: With a Princess theme, this race is great for a girls’ event! That being said, this race is a great time to get out those fantastic costumes and tutus!
What’s Difficult: This race happens the weekend after President’s Weekend, which means vacation prices may be higher. The course is also the same as the race in January.
Star Wars 5K – The Dark Side
When: April during Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend – The Dark Side
Races Course: Begins in the Epcot parking lot, then proceeds into World Showcase. You will continue through all of the countries, then back to Future World and finishing in the Epcot parking lot.
What’s Unique: As the second Star Wars race series, this is sure to bring out even more fans! This is a great race to include the entire family, from the youngest of padawans to the Yodas.
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).
Mickey’s Holiday 5K
When: November during Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, Saturday at 7:00 AM
Race Course: The course begins in the Animal Kingdom parking lot. After running around the lot, the course heads into and throughout Animal Kingdom.
What’s Unique: A Christmas theme is sure to get you in the holiday spirit! The race also takes you inside Animal Kingdom early in the morning. Stay in the holiday spirit by experiencing Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party during your time in the parks!
What’s Difficult: The running path inside Animal Kingdom is a little uneven, which can be hard on your legs. It also occurs just over 14 hours before the Wine & Dine Half Marathon, for those running in both events.
Disneyland
Star Wars 5K – The Light Side
When: January during Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend, Friday at 5:30 AM
Race Course: The course begins on Disneyland Drive , then goes through Disneyland Park and into Disney California Adventure. It continues through Downtown Disney for a finish near the Disneyland Hotel
What’s Unique: This is a great opportunity to get the whole family to use the force!
What’s Difficult: This race occurs just a week after Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and may be difficult to take kids out of school.
Never Land 5K
When: May during Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend, Friday at 5:45 AM
Race Course: The course begins in Disneyland Park, directly in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. The course winds around Disneyland Park, then through the concourse to California Adventure, ending near World of Color.
What’s Unique: The course stays entirely inside the two parks! This is extremely unique and keeps the magic alive.
What’s Difficult: The dates are changing to Mother’s Day weekend, which may include an increase in crowds at the parks.
Disneyland 5K
When: August during Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, Friday at 5:30 AM
Race Course: The course begins near Disneyland Hotel, where it then enters California Adventure and winds throughout. It then goes through the concourse to Disneyland Park, and ends near Disneyland Hotel.
What’s Unique: Occuring during Labor Day Weekend, this is a race that may not affect school plans. The race also includes a lot of time in both parks, which is a fun opportunity!
What’s Difficult: Since it is the end of the summer, the weather can be a little warm. There also is a quite early wake up time!
Super Heroes 5K
When: November during Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend, Saturday at 5:30 AM
Race Course: This race begins on Disneyland Drive, then enters Disney California Adventure. From there its into Disneyland Park and through Downtown Disney for a finish near Disneyland Hotel.
What’s Unique: A fun theme! Allow every member of the family to become their own super hero!
What’s Difficult: This race occurs a week after Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend.
Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris 5K
When: September during Disneyland Paris Half Marathon Weekend, Friday at 8:00 PM
Race Course: This course begins in Disney Village, and continues throughout Walt Disney Studios park.
What’s Unique: As runDisney’s first international race, the 5K is a great way to include the entire family!
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 event you choose, it is sure to be full of magical miles!
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