Choosing your runDisney Challenge

This is part four 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 challenges.  (See Also: 5K events, 10K events, half marathon events)

runDisney is well known for their challenges! Running multiple races on consecutive days, doubling the distance each day. It is definitely not for the weak!

Every challenge includes an extra medal and tech shirt for completing the challenge, along with the individual race medals and tech shirts. If you are ready to take on the training and tackle the challenge, it can be hard to decide which to do! Here is a look into the runDisney challenges.

Walt Disney World

Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge

When: January during Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

Races Involved: Walt Disney World Half Marathon and Walt Disney World Marathon

What’s Unique: As runDisney’s longest running challenge, this is one that truly is goofy! With this challenge, you will get the opportunity to run through all four theme parks and boast completing 39.3 miles!

What’s Difficult: Any time a marathon is involved, there is a lot of training that goes along with it. Add on a half marathon, and there will be even more. Since this event occurs just after the holidays, the peak training is during Christmas, which can make holiday plans difficult.

 

Dopey Challenge

When: January during Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

Races Involved: Disney Family Fun Run 5K, Walt Disney World 10K, Walt Disney World Half Marathon and Walt Disney World Marathon

What’s Unique: This is the only runDisney event where you get an extra medal for completing ALL of the events during one weekend! Along with the Dopey Challenge medal, you will also receive the Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge medal, as well as the individual race medals. Not to mention, you get to smile when you get those crazy looks as you explain your 48.6 mile accomplishment!

What’s Difficult: Training for this challenge is not something to take lightly. It also includes four VERY early mornings and (most likely) limited park time. As with Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, the peak training will occur during Christmas.

 

Fairy Tale Challenge

When: February during Princess Half Marathon Weekend

Races Involved: Princess 10K and Princess Half Marathon

What’s Unique: Extend the princess fun by running two races and get an extra medal! This challenge is a great bridge for those considering the Goofy or Dopey in the future.

What’s Difficult: As with all runDisney races, the wake up calls are early. Late February can also include some humidity, so be prepared for that on race day.

 

Dark Side Challenge

When: April during Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend – The Dark Side

Races Involved: Star Wars 10K and Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side

What’s Unique: This is the second Star Wars race weekend, allowing for runners to earn a special Kessel Run Challenge medal by participating on both coasts! (Half Marathon distance)

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).

 

Disney Two Course Challenge

When: November during Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

Races Involved: Wine & Dine 10K and Wine & Dine Half Marathon

What’s Unique: As the newest challenge to the runDisney event guide, this is a great opportunity to tackle a challenge before the hustle and bustle of the holidays!

What’s Difficult: This particular weekend in November can be busier as it is the final weekend of the Food & Wine Festival. While the weather is usually pleasant, rain can be a factor.

 

 

Disneyland

Rebel Challenge

When: January during Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend – The Light Side

Races Involved: Star Wars 10K and Star Wars Half Marathon – The Light Side

What’s Unique: This challenge is very themed, making it a great addition to the runDisney family!

What’s Difficult: This race occurs just a week after Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. During the half marathon events at Disneyland, a large portion of the race is outside of the parks, limiting the number of character photos.

 

Pixie Dust Challenge

When: May during Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend

Races Involved: Tinker Bell 10K and Tinker Bell Half Marathon

What’s Unique: This challenge is tends to appeal to the female crowd, making it a great race to run with your girlfriends! And since it falls over Mother’s Day, bring mom along for a weekend she is sure to remember.

What’s Difficult: 2015 was the first year this race was held in May and the parks may be more crowded.

 

Disneyland Double Dare

When: August/September during Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend

Races Involved: Disneyland 10K and Disneyland Half Marathon

What’s Unique: One race of this challenge, the 10K, occurs almost entirely in Disneyland property! This challenge, like the Glass Slipper, is a nice “intro” into runDisney challenges as well.

What’s Difficult: Since the races are over Labor Day Weekend, travel costs may be higher. The time of year also may mean hotter race mornings.

 

Infinity Gauntlet Challenge

When: November during Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend

Races Involved: Captain America 10K and Super Heroes Half Marathon

What’s Unique: With a super hero theme, it is sure to please the Avenger lovers in your family! Since this race is held in November, the holiday overlays will also be available for you to experience.

What’s Difficult: This race occurs just a week after Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. The lines for the Avenger photos are also very long, so you may need to skip some of the photo opportunities.

 

Disneyland Paris

10K + Half Marathon

When: September during Disneyland Paris Half Marathon Weekend

Races Involved: Disneyland Paris 10K and Disneyland Paris Half Marathon

What’s Unique: This international challenge is sure to be an experience you won’t forget!

What’s Difficult: As an international race, the cost of traveling can be quite high.

 

runDisney challenges are full of lots of great entertainment and smiles! No matter which you choose,  you will be running a LOT of magical miles!

Not sure if a runDisney challenge is for you? Check out our tips for runDisney challenges!