Know Before You runDisney

Tips for first time runDisney participants

runDisney weekends at Walt Disney World are full production events that do not disappoint.  The team pulls out all the stops to make for an unforgettable experience for racers.  However, this can make it very intimidating for first time participants.  I’ve been lucky enough to participate in five runDisney weekends.  While I am no expert, I’m hoping these tips will help those first-time participants navigate their debut with runDisney.

runDisney Expo Sign

The runDisney Expo:

Let’s start with race check in.  The runDisney team has their headquarter setup at the ESPN Wide World of Sports.  If you’ve been to Walt Disney World before, you know that buses are not readily traveling to this location.  Have no fear!  Each Walt Disney World resort has special busing setup to transport runners from their resort to the expo.  It was convenient to get to and from the expo for check in.  Just be mindful that some resorts share buses, so you may make a stop at Beach Club before swinging over to The Boardwalk resort.

The runDisney Expo at the ESPN Wide World of Sports

Speaking of check in, it always feels like you are missing something!  runDisney will highlight needing a check in pass for getting your bib at ESPN Wide World of Sports.  You will search your email, your runDisney account and not find it.  I’ve noticed that runDisney sends this out 24 hours prior to the start of the expo.  So, while you’re booking your Lightning Lanes, don’t fret that your check in pass is missing.

The first time I walked into the expo, I would have sworn I was at a Disney Park.  The amount of people there was ridiculous!  You will arrive at the front of the complex and make your way to the back to pick up your race bib at the State Farm Field House.  Make sure you have your Photo ID and check in pass readily available.  You’ll exit and make your way next door to the VISA Athletic Center.  Usually, once I get my race bib, I put it in my backpack and keep walking.  You will need that bib in the Athletic Center to get your race shirts, so keep the readily available.  It is great that runDisney gives you a race shirt for each event you participate in, however, these shirts do not run true to size.  They tend to run small.  If you have not raced before and are not sure what your “runDisney Size” is, try your shirt(s) on before walking out of the arena.  There is the option to swap your shirt size while supplies last. This stop is also filled with vendors, so a great place to pick up anything you may have forgotten to pack.

VISA Athletic Center

The last stop on your expo tour is the Advent Health Arena for merch!  So, merch is very popular for runDisney fans so much so that, unless you’re Club runDisney, you must join a virtual queue for getting into the shopping area.  Think opening of Tron meets opening of Guardians of the Galaxy line lengths.  As someone that just wants the runDisney Christmas ornament and pin, I have started preordering my race merch to avoid this.  The year I virtual queued, I was able to spend my morning in the park, hit the expo and then return to the parks.  Because runDisney buses are at every resort, I spent my morning at Magic Kingdom, took the monorail to The Contemporary Resort and hopped their runDisney bus.

runDisney Merch Line

runDisney Buses:

Resort Race Information Sign

I’ve already highlighted that there are buses to take you to the expo, but buses will also be there to take you to and from the races.  Walt Disney World does a great job posting runDisney event signs at every resort.  I ran the Disneyland Halloween ½ Marathon weekend and was so disappointed to see these signs not posted.  They are so helpful!  They will have all your times posted for each race day.  Do pay attention that the shorter races may have different start times than the half and full marathons. 

So, how important is it to get on the bus at the posted 2am time?  It’s hard to say.  My first race weekend, I was there right at 2am and the first person on the bus.  My past few races, I pushed it more to 2:45am when runDisney recommend being on the bus by 3am.  The reason for this is that they will close roads for the longer races, and it makes getting in and out of Epcot more difficult.  For the 5k days, I’ve seen people arrive after the start of the race.  Since this run is completely contained within EPCOT, no road closure concerns.  I’ve also heard horror stories of people missing the race because they got stuck in traffic with the closed roads.  It’s tough to gage, but I’d recommend that it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Wine and Dine Race Staging Area.

Keeping pace to not get swept:

Baymax and I are both not so fast!

If you’re in any of the runDisney groups, you’ve probably seen posts about “The Balloon Ladies”.  This is a group of walkers that pace the end of the race.  If you are not able to keep the required 16 minutes per mile pace and they pass you, you will be asked to hop on the shuttle and ride to the race end.  As someone that mostly mall walks the race, I’ve been concerned with not being fast enough to finish the race.  Last year, I started with a thirty-minute head start and was able to maintain that throughout the half marathon.  If you’ve done the training, I would not worry about them and go out and have a great time!  If you are like Baymax and me, not so fast, then consider these tips for helping save yourself time:

• Don’t waste time stopping for the Character or Ride Stops.  There will be character photo stops out on the racecourse and the lines for them get long.  If you have any concerns with being passed by The Balloon Ladies, don’t waste time in the lines.  If you want your character photos, be that first person on the bus as characters are usually out prior to the race in the starting area.  I’ve grabbed some great photos pre-race, so I can keep moving on the course.

  

  Prerace Photo Ops!

• Be the first in the corral. Runners are staged in corrals prior to the race.  Arriving early to the race mean you’ll be one of the first people in the corral and at the front of your group.  runDisney breaks the corrals into small sections and send you out on the course in smaller groups.  It may sound silly, but this is how I managed to get a great head start on The Balloon Ladies.  Hitting the course knowing they are at least ten groups behind you is really comforting if you have any concerns that you’ll slowly slow down as you run. Groups hit the course every two minutes.

• I know this is too much information, but use a real bathroom whenever you can to save time.  I know, when you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go.  The lines for the porta-potties can get really long, especially at the start of the race.  Review the race maps and be prepared for knowing when you’ll be entering and exiting the parks.  The restrooms within the parks will be open for use and they are large.  You will save time by using a real restroom versus waiting in the long lines for the ones along the roadside. 

Prepare For All Weather Conditions:

Depending on your race experience, the weather can be a tough thing to deal with on the course.  I’ve raced in everything from freezing rain to desert heat.  It’s tough but if you plan, you can do it!

2021 Wine & Dine Starting Line.

• For those cold race days, layer up because it can be miserable waiting in the corral pre-race in the rain and wind.  It is common to see shirts and sweatshirt lining the course at the start of the race.  I always wear something that I don’t mind not getting back.  I can stay warm in the corral and ditch it if things warm up.

• I have found the Disney ponchos to be fantastic for my rain days on the course.  They come folded up and are small enough to fit into my pockets.  I open them up when needed and I don’t feel bad throwing them away while on the course. 

• The pre-race team will tell you to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, especially on the really hot days.  If you’re fast enough to get through the course before the sun comes up, then I consider you lucky!  Usually, I will be halfway through the half marathon when the sun starts to rise, and it makes that highway running section hot.  Don’t take the suggestions lightly, carry more water than you think you need.  If you’re towards the back of the race, the water stations have been known to run out of water.  They do their best to plan and have water for everyone, but some runners take more than one glass on those hot days.  Assume you will need to supply yourself with water on the entire course and that you can’t depend on those tables.  For my last runDisney event, I was able to skip the last few water stations since I had plenty of water on me and knew there were lots of runners still behind me.

runDisney Sign

As I write this, I know the 2025 Princess Half Marathon is right around the corner.  I have never done this race, I’m more of a Wine & Dine weekend racer.  Wishing everyone getting out on the course a successful weekend.  For those first time runners, have the most magical time and welcome to the runDisney craze!