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In 2024, Disneyland races returned to the parks for the first time since 2017 and sold out immediately. Unable to secure a registration or make the trip from Florida to California for the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, I decided to do my very first RunDisney Virtual Race. I couldn’t resist those gorgeous medals!
Whether you’re an avid runner or just starting your fitness journey, these virtual races bring the magic of Disney right to your doorstep, allowing participants to experience the joy of running iconic Disney races from the comfort of their own neighborhoods.
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What is a RunDisney Virtual Race?
A RunDisney virtual race is a running event where you can experience the excitement and wonder of Disney while clocking miles in your neighborhoods or on your favorite running routes in your own timeframe. Participants track their times, and completion is based on the honor system. Once you complete your run, you visit the finisher website to submit your finish time and download your race certificate.
You must officially register on the RunDisney site to participate. Although Virtual events do not sell out in minutes like the in-person races do, they all eventually sell out. So, if you see one you want to participate in, do not leave registration until the last minute.
What do you receive for a Virtual Race?
A key highlight of any runDisney event is the coveted race swag. Runners receive a downloadable-themed race bib, a finisher certificate, a dazzling finisher medal, and an exclusive race T-shirt – all delivered right to their doorstep. These collectible medals are a testament to your virtual journey through the Disney universe and are pretty incredible!
The shirts and medals can be delivered before the official in-person race weekend or six weeks after the races are completed. There doesn’t seem to be an official timeline, but the fine print says it’s not guaranteed to arrive until six weeks after the actual race weekend.
I decided to do the Disneyland 5K and the Dumbo Double Dare Challenge of the 10K and Half Marathon, which arrived in two separate shipments. In my experience, they came 1-2 weeks after the official in-person races in Anaheim, California. I still chose to run the distances on the same weekend everyone ran in person to keep myself accountable.
The 5K Swag:
During a typical RunDisney weekend, you would attend the expo, check into your resort, and then rise and run at 3 AM for several consecutive days. The 5K is always the weekend’s first race, followed by the 10K and then the Half (then a Marathon if it’s Marathon Weekend). With a virtual race, you can make your schedule and do whatever you need to do to be successful and complete the distances.
Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend 2024 – The 5K is 3.1 miles with no minimum pace requirement. The 5K theme featured the oh-so-adorable Pluto, and I just had to have it! I completed my distance, logged my times, and patiently waited for the package to arrive a week later. Just look how cute the long-sleeved tee and Pluto medal are. Pluto slides back and forth on this gorgeously mid-century-inspired medal.
The 10K Swag:
The 10K is 6.2 miles with a minimum of a 16-minute mile pace. The long-sleeve shirt and medal feature a very athletic Donald and Daisy Duck, and they also slide back and forth on the medal. The sleeve of each shirt also features the RunDisney logo, and the back of the shirts showcases all of the event sponsors.
The Half Marathon Swag:
The Half Marathon is 13.1 miles with a minimum 16-minute mile pace. The long-sleeve shirt and medal feature the biggest stars of all – Mickey and Minnie Mouse. These characters are also typically standard for the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend. You will always find Mickey and/or Minnie featured on the Full Marathon medals. The characters on the medals are three-dimensional and spring when you touch them. Who could resist that iconic Disneyland design?
Dumbo Double Dare Challenge:
Most of you know I did attempt an in-person challenge at Princess Weekend in 2023 and had a medical issue that caused me to DNF. I went back and completed my first Half Marathon at Wine and Dine 2023, but it has always bothered me that I didn’t complete a three-day challenge, so this was my comeback story.
I got up early three days in a row. I ran at my local trail while everyone was running in California and completed all three days within the allotted times to successfully earn the Double Dare Challenge plus the bonus 5K. Technically the Dumbo Challenge is just completing the 10K and a Half, but this made up for my Princess weekend mishap in my heart.
This Dumbo long-sleeve shirt and medal are so adorable. The background on the medal spins and gives me such joy and a feeling of accomplishment. I have only been running since July of 2022 and never saw myself filling an entire medal rack in a little over a year. But here we are!
You can buy the same Disney Medal Rack that I have and love from Etsy!
Tips and Tricks for a Magical Run:
For those embarking on their first runDisney Virtual Race, a few tips can help ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience. Planning a Disney-themed playlist, dressing up in costume, and incorporating a touch of Disney magic into the route are just a few ways to make the run extra special. Don’t forget to capture the moments – share your race day joy with fellow participants and Disney enthusiasts alike. I really enjoy several RunDisney Facebook groups and podcasts and they offer a lot of motivation.
Community of Magic: Connecting with Disney Fans
While the races are virtual, the sense of community is very real. Participants can connect with fellow Disney fans through social media groups and share their experiences, training tips, and, of course, their favorite Disney memories. The virtual camaraderie creates a supportive atmosphere that transcends physical distances, making every participant feel like they’re part of something truly magical.
runDisney’s Virtual Disneyland Races aren’t just about logging miles; they’re about creating lasting memories and reaching personal goals. Whether you’re running with family, friends, or solo, the virtual races offer a unique opportunity to blend the joy of Disney with the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a race. As runners lace up their shoes and embark on virtual adventures, they discover that the magic of Disney is not confined to theme parks but can be experienced wherever the road takes them. So, step into the world of Magic Miles, where every step brings you closer to the magic of Disney!
p.s. All of the custom Minnie Ears and Disney shirts you see in our photos were either purchased on Amazon, Etsy, Hot Topic, Target, or at the official Disney stores! Find ALL of our affiliate links on our SHOP!
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So fun, you rock!!! 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️