A Newbie's Guide to Run Disney
05/05/2022
Caitlin White, Concierge Travel Planner
Have you always wanted to participate in a runDisney event but weren’t sure where to start? I participated my first runDisney event during the Princess Half-Marathon Weekend. Here’s what runDisney newbies need to know to get started.
- Register early. Races are announced and registration opens up MONTHS before the actual event. Races sell out within days, sometimes even hours. It might even help to set a reminder or an alarm to be sure you don’t miss out. We had to register for the February Princess races in August.
- Start training early. The good part about needing to register early is that it gives you plenty of time to start preparing for your race. This was my first in-person 10K and I needed that time to figure out a comfortable pace for me. runDisney offers a great training program for new runners on their website.
- You don’t have run. I’ll admit to being a slow runner. Like really slow. I can pretty much walk as fast as I run. You need to be able to keep a 16 minute pace overall throughout the race. As long as you can do that, you can walk or run - may people do a combo of both.
- Plan your outfit. This was my favorite part of getting ready for the race weekend. You will see runners in very elaborate costumes and others in regular running gear. Most are wearing something Disney or race themed. Just be sure whatever you are going to wear is comfortable enough to make it to the finish line.
- Go to the Expo early. If purchasing race themed merchandise is important to you, you’ll want to “rope drop” the Expo. We arrived two hours before opening time and there was already quite a line. Besides buying fun running goodies, you’ll also pick up your bib and race shirt while there.
Ready to try your own “run-cation”? Contact me at caitlin@wishesfamilytravel.com or on Facebook or Instagram to start planning.
