The Non-Runner’s Guide to runDisney
or the non-Disney obsessed runner’s guide to runDisney
(Part 1)
Some things just go together. Salt and Pepper. Peanut Butter and Jelly. Mickey and Minnie. Olaf and…summer?
Something I wouldn’t put in that list? Running and Disney.
Disney is about relaxing…vacationing… happiness. Running is about pounding your feet relentlessly against the ground over and over for unknown reasons while wondering why you hate yourself.
And yet, here I am about to start my third season with runDisney, with the photos to prove it.
My runDisney journey started January 2022 with a single 5k. Now, 22 months later, I’m on the eve of running my first official half-marathon. And in just 2 months—on my 39th birthday—I’ll be doing the runDisney Marathon.
For all my adult life I’d prioritized physical fitness as a way to stay healthy…direct energy and rage at things that couldn’t hit me back…and, let’s face it, look better naked. But running was something I struggled with. I lifted, practiced barre, shadow-boxed, cycled, and everything else a trendy studio could throw at me, but ask me to run a mile without being winded? I couldn’t do it.
Now, because of runDisney, my love of running has increased from 0/10 to a solid 2/10, and my sense of accomplishment after a run (whether or not a medal is involved) has increased from non-existent to approximately 87/10 (if a medal is involved, multiply by 3).
For the first time ever, I can say I’m a runner. And I can say a very expensive, very themed running club has changed my life in so many ways.
Most of them for the good.
Perhaps one day I’ll finish that train of thought, but today I don’t want to talk about why to runDisney. I want to talk about how to runDisney.
#willrunformedals
Both running and Disney are logistically complicated sports (yes, going to Disney does count as a sport #olympics2084). When I went to my first runDisney event I was lucky enough to have a pro with me, and I took the stance of please-tell-me-everything-I-have-to-do-from-the-moment-I-start-packing-to-the-moment-I-cross-the-finish-line. And whether you’re running your first 5k or your 26th marathon, knowing all the whats and whens and wheres will ensure running is the only part you have to think about.
This is my friend Cara.
Cara is a runDisney pro who guided me through my first race. Consider this blog your very own personal Cara.
So whether you’re a seasoned Disney pro but first time runner or ultramarathoner but first time Disneyer let’s get into the logistics of how to runDisney.
This will be broken into two parts - everything up until the race, and actual race day (including that 2 am wake up time).
For the sake of this article we’re going to assume you’re up to speed (pun intended) on training and know how to run. We’ll just focus on what you need to be prepped for a successful race, wheels-up to celebrating after the finishline.
Packing for runDisney
Clothing
When packing your race kit (fancy word for all the stuff you need race day…say it and you’ll sound like a pro) make sure you’re considering the weather. Running in Florida is no easy feat.
Even in November and January expect warm, humid weather after the sun rises, and in February and April, just practice running in a sauna. Whatever it is you’re running in, make sure it’s something you’ve worn before. Rule of thumb for everything race morning, nothing should be new.
You should also consider bringing something to keep you warm for the cold morning. Once you get to the staging area you’ll be standing around for several hours. Before the sun rises it will be cold, and the last thing you want is to be shivering and starting your run with cold muscles. I typically use a cheap fleece blanket like these from Five Below. They’re warm, easy to find, and bonus, fun for photos or playing Grannies. Other popular options are old hoodies, bathrobes, or those silver ‘space blankets’.
Just know that whatever you use, it won’t be returning with you, so grandma’s heirloom quilt is not recommended. As you progress to the starting line there will be designated ‘clothing drops’ where you will leave your warmth behind. These are then gathered up and suitable items are donated.
Keeping warm….or playing Grannies? Whichever it is, make sure to bring a blanket or old hoodie!
Lastly, a word about costumes. RunDisney events are known for people wearing elaborate costumes. For this season, Disney updated their rules, which will make a lot of previously seen costumes inadmissable. While the costumes were fun, some of them could easily cause a safety hazard, and I applaud Disney for making safety a priority. I have never actually worn a costume—running in normal gear is hard enough!!—but I’m sure even with these policies we’ll see some amazing looks race day.
Fuel and Accessories
In your race kit you’ll want to make sure you pack any fuel you use. Bringing what you’re used to means you won’t have to worry about trying to find it at the Expo, or using something brand new and risking an upset stomach.
In case you haven’t found a fuel you like (and still have time to try it in advance!) my go-tos are UnTapped and Verb*.
Depending on what you’re running in, you may need somewhere to put your fuel, not to mention your phone. I’m obsessed with my flipbelt (which you can also get at the expo - I’ll be picking up another one!)
Post-Race Recovery
If you’re planning to go to the parks after your run, or you’re a person who just gets sore after a race (ie, me) I’d encourage you to bring some sort of recovery device. It could be as simple as a lacrosse ball, a stick massager, or a massage gun. I swear by a stick massage before and after a run (like this one), and have this travel sized percussive massage gun from Renpho. They’re both super easy to fit in a suitcase, and being prepped with some easy recovery tools can definitely make a difference in how soon you’re ready to hit the parks!
Hydration post-race is also key. My favorite electrolyte drink is LMNT.
Pro tip If you’re flying and checking luggage, consider making sure your race kit is in your carry-on bag.
One less thing to worry about!
runDisney Packing List!
Running shoes (duh)
Running socks
Gels/fuel
Flipbelt
Running clothes
Blanket or hoodie
Electrolytes
Post-race massage tool
KT-Tape, blister patches, etc
RunDisney Health and Fitness Expo
So now that you (and your perfectly packed bags) are in Orlando, let’s get ready to runDisney! The first thing you have to do is go to the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo. Every runner must go to the Expo prior to your race to finish your registration and get your bib. The Expo typically closes at 7 pm Thursday and Friday, and 3 pm Saturday, so make sure you take that into account when you plan your arrival to Orlando.
The Expo is held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The easiest way to get there is using Disney transportation (more on that below), though you can also drive or Uber.
When you arrive at the Expo, you’ll have three different stops to make: Bib pick up, shirt pick up/exhibitors, and merchandise.
Make sure you plan time for the runDisney Expo, not only because you have to go to pick up your bib, but for all the fun photo ops!
I recommend your first stop should be picking up your Race Bib, located in the Field House. After all, it is the most important, and there will be runner relations cast members on hand to help straighten out any issues you have.
To get there, you’ll walk all the way toward the back of the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, past the merchandise and fun photo ops (don’t worry, we’ll be back this way…I couldn’t ever miss shopping or photos!) In order to pick up you’ll bib, you’ll need three things:
Your Expo Check-In Pass. This is a QR code that will be added to your runDisney account a few days before the race. It includes your bib number.
Pro Tip: add it to your mobile wallet or take a screenshot so you don’t have to worry about logging in.Your digital waiver, signed. You can do this any time after you register by logging into your runDisney account, and looking for it under ‘View & Sign Your Documents’.
Your ID. Runners must pick up their own Race Bib. You cannot pick up anyone else’s, or have anyone pick up for you.
Bib pick up is broken out by distance, and then by bib number. Challenge bibs are separated by the challenge. In this area, you’ll also find the runner relations and technical problems tent, which can help you sort out any problems (like the fact that I somehow had 3 different runDisney accounts all associated with my name).
When you get your bib, make sure to grab some safety pins too! You’ll need these race morning to attach your bib to your clothing.
Your bib has a few key pieces of information on it:
Your participant number. This is used to identify you as a runner, and the code to download your PhotoPass photos.
Your Corral Group. This is a letter or number indicating which ‘wave’ you will start in. We’ll talk more about this later.
A perforated tab you’ll need for your next stop - shirt pick up!
Once you get your bib, you’ll walk to the Athletic Center (yes, it’s a lot of walking at the Expo…think of it as your warmup!) to get your race shirt, and check out the exhibitors and vendors. I definitely recommend exploring - you can find a great assortment of running gear, sunglasses, fuel, sports therapy tools, and other vendors. They also typically have the medals on display, as well as large maps of the courses, and cast members on hand to answer any questions.
In the back of the hall you’ll be able to pick up your race shirt at tables separated by size. They’ll tear off the perforated tab on your bib, and trade you a shirt in a clear plastic bag with confusingly long handles. If you plan on using gEAR check (a more magical way of saying ‘store your stuff while you run’), don’t lose this bag, as it’s the one you’ll need to use.
Lastly…it’s time for shopping! RunDisney merch is located in the AdventHealth Arena, the building closest to the parking lot. There will be merchandise specific to each distance, to the overall weekend them, and some general runDisney items. As expected with Disney merch, items will go fast, especially in the smaller sizes. But if they don’t have what you’re looking for out on the floor, always feel free to ask a cast member. I’ve gotten lucky a few times that way! If you ordered any of the merch packages in advance, this is also where you’ll pick it up.
Pro Tip They will have select merch at the race staging area for purchase after your race. So if you’re like me and too supersticious to purchase a ‘I DID IT’ magnet before the race, you might be able to snag one after. But expect limited quantities and selection
BONUS Pro Tip Please, please, please use mobile check out. Lines will be long, and no one has time to wait!
A note about virtual queues
Last season, runDisney implemented a virtual queue for entry into the merchandise area for the first day of the Expo, to mixed results. The queue, which you can join from the My Disney Experience app, opens at 7:30, but you have to be in the Orlando area to join. However, I’ve never actually had a problem joining the queue a few hours later, and still being able to enter the merch area at a reasonable time.
The Expo also has a lot of really fun photo ops spread throughout the areas!
Expo check list
Pick up Race Bib
Pick up Race shirt
Check out vendors
Get all the merch
Snap some pics for the ‘gram!
Transportation
One of the best things about any runDisney event is how organized every aspect is, including the transportation. Direct transportation is provided from every Disney resort to all runDisney events via bus. So even if you normally stay off-property or live in the Orlando area, I would highly recommend staying on-property to take advantage of the transportation. While you can drive, you will have to plan far ahead to make sure you won’t be impacted by any of the extensive road closures.
RunDisney buses typically pick up and drop off from the same area as the resort buses, but keep an eye out for blue signs to direct you to the exact location. If you are staying at one of the larger resorts with different busses, make sure you know which stop is closest, and how to get there. You don't want to worry about that at 2 am!
Each resort will also have signage in the lobby providing the bus schedule, as well as the event guide, emailed to you about 2 weeks before the event. In part 2 we’ll talk a little more about what to expect race morning (spoiler alert…you’ll see what the sky looks like at 2 am), but buses typically begin running around 45 minutes before the opening of the first start group (the opening…not the start time!). So for the 5k and 10k distances, this typically means buses begin at 3 am. For the half and full, 2:30 am.
And as painful as it is, I strongly recommend you plan to be on the first bus. Yes, it does mean once you arrive you’ll be waiting longer before you can enter the corrals or start, but the peace of mind knowing you’re in the right place and you don’t have to stress is worth it. And Disney has lots of entertainment—including characters!—to keep you entertained while you wait.
One last pre-race Pro Tip. The quick service restaurant in the resort will normally carry a ‘Runners Box’ with a banana, bagel, peanut butter, and hardboiled egg. If you’re used to eating something in the morning, it can be a great option.
Coming up in part 2…
Everything to know about race morning…including starting groups and corrals, character stops, and the most important question…bathrooms!
Anything you’re curious about? Let me know!
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