Runners, joggers, and people motivated enough to put one foot in front of another for an extended distance: rejoice! runDisney is finally returning to Walt Disney World resort later this year, after taking an prolonged hiatus due to the pandemic. While Disney-loving athletes have been able to participate in virtual runs with the runDisney program, this marks a momentous return to in-person events. Like the return of fireworks at Magic Kingdom and Epcot and the loosening of mask restrictions, yet another step to the return of our pre-pandemic normal at Walt Disney World.

runDisney has announced their 2021-2022 season, which includes four events:

  • Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend: November 4-7, 2021
  • Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend: January 5-9, 2022
  • Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend: February 24-27, 2022
  • runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend: March 31-April 3, 2022

Since COVID restrictions are now in a constant state of changing, Disney has not announced the full lineup of events and features for each weekend, although expect a slate of Kid’s Adventures, 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, and Marathon (during the WDW Marathon Weekend), and each race will take runners through the Disney World parks. Here are some additional activities announced for each runDisney weekend, according to Disney Parks Blog:

  • runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend: Each race season, the fourth weekend will be the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend that will include different race themes and distances each year.
  • Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga: On the first morning of the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, runDisney will host Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga in front of Cinderella Castle, before the theme park opens. The professionally led yoga session will be the most magical way to prepare your mind and body for a race!
  • Virtual Races: All runDisney races will have a virtual race option, allowing runDisney fans across the country to participate in your favorite races, even if you can’t make it to Walt Disney World to run in person. Runners will be encouraged to run on the same morning of the on-site events, and will receive the same finisher medals!
  • Just for Kids: The runDisney Kids Races during each event weekend will become runDisney Kids Adventures, focused on health, fitness, and fun for kids!

Additionally, Disney announced some details of the first event, the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, which marks the return of runDisney races to WDW.

The 2021 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend will kick off all the fun. The theme, Wickedly Delicious, celebrates our favorite Disney villains, and the weekend will include a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and Disney Two Course Challenge (both the 10K and the half marathon). The Post-Race Party will cap off the weekend so runners can celebrate their accomplishments with family and friends at EPCOT with exclusive, after-hours access to the park and the International Food & Wine Festival.

Will you be lacing up and racing through Disney World? Let me know in the comments below!