Yes, it’s that magical time of year again where many Disney enthusiasts don their running shoes… often Disney themed and run either for charity or just for fun.

2015 is the start of a brand new year and the start of a new runDisney schedule. January 8, 2015 sees the start of the races associated with the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, presented by Cigna.

Dubbed at the most magical and exhilirating 26.2 miles on earth starting at 5.30 a.m., the marathon will take you through the four Disney Parks starting in Epcot you get to run through Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, Walt Disney Speedway then back round to finish in Epcot. 

Disney Characters will cheer you on throughout the run and you can even stop and take photos as keepsakes of your run.  There will also be various entertainment stations placed throughout the route to make the run a fun and lovely atmosphere for both runners and their cheer crew.

Other runs which will be happening this weekend include:

Dopey Challenge (The one for the hardcore runners) January 8 – 11, 2015. Run 48.6 miles by racing the 5K, 10K, half marathon with a grand finale at the Marathon.

5K Challenge starts on  January 8, 2015, starting at 6.15 a.m. in Epcot. This race is for all of the family.  Run, jog or walk your way around Future World before heading to the International World Showcase.

10K  starts on January 9, 2015 at 5:30 a.m. in Epcot. This is the newest challenge to descend upon the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. For those who want to push themselves beyond the 5K challenge this is a 6.2 mile challenge which winds through the ever so scenic Epcot.

Half Marathon– (13.1 Miles) January 10, 2015 , starting 5.30 a.m. in Epcot

Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge – (This one is for all of the super fit people!)  January 10-11, 2015, start and finish in Epcot.  This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge which consists of two days, four parks and 39.3 miles!

Castaway Challenge is the one everyone is so excited about! This race takes you from the magical scenes of Walt Disney World Resort to Disney Paradise. This year will be the first ever challenge which will consist of combining a magical 5k run or longer at the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (January 7-11, 2015) with a  Disney Cruise a week  later for a 5K challenge on Castaway Cay. Now, who wouldn’t be up for this new challenge?

 At the end of each race runners are given medals to show their completion,  a t-shirt in women’s or men’s cut, a personalized bib, a gift bag, and off course post race refreshments.  There will also be pre and post race events such as Pasta in the Park which is a special Goofy themed event with a buffet dinner in Epcot (January 8-10, 2015). You may also choose to fuel yourself with a fun filled buffet breakfast, also in Epcot.

Sunday, January 11, 2015 Disney will have a cool down party which will be held at Downtown Disney (Disney Springs) where runners and their families can celebrate.

All runDisney events are very popular and tend to sell out in days, even hours! If you fancy a Disney Challenge of  your own, start practicing! Make sure to subscribe via email to Magical DIStractions and we will let you know when new runDisney dates are released.