runDisney Reveals Storybook Themed Races for the 2026 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
For those gearing up for their runDisney races at Walt Disney World’s 2026 marathon weekend, we now have a first look at this year’s event themes.
What’s Happening:
- runDisney Blog has announced the themes for next year’s 2026 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.
- From January 8th through 11th, each race will take on a different storybook genre hosted by iconic Disney characters that will allow participants to create their own epic tales.
- Immersing guests into each genre with themed music, runners will be able to interact with popular meet and greet characters, including rare favorites, as they run through the popular theme park resort.
- General registration for the 2026 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend opens on March 11th, 2025 with Club runDisney Gold and Platinum registration beginning on March 4th.
- Let’s take a look at the revealed themes for the races.
Walt Disney World 5K
Head out on a 3.1 mile sci-fi adventure with astropup Pluto. This interstellar challenge kicks off the race weekend on Thursday, January 8th at 5AM. For those looking to participate in galactic adventure, you can register for $119.99 from March 11- September 8, and then will go up to $130.
Walt Disney World 10K
Team up with Chip n’ Dale on a 6.2 mile mystery-filled adventure. You’ll need to embrace your inner detective to complete this race. Taking place on January 9th at 5AM, the 10K sleuthing adventure costs $166 to participate if you register between March 11 and September 8, and then will go up to $176.
Walt Disney World Half Marathon
Embrace your other half at the romance themed half marathon. Join Donald and Daisy Duck on a 13.1 mile race that celebrates love. Kicking off at 5AM on January 10th, the half marathon race costs $240 to participate if you register between March 11 and September 8, and then will go up to $250.
Walt Disney World Marathon
Head out on an epic fantasy adventure with Sir Mickey Mouse and Lady Minnie Mouse on an exhilarating 26.2 mile trek. The epic finale of the race weekend commences at 5AM on January 11th. Participation in the marathon will run racers $242 to participate if you register between March 11 and September 8, and then will go up to $252.
- In addition to the four races, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is hosting two exciting challenges for racers who would like to participate in more than one event.
Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge
What’s funnier than running 39.3 miles around Walt Disney World? Well, that’s actually not funny at all, just incredibly impressive, but this marathon and half marathon challenge celebrates comedy and laughter. To participate in this challenge, registration will run you $473 if you sign-up between March 11 and September 8, and then will go up to $483.
Dopey Challenge
Of course, the notorious Dopey Challenge returns for the 2026 marathon weekend, this time celebrating fairy-tale triumphs. Set out on an adventure through all four races, covering 48.6 miles to complete this ultimate athletic feat. Joining in on this challenge will cost $736 if you register between March 11 and September 8, and then go up to $746.
- For more information on the 2026 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, visit runDisney’s official site here.
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