2026 Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend
The 2026 Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend will take place from Sunday, January 7 to Thursday, January 11, 2026, at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Weather forecasts for the weekend predict mostly sunny skies with daytime highs around 68 °F (20 °C) and overnight lows near 48 °F (9 °C). The schedule features a series of themed races, each hosted by classic Disney characters, that run through the resort’s four theme parks.
What dates and times are the races scheduled?
- →5 K – Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 5:00 AM
- →10 K – Friday, January 9, 2026 at 5:00 AM
- →Half Marathon – Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 5:00 AM
- →Marathon – Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 4:30 AM
- →Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge – Half Marathon (January 10) and Marathon (January 11)
- →Dopey Challenge – 5 K (January 8), 10 K (January 9), Half Marathon (January 10), Marathon (January 11)
What distances are available for this event?
- →5 K (Sci‑fi theme, hosted by Pluto)
- →10 K (Mysterious theme, led by Chip ’n Dale)
- →Half Marathon (Romantic theme with Donald & Daisy)
- →Marathon (Fantasy theme with Mickey & Minnie)
- →Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge (Half + Full Marathon)
- →Dopey Challenge (All four races)
What are the themes and character hosts for each race?
- →5 K – Sci‑fi theme, hosted by Pluto
- →10 K – Mysterious theme, led by Chip ’n Dale
- →Half Marathon – Romantic theme featuring Donald Duck and Daisy Duck
- →Marathon – Fantasy theme ruled by Sir Mickey Mouse and Lady Minnie Mouse
- →Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge – Laughter‑themed, bonus medal for completing both races
- →Dopey Challenge – Fairy‑tale theme, bonus medal for completing all four races
How much does registration cost for each race?
- →5 K
– Early‑bird (March 11 – September 8 2025): $119.99
– Regular (September 9 – October 31 2025): $130.00
- →10 K
– Early‑bird: $166.00
– Regular: $176.00
- →Half Marathon
– Early‑bird: $240.00
– Regular: $250.00
- →Marathon
– Early‑bird: $242.00
– Regular: $252.00
- →Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge
– Early‑bird: $473.00
– Regular: $483.00
- →Dopey Challenge
– Early‑bird: $580.00
– Regular: $590.00
All prices include a 6.6 % platform service fee.
What is included in the registration fee?
- →Official race course through Walt Disney World Resort parks
- →Disney character sightings and on‑course entertainment
- →Finisher medal for each completed race
- →Participant shirt (size chart available)
- →On‑course and post‑race refreshments
- →Digital Expo & Event Guide
- →Downloadable finisher certificate
What race rules and categories are offered?
- →Gold and Platinum club runDisney categories (early‑bird and regular pricing tiers)
- →Open‑race categories for all other participants
- →Each race follows standard road‑running regulations and park safety guidelines
What health and safety measures may be in place during the weekend?
- →Face coverings may be required if deemed appropriate by park officials
- →Physical distancing guidelines for on‑course checkpoints and support stations
- →Sanitization stations along the courses
- →Updated health and safety policies reviewed on the official event website
What awards and medals are awarded?
- →Individual finisher medal for each race (5 K, 10 K, Half Marathon, Marathon)
- →Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge medal for completing both the Half Marathon and Marathon
- →Dopey Challenge medal for completing all four races
- →Total of 6 medals available to Dopey Challenge participants
What facilities and amenities are available to participants?
- →Hydration and nutrition stations at regular intervals
- →Medical tents staffed by qualified personnel
- →Restroom and shower facilities in each theme park
- →Participant lounge areas with seating and charging stations
- →Merchandise kiosks offering race‑related apparel and souvenirs
What weather considerations should participants prepare for?
- →Morning temperatures around 60–65 °F; dress in layers to accommodate cooler starts
- →Potential for afternoon sunshine; sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) recommended
- →Light rain possible; waterproof running shoes or gaiters advised
- →Wind conditions generally mild but may increase on open park grounds
- →Stay hydrated throughout the race, especially during the marathon’s early start hour