BREAKING: Update on WDW Marathon Weekend and Princess Races

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We are closing in on 100 days to Marathon Weekend. Runners were anxiously awaiting news on how their races may look. runDisney has just shared new information on both races. Read on for all the details!

runDisney Releases Information about 2021 Marathon Weekend and Princess Half Marathon Weekend

Today, runDisney announced that both the 2021 Marathon Weekend and the Princess Half Marathon Weekend would be run virtually. This is a similar to what happened with the 2020 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. Read more about that HERE.

Statement From runDisney

If you visit the runDisney website you find information regarding the changes to the races. Here is what you will find:

While we share our Guests’ disappointment that we will not be running together in person, we have based this decision on the unique circumstances of hosting a road race experience on this scale under the current environment.

Current Participants

Participants who registered through runDisney.com will have the option of receiving a full refund for the race. Those who are registered with a U.S. mailing address may convert their existing registration to the new virtual event that can be completed from home, a local running track or favorite running trail.

Eligible runners who participate in the virtual race will receive a medal for each distance they complete and the option of a race shirt, in addition to the satisfaction of completing the race they’ve trained for. Registered participants will receive an email beginning September 23 with instructions on how to make their registration selection before October 7, 2020.

New Registration

For those who would still like to register for the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend virtual events, we will open additional registration opportunities on a limited basis on Thursday, September 24 at 10 a.m. Eastern time. These race events may be completed from home, a local running track or favorite running trail.

Participants Running for a Charity

Participants who’ve booked through a charity or tour operator should reach out directly to that organization. Athletes who’ve booked through the Walt Disney Travel Company may call them at 407-939-4786 (407-939-IRUN) for available options.

Refund Options

2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Refund Option

Runners registered for the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort who select the refund option will receive a refund back to their original form of payment for the following. If a Guest no longer has their original form of payment used when registering, they may contact runDisney by October 7, 2021 to receive a refund via check or a Digital Disney Gift Card for the following:

Race registrations (Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Challenges and Kids Races)
Commemorative merchandise (automatic refund – no virtual option)
Processing fee

Additionally, any registered participant with a shipping address outside of the U.S. will automatically receive a refund back to their original form of payment. At this time, participants without a valid U.S. shipping address are not eligible for the virtual option.

When Will Refunds Happen?

Runners can expect to have their refunds processed by mid-November 2020. Be sure to visit the “contact us” section on runDisney.com if you have not received it by then.

Virtual Options

All registered participants with a valid U.S. shipping address for the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend or 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort who purchased their registrations on runDisney.com will have the option to participate in a virtual race. Please note PO Boxes and APO Boxes are not considered valid shipping addresses for this purpose. Participants who select this option will receive the following based on their registration(s):

Race distance medal(s)
Option of event tech shirt(s)
Digital Bib and finisher certificate
Digital Toolkit including start/finish line and mile markers
Digital Goody Bag
Virtual playlist
A Digital Disney Gift Card for select races

Can I Still Register if I Have Received a Refund?

Guests with a U.S. mailing address who already have received a refund for their registration may still register to participate in the virtual race option by registering at runDisney.com beginning September 24, 2020 at 10 a.m. Eastern time.

Runners With Disney Gift Cards for Select Races

Eligible athletes registered for select events during the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend or 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort will receive a Digital Disney Gift Card:

Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Challenge

When Will I Receive the Gift Card?

These Digital Disney Gift Cards should be processed and expected by mid-November 2020. Please visit the “contact us” section on runDisney.com if you have not received it by then.

Charitable Donations

Donations made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals will not be refunded and will be delivered to those organizations as originally planned.

Castaway Cay Challenge

The 2021 Castaway Cay Challenge will transition to a virtual event. However, the January 11, 2021 Disney Dream cruise is currently still scheduled to sail. If you need to make adjustments to your sailing, please contact Disney Cruise Line at 1-800-951-3532 or your Travel Professional.

Club runDisney Charter Membership

Guests who purchased the inaugural year of the Club runDisney membership will receive a second year of membership at no charge.

Future Races

We’re looking at every aspect of the runDisney experience and making decisions with the safety and well-being of our athletes, volunteers, Cast Members and Guests at the forefront of our planning. At this time, we have no updates regarding future runDisney events. We thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

What do you think of the races moving to virtual? Will you be participating virtually or opting for a refund? Will you be registering for the virtual event once it becomes available? Let us know on the Kenny the Pirate Facebook page. Don’t forget to join the KtP crew page too!

-Heather Alosa