Are Changes Coming To The runDisney 5K Events? - How You Should Prepare
runDisney has become extremely popular over the years, and they have now added more availability to their 5K events. This change may impact how these events are done. Find out how we think you should best prepare!
runDisney
runDisney adds the fun of a road race to the Disney parks! You can find runDisney events in Walt Disney World, Disneyland (now on hiatus), and even virtual events you can complete at home.
I (Heather) love runDisney events. They add the fun of running with the magic of Disney!
You can find the 2026-2027 race calendar HERE. Be sure to check our complete guides to runDisney in part 1 (registration and planning) and part 2 (expo and race day).
More 5K Availability
Earlier this year, runDisney shared that they would be adding more availability to their 5K events. This new increase in availability would begin at the 2026 runDisney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend.
Athletes will have start times for the 5K ranging from 4:30am to 7:30 am. This will be based on assigned start groups.
runDisney shared that athletes would receive start times for their race that would range from 4:30 am to 7:30 am, which would be based on their assigned start group. You can read more about this HERE.
What Does This Mean?
In the past, the 5K events have been untimed. This means that athletes could walk or run at a slower pace than the longer runDisney as the 5K's were not held to a 16min/mile pace. With the event not being timed, it has caused LONG lines at the character stops. It is not uncommon for athletes to wait 20 minutes or more for a quick picture with a character during the 5K.
With the increase in total athletes for the 5K events, runDisney will need to do something for the athletes that are given a later start time. It is unknown at this time what runDisney will do.
Be sure to train at a 15 minute/mile pace to guarantee you will finish the 5K race in the allotted time.
It is rumored that runDisney could do a hard sweep between start groups if athletes do not maintain the 16 min/mile pace. PLEASE NOTE THIS HAS NOT BEEN CONFIRMED, BUT YOU CAN BE PREPARED IF THEY DO!
The Pacing Requirements on the runDisney website states:
- Must maintain a minimum of 16-minutes-per-mile pace for all participants for all race distances.
- A training pace of 15-minutes-per-mile pace is recommended.
- Pace cyclists will be on the course indicating when participants are behind pace by waving a red flag at each mile marker according to the official pace time. If you reach a mile marker with a red flag waving, please note you are behind the required 16-minutes-per-mile pace and can be picked up at any time and transported to the course pick up tent.
Another change we might see, is the possibility of a new 5K course. The previous 5K course ran along the rode that the event busses would use to leave. With the previous course, the last athletes needed to get beyond the busses in order for any athletes to use event transportation back to the Walt Disney World hotels.
If there isn't a new course, there could be a new pickup location for the event busses. We will be sure to update you when runDisney shares more details regarding the 5K events - so, stay tuned!
Are you doin any of next race season's 5K events? Do you think runDisney should or will make any changes with the increased number of athletes expected for this event? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to share this post with your friends!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Heather loves all things Disney! She loves visiting her "home" as a Disney Vacation Club Member or participating in a runDisney event!
