RunDisney for non-runners - Disney in your Day

Welcome to this month’s Blogorail Blue Loop. Today we are sharing some tips for your runDisney race.

I write a lot about RunDisney events and the training I do. And while I’ve done a number of half marathons now (and a full marathon coming up!), RunDisney doesn’t have to be as intense as I make it. The most frequent comment I get on my RunDisney posts is something along the lines of, “I’d love to do a Disney race, but I can’t run.”

The good news is that Disney races are really not that competitive or intense. They are probably some of the most laid back races I’ve ever done. You generally run a Disney race to have fun, not to get a great time or make a new personal record (the courses are often too congested for that, plus you’d miss out on the character photo opps!).

I’m here to tell you that unless you have some sort of medical condition that prevents you from running or even walking quickly, I’m confident that you can complete a Disney race.

Run a 5k

Every race weekend offers multiple different distances, and every weekend now includes a 5k, which is the shortest distance. A 5k is 3.1 miles. That might sound like a lot, but if you visit Disney odds are good you walk a lot more than 3.1 miles during a day. The World Showcase in Epcot is about one mile, so just think of it as walking the World Showcase 3 times!

You don’t have to run

It sounds weird to say, but you actually don’t have to run for a Disney race. As long as you can keep up a decent walking pace, you’re good. A lot of people walk the races. I’ve had friends who were 6 months pregnant walk the 10k. You definitely won’t be the only one. Personally, I use a run/walk combination where I run for a bit and then walk for a bit. I recommend trying that!

Be aware of your pace

Disney requires you to keep a 16 minute per mile pace during the race. However, their tracking for this starts after the last person crosses the start line. So unless you’re that last person, you probably have a little bit more than 16 minutes for each mile. Go out for a mile walk and see how long it takes you – it might not be as long as you think! Just be aware of this time requirement if you’re walking and also want to stop and meet characters. The clock doesn’t stop when you do, so you will be adding on time there.

Celebrate!

I’m not going to lie, the best part of the race is the feeling you get after you’ve accomplished it. And the medal. And the food you indulge in afterward. You walked or ran 3.1 extra miles while you’re on vacation – that’s definitely reason to celebrate!