Hi, everyone! We’re just a few weeks out from the 2018 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – Presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. I’m still taking my time easing back into running after the WDW Marathon, but I am so excited for all you princesses out there about to celebrate this incredible race weekend! Here’s the latest runDisney news:

The Latest runDisney News:

The next official runDisney race weekend is the 10th anniversary Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend! Only three weeks left to go!

The official event guide, race waivers and corrals for the Fairytale Challenge and Half Marathon are up on the runDisney website. Within the official event guide, the race courses have also been released:

Princess 5K:  Princess 5K Course 2018 2

Enjoy a picture perfect race through Epcot! The first mile is out the Epcot parking lot and onto a service road, through a back entrance to Future World. The second mile is through all of World Showcase with plenty of PhotoPass opportunities, out World Showcase and through the future home of the gondola and through a castmember only back entrance. Making your way back to World Showcase again past Canada, you head up to Future World, loop around The Land and Seas pavilion, head back to the Foundation of Nations, and straight through to the parking lot for the finish.

Enchanted 10K:  Enchanted 10K Course 2018 2

This course is exactly the same as last year, and it is 6.2 miles of fun! The first two miles are out of the Epcot parking lot, up through highways and back down into Epcot, into a service entrance around Test Track, through World Showcase, out the International Gateway and around Crescent Lake via the BoardWalk hotel and Yacht & Beach Club areas.  From there, you approach Epcot again similarly to the 5K through the gondola construction area, through cast member only areas until you get to World Showcase again around Canada, straight through Future World and out to the parking lot for the finish. I loved this race last year!

Princess Half Marathon:    Princess Half Marathon Course 2018 3

This is easily my favorite half marathon course. A start in the Epcot parking lot, straight onto the highway heading toward Magic Kingdom, past the Magic Kingdom tollbooth plaza, through the MK parking lots, up through the Main Gates to Main Street, USA for that amazing view of Cinderella Castle. From there you veer right into Tomorrowland, head behind Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and through new Fantasyland to run through the castle. Be sure to look for PhotoPass photographers to your left! Savor this moment. From there, you head into Liberty Square and run through Frontierland and out a castmember entrance and back onto the highway to head back to Epcot. Along the way you pass the Disney golf courses and the back of the Grand Floridian and Polynesian Village Resorts. The hardest part of this race is getting through the next few miles of highway (and up an onramp that feels like a GIGANTIC hill), while you head to Epcot. You’ll run through the bus drop off parking lot area, through a service entrance, down Future World and turn around right at the beginning of World Showcase, to run down the other side of Future World, out to the parking lots for the finish.

Don’t forget to sign your race waivers ahead of time and bring them with you to the Expo- this could potentially save you lots of time! More time to shop for gear hehe.

All events sold out!* ChEAR packages available
February 22  – 25, 2018
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After Princess weekend comes, Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend! One month after runDisney announced the new Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon, the Kessel Run Challenge is completely SOLD OUT. The virtual half marathon is still available for U.S. and international participants through March 31st. Race medals were also revealed this week, featuring the villains we love to hate in the new Star Wars movies, including the most recent Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Unfortunately, the 10K, 5K, and Kids Races are officially sold out, but First Order Challenge (Half Marathon and 10K combined) and the Half Marathon are still available. Check out the First Order Challenge medal below:

 FYI, for corral placement, proof of time must be submitted before January 16.

First Order Challenge, Half Marathon, Virtual Half Marathon still available
April 19 – 22, 2018
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Stay tuned for next year’s runDisney Virtual Running Shorts Series and theme!

June 1 – August 31, 2018

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The Disneyland Paris Half Marathon Weekend race packages are available now! Check the runDisney France website to register. Race medal designs TBD.

Disneyland Paris – Val d’Europe 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Bibbidi-Bobbidi Boo Challenge

September 21 – 23, 2018
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Registration for the 2018 Disney’s Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend Presented by MISFIT opens on March 13. Earn your Food & Wine Festival fun by running an exciting “course” around Epcot!

2018 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend | November 1-4, 2018
Registration Opens March 13, 2018

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Registration for the 26th annual 2019 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – Presented by Cigna opens on April 17!

2019 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend | January 9-13, 2019
Registration Opens April 17, 2018 

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Thanks for reading and stay tuned for next week’s recap on Monday. As always, #willrunfordisney !

*Please note: if you really want to participate in a race and it is no longer available on runDisney, check your local travel agent as runDisney provides entries to them in an effort to boost their businesses. Bibs will have to come with a ticket and lodging package. You may also consider running the race on behalf of a charity. All charity runners are expected to fundraise. Check the charity listing on each race for more information.