Following in the footsteps of the 2020 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, both the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend are now canceled. But, they are going virtual for those who’d still like to participate.
runDisney announced the news on Tuesday, Sept. 22 and stated, “During this unusual time, race organizers around the world continue to pause on hosting in-person race events that draw large crowds.”
They added, “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.”
runDisney made it clear that those who registered through runDisney.com and don’t wish to participate virtually can receive a full refund. As for runners who are registered with a U.S. mailing address, they can convert their existing registration to the new virtual event.
If you booked through a charity or tour operator, make sure you reach out to them directly. Those who booked through the Walt Disney Travel Company can call them at 407-939-4786.
Those who run in the virtual race(s) will receive a medal for each event they complete and also the option of a race shirt, along with a digital bib and finisher certificate, digital toolkit including start/finish line and mile markers, digital goody bag, virtual playlist, and a digital Disney Gift Card for select races (Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Challenge).
Runners will receive an email starting Sept. 23 with more information on how to make their registration selection before Oct. 7, 2020.
Anyone who’d like to register for one or both races, additional registration opportunities will open up on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. EST.
The virtual WDW Marathon will be held on Jan. 6-10 and the virtual Princess Half Marathon is scheduled for Feb. 18-21.
Regarding refunds, here’s what else you need to know.
Runners will receive a refund back to their original form of payment, but if a guest no longer has their original form of payment they used when registering, they may contact runDisney by Oct. 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
If you have a shipping address outside the U.S., you’ll automatically receive a refund back to your original form of payment. Also, keep in mind that those without a valid U.S. shipping address aren’t eligible for the virtual races.
Refunds are said to be process by mid-November 2020. If you don’t receive it by then, reach out to runDisney via the “contact us” section on runDisney.com, and the same goes for the Digital Disney Gift Card.
Also, 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.
Furthermore, the 2021 Castaway Cay Challenge will transition to a virtual event. And anyone who purchased the inaugural year of the Club runDisney membership will receive a second year of membership at no charge.
Regarding future races (further details haven’t been announced yet), runDisney stated on its website, “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.”
We will of course keep you in the loop regarding any other runDisney changes. For more WDW updates, check out our WDW reopening page and our 2020 & 2021 vacation planner.
