The Ultimate Preparation Guide for a runDisney Event

After running a handful of runDisney races there are certain tricks one picks up in order to have a successful race. Before my first race I was on Pinterest scrolling through advice by other runners, and while some of their advice was helpful there were just a few things missing. Therefore, I have compiled the ultimate runDisney list in order to prepare yourself for your first (or twentieth) runDisney race.

Be Prepared - the day registration opens you need to be on the runDisney webpage at least 15 minutes early. Do not use just one computer, but use as many as you have, your phone and tablet included. The refresh button is your new best friend, as you should be hitting it about every thirty seconds until you can finally get into the queue. Once you’re in, sign up and get excited!

Book Your Magic Carpet Ride - okay, so maybe not a magic carpet, but you need to start booking your plane tickets (if you’re flying) and get a hotel room ASAP. I recommend booking through the Disney travel agents, as they always have special pricing on rooms for runners. The minute I have paid for my race I call up and book a room. Even if you don’t plan on staying at the resort you originally book a room for at least you have a place to stay in case something else happens while you’re searching for other deals.

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Thingamabobs? How about more than 20!? - what are these thingamabobs I’m talking about? Your photos! Throughout every race there will be plenty of great photo opportunities with characters, in front of iconic landmarks and of course, while you’re simply running. Racing photos can cost big money (I will admit, I have paid $30 for a single picture before), but if you purchase the Disney PhotoPass then you can get ALL of your race photos for one price! Of course, Disney PhotoPass will also include your pictures from the parks, so really you get your entire trip and races documented for less than $1 per picture (though this does depend on how many races you do and how many parks you visit). Honestly, it is well worth the price, and if you purchase it before starting your trip you’ll save an extra $30.

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Let’s Get Down To Business - Whether this is your first race ever, or you’re an experienced runner, it is now time to start training for your race. runDisney works with Jeff Galloway, an member of the 1972 Olympic Team, in producing training schedules for every Disney race and for every type of runner. If you go on the runDisney website you can select your race and find a detailed workout plan that will help you run faster, get a PR (personal record) or simply cross the finish line.

Make a Lovely Dress for Cinderelly - one of the highlights of a Disney race is getting the chance to dress up as your favorite character, and see all of the creative costumes other runners come up with. As fun as it is to wear a costume, make sure you can run in it. Don’t have too many heavy parts to it, and make sure everything is secured. For those of you wearing Mickey ears or any other type of hat, make sure it is pinned down well! I ran as Minnie for a race and ended up taking off my ears because the wind kept blowing them off. Also, be prepared for all types of weather! No one was expecting it to be 28 degrees last January as we were running the marathon, and most peoples’ costumes (mine included) had been designed for sunny weather. Always have extra shirts and leggings to wear with your costume, and if you plan in advance, you can choose clothing that will compliment your costume.

One Jump Ahead of the Slowpokes - the runDisney Expo is where the racing magic begins. Not only is this where runners pick up their bibs and receive their t-shirts, but it is home to the most anticipated shopping event of the running season. The expo provides runners and fans the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind memorabilia, ranging from jackets to ornaments to pins and purses. Though you may be anxious to get to the shopping right away for fear of missing out on all of the great products, I suggest actually waiting until the second day of the expo to get your shopping done. The first year I did the Disney Marathon I showed up the second day; there was no line for getting my racing gear and I could just walk right into the expo center. This year, I went on the first day, and it was a madhouse! I waited for an hour to get into the expo, and by the time I left the line was about three hours long. I promise you, all of the products will not be sold out, so unless you have all of the patience in the world, I would hold off for a day before doing up the expo.

A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes When You’re Fast Asleep - between being at a Disney park and running a Disney race you may be a bit too excited to fall asleep, but you need to get your sleep! Races start at 5:30am, which means you’ll be up around 3am in order to get ready. This means you need to get to bed early. Yes, you’ll probably have to miss out on a firework show or those Extra Magic Hours (I know I did), but you won’t regret it. Of course, how much sleep you get is entirely up to you. You know your body and what you need, so listen to what it says and sleep as much as you want. Also, a fun way to get yourself out of bed at 3am is to request a phone wake up call so Mickey will wake you up and wish you a magical day!

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Hakuna Matata - when you’re running a Disney race one of the best pieces of advice I can give you is DO NOT WORRY ABOUT YOUR TIME! Personally, this is incredibly hard for me to do because I am very competitive with myself, but with so much going on along the course you need to enjoy every step of the way. Stop and take all of the pictures with the characters you see, because many of them you will not find in the parks. Take pictures at the mile markers, with the fans and of course, snap a selfie or two as well. Yes, the character lines can be a bit long, especially if people don’t have their phones out and ready (don’t be that person), but those extra few minutes onto your finish time are well worth it.

You’ve Got a Friend In Me - whether you’re running by yourself or with a group of friends you are surrounded by the biggest support group ever…the crowd! Thousands of people line the course cheering you on, shouting out your character name and holding up motivational (and humorous) signs. My advice to you is to interact with the crowd by shouting “thank you” when you get a comment on your awesome costume design, giving a high five to the little kids who have been standing around all day, and even hit those signs that promise to give you a ‘power up.’ Dance along with the DJs as you past their sound systems and if the Green Army Men tell you to stop and give them ten, do it. (Yes, one person actually stopped in the middle of the marathon to do pushups).

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You Ain’t Never Had A Friend Like Me - these friends that I’m talking about are all of the wonderful voluntEARS that line the course. These are the high school band troops, parents, grandparents, youth groups and everyone in between who has gotten up just as early as you have to make sure you have water, jelly beans and chocolate to fuel you as you run your race. They’ll encourage you, take pictures with you, and help you with whatever you need. Please, the one thing I ask you to do, is to stop and say “Thank you” over and over to all of these voluntEARS. If it weren’t for them the races would not be happening, and the least they deserve is a little bit of recognition.

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Can’t Hold It Back Anymore - as you finish your race you’ll be crossing a finish line surrounded by a cheering crowd, excited characters and tons of photographers. Regardless of how tired you may be at this point, take a second to pose as you cross the finish line. Jump up in the air, put your hands up or stop right before you cross and make your best “I’m amazing” pose. This picture is proof that you completed your goal, and is most likely one of the pictures you’ll want to post on your social media accounts.

Everyone’s Awed and Inspired By You - yes, everyone you see for the rest of the day will be amazed that you completed a runDisney race. It does not matter how fast or how far, you did it and that’s what matters. Therefore, wear your medal! Wear it to the parks, on the rides, when you meet your favorite characters, and pose with it as well! You worked incredibly hard and deserve the day of recognition for it. Cast Members, other runners and random park visitors will wish you congratulations on your success, so take the time to enjoy it.