And just like that, the 2026 Marathon Weekend is upon us. Here’s everything you need to know, from now until the end of your last race. All of this information is gathered from runDisney’s provided information, including especially runDisney’s Official Digital Expo & Event Guide for the weekend—with a dash of personal experience since this is my 8th in person Dopey Challenge amongst dozens and dozens (and dozens and dozens) of runDisney races over the last 11 years. (I actually ran my 100th runDisney race during the last Wine & Dine Challenge in November 2025.)

This is a long article. If you’re only looking for details on one specific race or topic, go ahead and hop straight there:

• Skip to 5K
• Skip to 10K
• Skip to Half Marathon
• Skip to Marathon
• Skip to Costume Guidelines
• Skip to Virtual Queue Instructions
• Skip to General Transportation Information
• Skip to PhotoPass Information

Pre-Weekend Details

We’re less than a week out from runDisney’s 2026 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend but there are still a handful of things you’ll need to make sure to do before things kick off. 

Digital Waiver

Make sure to sign your digital participant waiver as soon as possible if you haven’t already. To sign, log into your runDisney Account and follow the prompts under your Marathon Weekend registration. If per chance you forget or otherwise aren’t able to do this beforehand, there will be paper copies to sign at Expo, but you’ll save yourself (and everyone else) some time by getting it done in advance. 

Expo Check-In Pass

You’ll need your Expo Check-in Pass to pick up your race bib at the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo. The Expo Check-in Pass will be available to you on Monday, January 5th in your runDisney Account–you’ll also likely get an email with a link to it. Bring a printed or digital copy of your pass for each event you’re participating in along with your photo ID to the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo to pick up your race bib. (If you’re participating in a challenge, there will be one pass for it. If you’re registered for an individual race or races, there will be a separate pass for each.)

Your Check-In Pass will indicate whether you’ve already signed your digital waiver. It will also include your race bib number and the code to link your PhotoPass photos from the races.

COSTUME GUIDELINES

runDisney’s races are one of the few occasions when adults can dress as their favorite characters and enter the parks, but there are still some guidelines to follow since we’ll be running in these outfits. Most of these rules are safety and common sense driven, but it’s a good idea to review runDisney’s current costume guidelines to make sure that your planned outfit(s) comply. Here’s an overview:

• Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
• Participants 14 and older may not wear costume masks of any kind. Participants 13 and younger may wear costume masks so long as their eyes are visible and their entire face isn’t covered.
• Participants who dress like characters may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other guests.
• Costumes may not drag on the ground.
• Costumes may not contain sharp or pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike other participants.
• Costumes may not include anything that resembles an actual weapon.
• Layered costumes, such as ball gowns that do not follow the natural contour of the human body, or other costumes that could conceal prohibited items are not permitted.  
• Layered clothing that doesn’t present a safety hazard, including tutus over running shorts, cold-weather gear, and clothing that follows the natural contour of the body, is permitted. 
• Costumes or large props, including items that present a safety hazard, those that surround the entire body, those that are inflatable, or those that physically connect multiple participants to each other, are not permitted. 
• Small inflatable or soft-bodied handheld props are permitted. 
• Tutus, transparent wings, and headwear are permitted so long as they don’t cover your face.
• Capes should not go below the waist.

Remember that guests who are 14 and older are not permitted to wear costumes in the parks during normal operating hours, so if you’re planning to head to the parks after your race you’ll need to change first. (I trust that you were going to do that anyway…. 😉 

And, setting all of these rules aside, do a test run in your planned costume or other running attire if you haven’t already. Things move and chafe and irritate a lot more after 20+ miles–best to find out now rather than during mile 20 of the marathon.

runDisney Health & Fitness Expo

runDisney 2026 Marathon Weekend Expo – Exhibitor List & Map

If you’re running in any of the races, you’ll first need to head to the Expo at Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex with a valid photo ID, your signed digital waiver, and your Check-In Pass to pick up your Race Bib. (If your Check-In Pass indicates that your waiver has been signed, that generally suffices for the waiver at Expo.) You’ll also get your race shirts here, and will have the opportunity to shop runDisney’s official race merchandise, check out the vendor exhibits, take advantage of some great photo ops, and ask any questions that you have leading up to the event. Feel free to bring your friends and family along too–everyone is welcome!

runDisney 2026 Marathon Weekend Expo – Bib Pickup Location Map

Plan to visit the Expo at least one day before your first race so that you have your bib in time. This means that if you’re running the 5K or all of the Dopey Challenge, you’ll need to visit on the first day–Wednesday, January 7th. For the 10K you’ll need to visit by Thursday, January 8th. For the Half Marathon or Goofy Challenge, you’ll need to visit by Friday, January 9th. And for the Marathon, you’ll need to visit by Saturday, January 10th. 

Here are the hours for Expo and resort transportation from Walt Disney World® Resorts, Shades of Green, and the Swan and Dolphin Resorts. You can also drive yourself or take a Minnie Van, but if you choose to use resort transportation it runs each day from 30 mins before Expo opens to 30 min after Expo closes.

• Day 1: Wednesday, January 7, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Transportation 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
• Day 2: Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Transportation 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM 
• Day 3: Friday, January 9, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Transportation 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM 
• Day 4: Saturday, January 10, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Transportation 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM 

VIRTUAL QUEUE

runDisney 2026 Marathon Weekend Expo – Official runDisney Merchandise Layout / Map

At 8:30 a.m., and again at 1 p.m., on January 7, 2026, a virtual queue will open for the Official runDisney Merchandise Shop as well as to shop the runDisney-themed Brooks Running shoes inside the AdventHealth Arena on the first day of Expo. This is the ONLY way to shop on the first day–no one will be able to enter without a virtual queue spot. To join the queue, make sure you have the My Disney Experience app on your phone and that location services are turned on. Joining the virtual queue is then like joining a virtual queue for any attraction at Walt Disney World:

• Step 1: Open the My Disney Experience app and navigate to the Virtual Queue section on the Welcome Screen and tap Join Virtual Queue. 
• Step 2: Tap the ESPN Wide World of Sports tab and find the “runDisney Merchandise Shop” virtual queue.  The virtual queue will open at 8:30 a.m, and again at 1 p.m., on January 7, 2026. Note that you can only join the queue once. 
• Step 3: Select the number of guests (up to 6 people total) in your shopping party. Select “Join Virtual Queue” once more. Note: All members of your shopping party must be added to your My Disney Experience Friends & Family list prior to joining the virtual queue. 
• Step 4: If there are open spots in the virtual queue, you’ll see a confirmation screen. Your estimated wait time will be based on the Expo opening time of 10:00 AM Eastern Time, so don’t be alarmed if your wait appears long! It is recommended that you arrive at Expo around 60 minutes before your estimated entry time.
• Step 5: You’ll receive a push notification with a link to your QR code for entry when your group is ready. Once received, you’ll have 60 minutes to check in. 
• Step 6: Upon your arrival, follow the signs to the check-in area and prepare to show the Cast Member your QR code or MagicBand.

You can find the Brooks release details and images like this on the runDisney blog.

If you’re planning to shop Brooks Running shoes, once inside, you’ll have the opportunity to try them on prior to entering the main floor, where you can purchase them. In this Brooks Running shoe trial area, runners will have the opportunity to try on the same Brooks Running shoe models in generic non-Disney themed designs to ensure the best fit. Forms will then be distributed by the Brooks Running shoe trialing area to all runners who wish to purchase them. On this form, you’ll need to provide your desired style, size, width, and quantity (limited to one of each design per adult customer).  This form is required before entering to purchase runDisney-themed Brooks Running shoes inside the AdventHealth Arena.

Note that only credit/debit card payments will be accepted for Official Merchandise. Cash, Disney gift cards, and Magic Bands cannot be used to pay. Additionally, Disney Merchandise Mobile Checkout will not be available for the runDisney-themed Brooks Running shoes.

Also note this welcome change as shared by runDisney in an email last month: “Based on your feedback, we are thrilled to share that new for this year, Dopey Challenge merchandise shopping will be limited to Dopey Challenge participants on Day 1 of the runDisney® Health & Fitness Expo. Please be prepared to verify your Dopey Challenge registration by presenting your Check-In Pass or Bib along with a valid photo ID. Item limits apply (one item per item type per participant).“ I expect you’ll still need a spot in the queue, so make sure to grab one, but this is great news for the Dopey runners who have worked so hard to get to this point.

Bib & Shirt Pickup

You’ll need to visit the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at least one day prior to your first race to pick up your race bib(s), participant shirt(s) and gEAR bag. You cannot pick up for another runner unless they are a minor, so you’ll need to go yourself.

If your shirts don’t fit, you can exchange for another size (quantities permitting) while you’re at Expo.

General Race Information

You’ll find specific information for each race (course maps, spectator viewpoints, road closures, etc.) below—but here are some details that will apply no matter what you’re running.

Arrival & Transportation

All athletes and spectators should arrive at EPCOT no later than 4:00 a.m. for all races (though particularly for the Marathon, which starts at 4:30 a.m., I’d get there a little earlier to be safe).  

runDisney Event Transportation

To minimize traffic congestion, Disney encourages participants and spectators who are staying at any Walt Disney World resort, Shades of Green, or the Swan or Dolphin to utilize the provided runDisney event transportation to and from their races. Transportation times and pick-up locations will be posted on signs in the lobby of each resort but here are the general schedules:

Buses:

• 5K: Resorts to Start Line 3:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m., Finish Line to Resorts 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
• 10K: Resorts to Start Line 3:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m., Finish Line to Resorts 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
• Half Marathon: Resorts to Start Line 2:30 a.m. – 4:30 a.m., Finish Line to Resorts 6:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• Marathon: Resorts to Start Line 2:00 a.m. – 4:00 a.m., Finish Line to Resorts 6:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.

Monorail transportation for Magic Kingdom Resort Guests to EPCOT:

• There will not be monorail transportation during the 5K and 10K.
• Half Marathon – Beginning at 2:30 a.m.
• Marathon – Beginning at 2:30 a.m.

Monorail Transportation to Magic Kingdom:

• There will not be monorail transportation during the 5K and 10K.
• Half Marathon- Begins at 4:30 a.m.
• Marathon – Begins at 4:00 a.m.

Personal Transportation/Drivers

If you’re not staying at a host resort or are otherwise driving yourself, you will be parking in the EPCOT lot. Parking at EPCOT is free before 6:00 AM on race mornings. If you’re using a non-Disney ride share service like Uber or Lyft, have your driver follow the signs to the designated Ride Share Drop Off area.

Minnie Vans

Disney’s Minnie Van™ service will also be available throughout the weekend for an added cost. If you’re interested in this, I’d recommend talking to your resort concierge prior to race morning to make arrangements. 

gEAR Bag Check

gEAR Bag check is available for each of the races. You’ll find it in the Reunion area. (Pro tip…the porta potties over there tend to be better in the mornings…) 

The bag that you’ll use for your stuff is the clear plastic bag that you get your shirt(s) in at Expo. When you drop off your stuff, you’ll get a sticker to put on the back of your bib to remind you which truck you used and to identify your bag. It’s a pretty seamless process. If you’re looking for more specific advice on how this process works and what to bring, I delve deep into race day gear and gEAR check tips in THIS article.

Corrals

The letter at the top corner of your bib is your corral placement for the race(s). It’s based on your predicted pace for the event–this is why you were invited to share a proof of time from another race when you registered. Corrals aim to group people together who run a similar pace for crowd control during the event–so rather than release more than 20,000 people all at once, which would of course lead to absurd bottleneck–we get the fastest people out first so that they can run unobstructed and clear out and then people of different paces can tackle the course at their own speed, so long as they maintain the required 16 minute mile pacing requirement.

If you want to run with a friend who is in a different corral than you, whomever is in the higher/earlier corral may drop back so that you can start together. You are not permitted to start in an earlier corral than what is on your bib.

Cold Weather Clothing

The weather in Central Florida has been all over the place lately, but as of right now it looks like it will be a bit cooler while we’re waiting to start and then will warm up as we get into the morning. Once we get moving you’ll likely feel fine, but consider anything that you might bring along to be more comfortable while you’re waiting beforehand. Things like mylar and Hot Hands can make the pre-race hours a lot easier to bear and can be dropped before you cross the start line. You can also get inexpensive clothing to wear while you wait and drop once you’re warm enough during the run. Disney will gather and launder items left behind and then donates them to local charities, so whatever you leave behind will go to a good cause.

Remember to put your bib in a place that is visible—but that’s also going to stay on once you start discarding outer layers. I’ll probably wear a bib belt like THIS most mornings so that I can drop the sweatshirt I’m wearing without having to move my race bib.

Pacing

As you probably know all too well by now, runners will need to complete the 10K, half marathon, and marathon within a 16-minute-per-mile pacing requirement. This pacing requirement is inclusive of character lines and photos, bathroom stops, and food and water stops, so make sure to take them into account overall. 

Remember, too, that the clock doesn’t start ticking on that 16 minute mile requirement until the last wave of the last corral crosses the start line. There’s a lovely group of people that we call “The Balloon Ladies” who clock that 16 minute mile pace at the back of the pack while carrying balloons for easy spotting. If you’re wondering if you’re at risk of getting swept, look around you and make sure the Balloon Ladies aren’t in sight.

Disney PhotoPass

Disney PhotoPass® Photographers will be on the course and at the finish line taking your photos throughout the race. You can see them in the My Disney Experience® app after the event—they’ll start to roll in within a few hours and Disney says to expect them all within 48 hours. If you have Memory Maker attached to your trip or annual pass, you’ll have access to all of your images.

Disney uses your bib number to get your pictures to you, so you’ll want to be sure it’s showing throughout the race and when you pose with characters on the course.

To link your photos in the app, you’ll need to enter the 11-digit RaceID for the specific race or challenge found on your Check-In Pass for that event.

Medical Help

The AdventHealth Medical Team will be at the races–before, during, and on the course–if you need help. Look for them on bikes on the course, in the finish chute, and walking around the family reunion area.

You should also fill out the Emergency Medical Information on the back of your bib before your race.

Spectator Tips

You’ll find spectator viewing areas for each race in the sections that follow. Generally, Disney does not allow spectators to watch the race on open roadways or overpasses. They also ask that you not hand out any food or drinks to athletes on the course. 

If you’re making a sign, try using the brightest paper you can find to help your athlete find you, especially before sunrise. A friend of mine wears a neon hat to cheer for his husband and it makes him so easy to spot in the crowds on Main Street! Knowing your athlete’s pace and tracking them on the course can help you to know when and where to look for them. And be realistic if you plan to cheer in more than one location (e..g, on the course and at the finish line) as transportation can be slow moving on race days. It’s good to know your priorities going into the morning.

Walt Disney World 5K

• Theme: Enjoy 3.1 miles of out-of-this-world sci-fi fun hosted by astropup Pluto.
• Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026 | Race 5:00 a.m. – 7:45 a.m. (Event opens at 3:00 a.m. and closes at 8:30 a.m.)
• Transportation: Athletes and spectators should arrive at EPCOT by 4:00 a.m. Transportation times and pick-up locations for on property resort guests will be posted on signs in the lobby of each resort. There will not be monorail transportation for the 5K or 10K. See the general transportation section above for driving instructions and other details. There are no posted road closures for the 5K. 
• Course: Start and finish, EPCOT parking lot

runDisney 2026 Walt Disney World 5K – Course Map

• PhotoPass Link: See your Check-In Pass.

• Corral Start Group Opening/Closing and Start Times

runDisney 2026 Walt Disney World 5K Corral/Start Group Opening/Closing and Start Times

• Spectator Information: Spectator Viewing is at the start (EPCOT Rocket Parking Lot, accessible 4:30 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.) and finish (EPCOT Eve Parking Lot, accessible 5:00 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.).

runDisney 2026 Walt Disney World 5K – Spectator Viewpoints

Walt Disney World 10K

• Theme: Go nuts for 6.2 mysterious miles led by super sleuth Chip and his trusty friend Dale.
• Date: Friday, January 9, 2026 | Race 5:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. (Event opens at 3:00 a.m. and closes at 9:00 a.m.) 
• Transportation: Athletes and spectators should arrive at EPCOT by 4:00 a.m. Transportation times and pick-up locations for on property resort guests will be posted on signs in the lobby of each resort. There will not be monorail transportation for the 5K or 10K. See the general transportation section above for driving instructions and other details.

runDisney 2026 Walt Disney World 10K – Road Closure Map

• Course: Start and finish, EPCOT parking lot

runDisney 2026 Walt Disney World 10K – Course Map

• PhotoPass Link: See your Check-In Pass.

• Corral Start Group Opening/Closing and Start Times

runDisney 2026 Walt Disney World 10K Corral/Start Group Opening/Closing and Start Times

• Spectator Information: Spectator Viewing is at the start (EPCOT Rocket Parking Lot, accessible 4:30 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.) and finish (EPCOT Eve Parking Lot, accessible 5:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.). Family and friends can also follow their favorite runners’ split times for the Walt Disney World 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon by heading to THIS LINK. (If you would like to be removed from Live Results or Final Results, email disneysports@trackshack.com.)

runDisney 2026 Walt Disney World 10K – Spectator Viewpoints

Walt Disney World Half Marathon

• Theme: Fall for 13.1 miles of half marathon magic featuring lovebirds Donald Duck and Daisy Duck.
• Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026 | Race 5:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. (Event opens at 2:30 a.m. and closes at 10:00 a.m.) 
• Transportation: Athletes and spectators should arrive at EPCOT by 4:00 a.m. Transportation times and pick-up locations for on property resort guests will be posted on signs in the lobby of each resort. Monorail transportation for Magic Kingdom Resort Guests to EPCOT will start at 2:30 a.m. Monorail transportation to Magic Kingdom will begin at 4:30 a.m. See the general transportation section above for driving instructions and other details.

runDisney 2026 Walt Disney World Half Marathon – Road Closure Map

• Course: Start and finish, EPCOT parking lot

runDisney 2026 Walt Disney World Half Marathon – Course Map

• PhotoPass Link: See your Check-In Pass.

• Corral Start Group Opening/Closing and Start Times

runDisney 2026 Walt Disney World Half Marathon Corral/Start Group Opening/Closing and Start Times

• Spectator Information: Spectator Viewing is at the start (EPCOT Rocket Parking Lot, accessible 4:30 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.) and finish (EPCOT Eve Parking Lot, accessible 5:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.) and at the spots indicated below. Family and friends can also follow their favorite runners’ split times for the Walt Disney World 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon by heading to THIS LINK. (If you would like to be removed from Live Results or Final Results, email disneysports@trackshack.com.)

runDisney 2026 Walt Disney World Half Marathon – Spectator Viewpoints

Walt Disney World Marathon

• Theme: Experience 26.2 fun and fantasy-filled miles ruled by Sir Mickey Mouse and Lady Minnie Mouse.
• Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026 | Race 4:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Event opens at 2:30 a.m. and closes at 1:00 p.m.) 
• Transportation: Athletes and spectators should arrive at EPCOT by 3:30 a.m. Transportation times and pick-up locations for on property resort guests will be posted on signs in the lobby of each resort. Monorail transportation for Magic Kingdom Resort Guests to EPCOT will start at 2:30 a.m. Monorail transportation to Magic Kingdom will begin at 4:00 a.m. See the general transportation section above for driving instructions and other details.

runDisney 2026 Walt Disney World Marathon – Road Closure Map

• Course: Start and finish, EPCOT parking lot

runDisney 2026 Walt Disney World Marathon – Course Map

• PhotoPass Link: See your Check-In Pass.

• Corral Start Group Opening/Closing and Start Times

runDisney 2026 Walt Disney World Marathon Corral/Start Group Opening/Closing and Start Times

• Spectator Information: Spectator Viewing is at the start (EPCOT Rocket Parking Lot, accessible 4:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m.) and finish (EPCOT Eve Parking Lot, accessible 6:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) and at the spots indicated below. Family and friends can also follow their favorite runners’ split times for the Walt Disney World 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon by heading to THIS LINK. (If you would like to be removed from Live Results or Final Results, email disneysports@trackshack.com.)

runDisney 2026 Walt Disney World Marathon – Spectator Viewpoints

* * * * * * * * * *

And that’s a wrap on the run down!! Watch here and on my Instagram @thecastlerunner over the weekend for live updates on the races and recaps after each event. I try to start near the front of the race and provide coverage throughout during, especially for the 5K and 10K.  

* * * * * * *

If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate your race victory or a gift for your favorite runner, check out these very cool creations by Race Maps Official. Not sponsored, but they did send me one for Wine & Dine Weekend so that I could see the product in person and they’re beautiful and so creative!! You can find them at Expo.

Image Courtesy of Race Maps Official

* * * * * * *

And if you’re looking for a pre- or post-event treatment to assist in your readiness or recovery, join me at Prime IV Hydration & Wellness in Winter Garden, a 15-ish minute drive from Magic Kingdom. They offer incredible NAD+, Niagen, and other athletic performance enhancing IVs that will do wonders for how you feel before and after race day.

* * * * * * *

Important Note: Sometimes, on my site, I will share products that I’ve personally used and that consistently work for me. If you buy these items through links on my site, I may earn a small commission. It won’t affect the price that you pay but it does help to keep the lights on around here so that we can bring you more like this, so thank you! 

* * * * * * *

Please join me on Instagram for my day-to-day adventures living a mile from the magic. 

* * * * * * * * * *

Planning a run while you’re here? You can find my complete guide to running trails on Walt Disney World property RIGHT HERE.

* * * * * * * * * *

If you’re missing home (or love someone who is) and are looking for a way to bring the magic home, I’d love for you to check out my photography prints, books, and calendars over at Thousand Circles Images. I’m also available for portrait sessions for families, couples, and individuals and especially love doing post-race celebration portrait sessions with runners!