The Disney marathon, officially part of the runDisney race series, is a multi-day athletic event that combines distance running with the "magic" of Disney's theme parks. As of 2026, major events like the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend are structured as "festival-style" celebrations involving 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and full-marathon distances. The races are famous for their unique routes that wind directly through the theme parks—often before they open to the public—allowing runners to pass by iconic landmarks like Sleeping Beauty Castle or Spaceship Earth. A key feature is the "character sightings" along the course, where participants can stop for photos with Disney characters in their athletic or rare costumes. The logistics are highly organized: participants must check in at a "Digital Expo" to collect their bibs and "gEAR" bags, and race starts are typically very early (around 5:00 AM) to clear the parks before regular guests arrive. Many runners take on "challenges," such as the Dopey Challenge, which involves running all four race distances on four consecutive days. The event is inclusive of all skill levels, featuring a generous pace limit (typically 16 minutes per mile) and high-quality themed medals that have become highly sought-after collector's items for athletes.