runDisney has announced its race schedule for the 2026–2027 season. Runners have reacted quickly and strongly, with many showing their frustration. The announcement included dates and registration details for several popular events. However, there is one major issue: no Disneyland runDisney races are planned for the entire season.
For runners on the West Coast and longtime fans of Disneyland races, this update comes as a significant disappointment. The official calendar confirms that all in-person runDisney races for the 2026–2027 season will be held exclusively at Walt Disney World in Florida, with no events planned in California. This reinforces Disneyland’s previously announced hiatus from runDisney events and indicates that the break will continue for at least another full year.
What the runDisney 2026–2027 Season Actually Covers
Before looking at what is included, it helps to understand how runDisney defines its seasons. The 2026–2027 race season does not include early 2026 events like Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in January or Princess Half Marathon Weekend in February. Those races are part of the current 2025–2026 season.
The newly released calendar begins in fall 2026 and runs through spring 2027, which is standard for runDisney. This means the first race weekend of the season kicks off in October 2026, with events continuing through April of the following year.
Every In-Person Race Is in Florida
For the upcoming season, runDisney is placing all in-person events at Walt Disney World Resort. There are no Disneyland races, no California weekends, and no West Coast alternatives beyond virtual options.
The season opens with Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend, scheduled for October 22 through October 25, 2026. Registration for this event opens on February 10, 2026. Wine and Dine is known for its nighttime races, EPCOT finishes, and food-focused theming, making it a favorite for runners who enjoy a party atmosphere.
Next is Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, taking place January 6 through January 10, 2027. Registration opens March 17, 2026. This is runDisney’s flagship event, offering a full marathon, a half marathon, a 10K, and a 5K. It consistently draws the largest crowds and sells out quickly.
The Princess Half Marathon Weekend takes place from February 25 to March 1, 2027, with registration opening on June 2, 2026. This event remains one of the most popular on the runDisney calendar, especially among female runners, though it is open to everyone. Elaborate medals and character interactions make it a standout.
The season concludes with Springtime Surprise Weekend from April 15 through April 18, 2027. Registration opens July 7, 2026. This event has become known for rotating themes and surprise race concepts, offering something different each year.
Expanded Virtual Race Options
While in-person events are limited to Florida, runDisney continues to invest in virtual racing. Three virtual events are scheduled for the 2026 calendar year.
The runDisney Virtual Series will run from June 1 through August 31, 2026, with registration opening on April 7. This fills the summer gap when no in-person races take place.
New for 2026 is the runDisney Virtual Spooktacular, running October 1 through October 31, with registration opening August 11. This marks the first time runDisney has offered a Halloween-themed virtual race, suggesting continued growth in virtual offerings.
The Virtual 12Ks of Christmas returns from December 1 through December 31, 2026. Registration opens October 6. This holiday-themed event has become a tradition for many runners.
Why Disneyland runDisney Races Are Missing
The biggest story in the calendar is not what is listed, but what is missing. There are zero Disneyland runDisney events scheduled for the entire 2026–2027 season.
Disney previously announced that Disneyland races would go on hiatus due to construction at the resort. While specific projects have not been detailed publicly, the scope of work appears significant enough to make race routing and crowd control unsafe or impractical.
This absence creates real challenges for runners who rely on Disneyland races as their primary runDisney option. For many West Coast participants, Anaheim events were more affordable, easier to access, and less time-consuming than trips to Florida.
How This Affects Runners
With Disneyland races off the table, runners now face limited choices. West Coast runners must either commit to traveling across the country, participate in virtual races only, or opt out of the season entirely.
The concentration of all in-person races at Walt Disney World could also increase demand and competition for registration spots. Runners who previously alternated between coasts will now be competing for the same limited Florida race slots.
There are also lingering questions. When will Disneyland races return? Will courses change once construction is complete? Is this a one-season pause or a longer-term shift?
What Comes Next for runDisney
For now, the path forward is clear. If runners want an in-person runDisney experience during the 2026–2027 season, Florida is the only option. Disneyland fans will have to wait, with no confirmed return date in sight.
While the calendar offers plenty for Walt Disney World loyalists, the absence of Disneyland races marks a significant shift for the runDisney community. Whether this is a temporary pause or a longer reset remains to be seen, but for now, one thing is certain: Disneyland runners are officially sidelined for another year.
