Walt Disney World Marathon, Princess Half Marathon going virtual

Disney made a major announcement today that both the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and the 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend are being converted into virtual race events.

The change is taking place to curb the large crowds during the COVID-19 pandemic. “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 stated on its website.

The marathon weekend was scheduled from Jan. 6-10, 2021 and the Princess Half Marathon Weekend was to take place Feb. 18-21, 2021.

There are no updates on the status of the Star Wars Rival Run Weekend scheduled for April 15-18, 2021.

The virtual events will take place sitar to the 2020 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend.

Those who have registered for the races through runDisney.com will have the option to receive a full refund for the race. Those who are registered with a U.S. mailing address may convert their existing registration to the new virtual event that can be completed from home, a local running track or favorite running trail.

Eligible runners who participate in the virtual race will receive a medal for each distance they complete and the option of a race shirt. Registered participants will receive an email starting Sept. 23, 2020, with instructions on how to make their registration selection before Oct. 7, 2020.

If you would like to participate in the events and have not yet registered, runDisney is opening up additional registration opportunities on a limited basis starting Thursday, Sept, 24, 2020 at 10 a.m. ET. You will be able to register for either or both events. The race events may be completed from home, a local running track or running trail.

Participants who’ve booked through a charity or tour operator should reach out directly to that organization.

Below are the refund policies:

2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Refund Option
Runners registered for the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort who select the refund option will receive a refund back to their original form of payment for the following. If a Guest no longer has their original form of payment used when registering, they may contact runDisney by October 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

Additionally, any registered participant with a shipping address outside of the U.S. will automatically receive a refund back to their original form of payment. At this time, participants without a valid U.S. shipping address are not eligible for the virtual option.

Refund Timing:
Refunds from runDisney can be expected to be processed by mid-November 2020. If you haven’t received your refund by then, please visit the “contact us” section on runDisney.com.

2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Virtual Race Options
All registered participants with a valid U.S. shipping address for the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekendor 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort who purchased their registrations on runDisney.com will have the option to participate in a virtual race. Please note PO Boxes and APO Boxes are not considered valid shipping addresses for this purpose. Participants who select this option will receive the following based on their registration(s):

• Race distance medal(s)
• Option of event tech shirt(s)
• Digital Bib and finisher certificate
• Digital Toolkit including start/finish line and mile markers
• Digital Goody Bag
• Virtual playlist
• A Digital Disney Gift Card for select races

Guests with a U.S. mailing address who already have received a refund for their registration may still register to participate in the virtual race option by registering at runDisney.com beginning September 24, 2020 at 10 a.m. Eastern time.

Digital Disney Gift Cards for Select Races:
Eligible athletes registered for select events during the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend or 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort will receive a Digital Disney Gift Card:

• Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Challenge

Digital Disney Gift Card Timing:
Digital Disney Gift Cards from runDisney can be expected to be processed by mid-November 2020. If you haven’t received your Digital Disney Gift Card by then, please visit the “contact us” section on runDisney.com.

Charitable Donations:
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.

Castaway Cay Challenge:
The 2021 Castaway Cay Challenge will transition to a virtual event. However, the January 11, 2021 Disney Dream cruise is currently still scheduled to sail. If you need to make adjustments to your sailing, please contact Disney Cruise Line at 1-800-951-3532 or your Travel Professional.

Club runDisney Charter Membership:
Guests who purchased the inaugural year of the Club runDisney membership will receive a second year of membership at no charge.