As things continue to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Disney has had to make some drastic changes and big decisions. runDisney has now announced that the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend have been canceled.
Both of those marathons will be converted to virtual events just as they’ve done with the 2020 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend.
Per runDisney:
Participants who registered through runDisney.com will have the option of receiving 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, in addition to the satisfaction of completing the race they’ve trained for. Registered participants will receive an email beginning September 23 with instructions on how to make their registration selection before October 7, 2020.
For those who would still like to register for the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend virtual events, we will open additional registration opportunities on a limited basis on Thursday, September 24 at 10 a.m. Eastern time. These race events may be completed from home, a local running track or favorite running trail.
Participants who’ve booked through a charity or tour operator should reach out directly to that organization. Athletes who’ve booked through the Walt Disney Travel Company may call them at 407-939-4786 (407-939-IRUN) for available options.
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 Weekend or 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.
As of this time, future decisions on any other runDisney events will be determined at another time.
Make sure to get in touch with My Mickey Vacation Travel so they can give you even more details and take all the stress out of planning to create the magic for you.
They will make sure to connect all the dots and get everything in order for your next Disney Cruise Line, Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or any Disney Destination vacation while saving you time, stress, and money.
Join the “I’m So Disney…” group on Facebook to discuss this and many other Disney things with anyone and everyone. Be sure to follow Doctor Disney on Twitter and Instagram as well.
