At some point, I went from thinking, “This sounds fun,” to wondering, “What did I just sign up for?”
If you’re training for your first runDisney race, you’re probably excited, nervous, and maybe a little overwhelmed.
I get it because I was right there too.
Looking back, there are a few things I wish someone had told me before my first race weekend. None of them would have changed whether I signed up, but they definitely would have made the experience less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.
Here’s what I wish I knew before my first runDisney race.
The Wake-Up Time Is No Joke
I thought people were exaggerating when they talked about runDisney race mornings.
They were not.
Depending on your race and resort location, you may be setting your alarm for 2:30 or 3:00 AM. Between getting dressed, eating something, taking transportation, going through security, and walking to your corral, race morning starts much earlier than most people expect.
Beginner tip: Lay out everything the night before. Your outfit, bib, shoes, fuel, and anything else you’ll need should be ready to go. Your half-asleep self will thank you.
Disney Transportation Is Part of Race Day
If you’re staying at a Disney resort, the race transportation system is fantastic—but so is everyone else’s plan to use it.
The buses start running early, but lines can get long depending on your resort and race distance.
runDisney tip: Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need. Race morning is stressful enough without worrying about missing a bus.
Understanding Corrals Makes Race Morning Easier
One thing that surprised me was how much walking happens before the race even starts.
After arriving at the start area, you’ll make your way through security and then walk to your assigned corral. Depending on where you’re placed, this can be quite a distance.
You may also spend a while waiting before your corral is released.
What to know:
- You may wait longer than expected before starting.
- Corrals can be farther away than they appear on the map.
- Knowing your corral ahead of time helps reduce race morning stress.
The Expo Can Be Overwhelming
Nobody really prepared me for the size of the runDisney Expo.
Thousands of runners, merchandise lines, vendors, photo opportunities, and excited Disney fans all packed into one place.
If you’re an introvert or someone who gets overwhelmed by crowds, it can feel like a lot.
My advice? Focus on what you came for. Pick up your bib, grab any must-have merchandise, and don’t feel pressured to do everything.
The Expo should add to your weekend, not exhaust you before race day.
You Don’t Have to Run the Whole Race
This is one of the biggest fears first-time runDisney runners have.
The good news?
You do not have to run every step.
Many participants successfully use a run/walk strategy, including experienced runners. As long as you maintain the required pace, walking intervals are completely normal.
In fact, they’re often one of the smartest ways to finish strong.
Beginner-friendly truth: Walking is not failing. Walking is a strategy.
runDisney Is About the Experience
This isn’t your typical race.
You’ll see Disney characters, entertainment along the course, cheering Cast Members, themed mile markers, and depending on the race, even fireworks at the start.
One of the biggest mistakes first-time runners make is focusing so much on pace that they forget to enjoy the experience.
Slow down occasionally.
Take the photo.
Enjoy the moment.
You’ll remember those memories long after you’ve forgotten your finish time.
Crossing That Finish Line Hits Different
There is something special about crossing a runDisney finish line.
Maybe it’s the early mornings.
Maybe it’s the months of training.
Maybe it’s proving to yourself that you can do something you once thought was impossible.
Whatever it is, the feeling is hard to describe until you experience it yourself.
I was surprised by how emotional it felt.
And if you’re training for your first race right now, there’s a good chance you’ll feel it too.
Final Thoughts for First-Time runDisney Runners
If you’re wondering whether you can really do a runDisney race, the answer is yes.
You don’t have to be fast.
You don’t have to run every step.
You don’t have to look like a runner.
And you are definitely not too old.
You just have to start.
Every runDisney finisher was once standing exactly where you are now—wondering if they could do it.
Ready to Train for Your First runDisney Race?
If you’re looking for a simple, beginner-friendly guide to help you prepare, I created an ebook with everything I wish I knew when I started.
It’s designed especially for first-time runDisney runners and those of us proving that big goals don’t have an expiration date.