runDisney, a series of official Disneyland and Disney World marathons, are a delightful blast for runners and Disney fans alike. Over the course of the year, Disney holds events like the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, the Disney Princess Half Marathon, and even virtual races that let you run through the parks. And now, they’re adding a new event: Disneyland’s Halloween Half Marathon Weekend.
Surprisingly not in October, the event will be held from September 5 through 8 – and registration is open to the public today, February 13, 2024, after previously being open only to Club runDisney members on February 6.
So, what’s involved in the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon? Will Goofy chase you with an ax through the Haunted Mansion or what?
…Probably not. However, you do get to run through Disneyland as characters (and onlookers) cheer you on, passing by various performances, and even receive commemorative medals based on your accomplishments. The real draw, though, is the Disney-bounding – aka the chance to roughly dress up like your favorite character, while running through the park. So to tie it into something happening right now in another part of the country, it’s like Mardi Gras except for Disney, and you’re sweating a whole lot more because you’re exercising; not because you’re five hurricanes deep after vomiting on a parade float. So actually nothing like Mardi Gras.
The event is actually split into a number of different races:
- Disneyland Halloween 5k
- Disneyland Halloween 10k
- Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon
- runDisney Kids Races
Plus, there’s also Disneyland Yoga (hosted by Goofy!) and a Chills & Thrills Challenge.
They also don’t come cheap. While the Kids Races, which are hosted by some of the Cars characters are only $40, the 5k is $120, Yoga is $130, 10k is $175, the Half Marathon is $260, and the Chills & Thrills Challenge is a whopping $440.
Why does it cost so much? Well, the event, which is hosted by Jack Skellington from Nightmare Before Christmas, challenges you to complete both the 10k and the Half Marathon in one weekend. If you complete both on pace, you get medals for each – and a third Chills & Thrills Challenge medal. You also get to be Santa Claus for a day until it all goes horribly wrong. Just kidding about that last part.
Perhaps important to mention, none of these events include entry to the parks other than for the events. You’ll need a separate ticket to reenter after the events are done, or if you get there early. You’ll also need to arrange your own hotel/airfare if you don’t live in or near Anaheim. Meaning you could be spending a few thousands dollars to run through Disneyland.
Now that’s scary.