RunDisney revealed races will go on indefinite hiatus following the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend. This shares particulars of the announcement, how lengthy the races will seemingly be on maintain, whether or not they’ll ever return to the California parks, and why this seems like déjà vu another time.
The announcement from Disney signifies that runDisney occasions can be positioned on hiatus in 2026 on account of building impacts at Disneyland Resort. If this sounds acquainted, it’s as a result of that is the second time in lower than a decade that runDisney has paused races at Disneyland below the guise of building impacts.
On October 18, 2017, runDisney introduced that “after cautious consideration and weighing all potentialities, we’ve made the very troublesome choice to put all runDisney race weekends at Disneyland Resort on hiatus starting in 2018. This contains the related Coast to Coast Race Challenges.” As we’ll talk about under, the circumstances had been completely different then, however regardless, runDisney didn’t return to Disneyland till final 12 months–the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon will mark the third flagship race again after a 6-year hole.
Quick-forward to April 22, 2025, and right here’s the announcement from runDisney:
- Replace: runDisney on the Disneyland Resort
- Attributable to upcoming building impacts, runDisney races on the Disneyland Resort can be positioned on hiatus in 2026 after the conclusion of the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend introduced by HONDA.
- We’ll proceed to supply races at Walt Disney World Resort, in addition to digital choices.
Again when the races had been abruptly paused in late 2017, efficient only some months later, there was extra to the story than the impression of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge building. Though that was the official clarification, and a face-saving excuse that almost all followers accepted, it was one among a number of elements.
One other issue was Disney’s tense relationship with the Metropolis of Anaheim. It was a tough few years, involving a sequence of standoffs that resulted within the cancellation of Disneyland’s Jap Gateway and deliberate luxurious lodge on the sting of Downtown Disney. Shortly after the runDisney occasions had been cancelled, Disney and the Metropolis of Anaheim reconciled in 2018 and have had a significantly better relationship since. And by reconciled, I imply that Disney invested closely in political spending to get its most well-liked candidates elected.
Disneyland has had zero points with the Metropolis of Anaheim since then. Even past extra pro-Disney politicians, Anaheim and its residents discovered how dependent it was upon Disney in 2020-2021. The native vibe has modified quite a bit in the previous few years. That’s one of many the reason why DisneylandForward was pushed by way of when it was. Not as a result of Disney wants that zoning mission within the near-term, however as a result of the corporate was opportunistic and accurately sensed that sentiment was favorable for gaining approval.
One more variable was that runDisney occasions in Anaheim had waned in recognition on the time. There have been most likely a number of causes for this alone, from oversaturation to uninspired occasions, however regardless of the underlying causes, races weren’t promoting out. That on prime of building and tensions with the Metropolis of Anaheim all mixed to make it a comparatively straightforward choice–even when they known as it a troublesome one.
Admittedly, I don’t have my finger on the heartbeat of runDisney dynamics in 2025. From what I’ve heard, navigating logistics with the Metropolis of Anaheim remains to be difficult. Not essentially on account of any underlying political tensions, however just because it’s a herculean job to close down so many metropolis streets for the races. Working with exterior companions complicates every part, and never everyone seems to be totally on board with internet hosting the runDisney occasion throughout Anaheim.
Much less credibly, I’ve additionally heard that there are challenges inside runDisney. The group has managed to place extra of a buffer between the flagship Walt Disney World Marathon and Disneyland Half Marathon, however they’re nonetheless lower than a month aside. The previous will get extra consideration as a result of it’s the longstanding, marquee occasion…amongst different causes.
Lastly, there’s the matter of building. This time, that seems like much less of a face-saving excuse and extra of a legitimate clarification. However, I don’t assume that building alone could be outcome-determinative. Which is to say that if all else had been going swimmingly with the Anaheim occasions, runDisney would’ve discovered a method to navigate the Avengers Campus building and no matter different tasks would possibly break floor inside the subsequent 18 months.
The most important obstacle to runDisney persevering with in California may not be the in-park growth tasks, however quite, the revived Jap Gateway mission. One of many cornerstones for DisneylandForward is a brand new parking construction between Harbor Blvd and Disney Method. That is presently the Pumbaa lot for Solid Member parking and a few empty parcels, and can also be utilized because the staging location and end line for runDisney races.
The Jap Gateway is broadly believed to be a crucial prerequisite to a number of the opposite improvement plans at Disneyland Resort. Whereas the brand new immersive theme park and Disney Springs-esque space on the map above are (most likely?) nonsense, it’s true that Pandora: World of Avatar and different tasks (most likely?) can’t start building till the present Esplanade is adjusted–and that may’t occur with out Jap Gateway.
For all of those causes, it wouldn’t be in the slightest degree stunning if runDisney is on hiatus at Disneyland Resort for at the very least 5 years. It would truly be nearer to a full decade when you account for the Jap Gateway building, then the bus loop demolition, adopted by the Pandora (or no matter else) building.
Actually, I wouldn’t be stunned if runDisney by no means returns to Disneyland given all the above. It’s a problem to juggle each Walt Disney World and Disneyland occasions, a trouble to coordinate with the Metropolis of Anaheim, and there’s not a lot incentive to work round building. On the similar time, I additionally wouldn’t truly anticipate runDisney to be gone from Disneyland endlessly. Sufficient time will cross, worker turnover will occur, institutional reminiscence will fade about all the above, and Disneyland occasions will as soon as once more be seen as a possible progress engine.
Within the meantime, we’d suggest getting your closing “repair” on runDisney in California with the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon. Simply be warned, as registration is probably going going to get far more aggressive for this race now that runDisney has introduced every part past this one is occurring hiatus!
Listed below are full particulars about that upcoming occasion:
Should you’re seeking to “Have fun Pleasure” prepare, get set …to smile! runDisney goes to “Have fun Completely satisfied” through the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend introduced by Honda, January 29–February 1, 2026. For much more completely happy information, it’s occurring through the seventieth anniversary of the Disneyland Resort! This race weekend can be themed to alternative ways to rejoice what delights us most, think about the Happiest Race on Earth on the Happiest Place on Earth.
Right here’s a primary have a look at the completely happy occasion themes for the 2026 race weekend:
Disneyland 5K introduced by Honda
On January 30, be a part of Pleasure from Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out movies to “Have fun Pleasure” throughout your 3.1 miles!
Disneyland 10K introduced by Honda
On January 31, prepare for six.2 magical miles with Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey as you “Have fun Creativeness!”
Disneyland Half Marathon introduced by Honda
On February 1, “Have fun Togetherness” throughout 13.1 miles of “it’s a small world” wonders — make sure you convey a pal!
Dumbo Double Dare introduced by Honda
You may as well “Have fun Achievement” with Dumbo and earn an additional medal by ending each the 10K and the half marathon for a complete of 19.3 miles!
Children 9 and below can “Have fun Laughter” on January 31 as they leap into thrilling runs that includes Sew, a.ok.a., Experiment 626.
Disneyland Yoga introduced by Honda
Get able to stretch and “Have fun Smiles” on January 29 throughout a morning yoga session with the magnificent Miss Piggy in entrance of Sleeping Magnificence Fort.
Runners desirous to take part within the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend occasions ought to mark their calendars for April 29, 2025 at 7:00 AM PT | 10:00 AM ET, when normal registration will start.
Planning a Southern California trip? For park admission offers, learn Ideas for Saving Cash on Disneyland Tickets. Study on-site and off-site motels in our Anaheim Lodge Critiques & Rankings. For the place to eat, take a look at our Disneyland Restaurant Critiques. For distinctive concepts of issues that’ll enhance your journey, take a look at What to Pack for Disney. For complete recommendation, seek the advice of our Disneyland Trip Planning Information. Lastly, for guides past Disney, take a look at our Southern California Itineraries for day journeys to Los Angeles, Laguna Seaside, and lots of different SoCal cities!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Ideas on runDisney as soon as once more suspending races in California? Suppose that is merely a matter of building, or are logistics for the races in Anaheim too large of a hurdle to beat? Excited concerning the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon? Which race(s) will you run? Do you agree or disagree with our commentary? Any questions we may help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
RunDisney revealed races will go on indefinite hiatus following the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend. This shares particulars of the announcement, how lengthy the races will seemingly be on maintain, whether or not they’ll ever return to the California parks, and why this seems like déjà vu another time.
The announcement from Disney signifies that runDisney occasions can be positioned on hiatus in 2026 on account of building impacts at Disneyland Resort. If this sounds acquainted, it’s as a result of that is the second time in lower than a decade that runDisney has paused races at Disneyland below the guise of building impacts.
On October 18, 2017, runDisney introduced that “after cautious consideration and weighing all potentialities, we’ve made the very troublesome choice to put all runDisney race weekends at Disneyland Resort on hiatus starting in 2018. This contains the related Coast to Coast Race Challenges.” As we’ll talk about under, the circumstances had been completely different then, however regardless, runDisney didn’t return to Disneyland till final 12 months–the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon will mark the third flagship race again after a 6-year hole.
Quick-forward to April 22, 2025, and right here’s the announcement from runDisney:
- Replace: runDisney on the Disneyland Resort
- Attributable to upcoming building impacts, runDisney races on the Disneyland Resort can be positioned on hiatus in 2026 after the conclusion of the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend introduced by HONDA.
- We’ll proceed to supply races at Walt Disney World Resort, in addition to digital choices.
Again when the races had been abruptly paused in late 2017, efficient only some months later, there was extra to the story than the impression of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge building. Though that was the official clarification, and a face-saving excuse that almost all followers accepted, it was one among a number of elements.
One other issue was Disney’s tense relationship with the Metropolis of Anaheim. It was a tough few years, involving a sequence of standoffs that resulted within the cancellation of Disneyland’s Jap Gateway and deliberate luxurious lodge on the sting of Downtown Disney. Shortly after the runDisney occasions had been cancelled, Disney and the Metropolis of Anaheim reconciled in 2018 and have had a significantly better relationship since. And by reconciled, I imply that Disney invested closely in political spending to get its most well-liked candidates elected.
Disneyland has had zero points with the Metropolis of Anaheim since then. Even past extra pro-Disney politicians, Anaheim and its residents discovered how dependent it was upon Disney in 2020-2021. The native vibe has modified quite a bit in the previous few years. That’s one of many the reason why DisneylandForward was pushed by way of when it was. Not as a result of Disney wants that zoning mission within the near-term, however as a result of the corporate was opportunistic and accurately sensed that sentiment was favorable for gaining approval.
One more variable was that runDisney occasions in Anaheim had waned in recognition on the time. There have been most likely a number of causes for this alone, from oversaturation to uninspired occasions, however regardless of the underlying causes, races weren’t promoting out. That on prime of building and tensions with the Metropolis of Anaheim all mixed to make it a comparatively straightforward choice–even when they known as it a troublesome one.
Admittedly, I don’t have my finger on the heartbeat of runDisney dynamics in 2025. From what I’ve heard, navigating logistics with the Metropolis of Anaheim remains to be difficult. Not essentially on account of any underlying political tensions, however just because it’s a herculean job to close down so many metropolis streets for the races. Working with exterior companions complicates every part, and never everyone seems to be totally on board with internet hosting the runDisney occasion throughout Anaheim.
Much less credibly, I’ve additionally heard that there are challenges inside runDisney. The group has managed to place extra of a buffer between the flagship Walt Disney World Marathon and Disneyland Half Marathon, however they’re nonetheless lower than a month aside. The previous will get extra consideration as a result of it’s the longstanding, marquee occasion…amongst different causes.
Lastly, there’s the matter of building. This time, that seems like much less of a face-saving excuse and extra of a legitimate clarification. However, I don’t assume that building alone could be outcome-determinative. Which is to say that if all else had been going swimmingly with the Anaheim occasions, runDisney would’ve discovered a method to navigate the Avengers Campus building and no matter different tasks would possibly break floor inside the subsequent 18 months.
The most important obstacle to runDisney persevering with in California may not be the in-park growth tasks, however quite, the revived Jap Gateway mission. One of many cornerstones for DisneylandForward is a brand new parking construction between Harbor Blvd and Disney Method. That is presently the Pumbaa lot for Solid Member parking and a few empty parcels, and can also be utilized because the staging location and end line for runDisney races.
The Jap Gateway is broadly believed to be a crucial prerequisite to a number of the opposite improvement plans at Disneyland Resort. Whereas the brand new immersive theme park and Disney Springs-esque space on the map above are (most likely?) nonsense, it’s true that Pandora: World of Avatar and different tasks (most likely?) can’t start building till the present Esplanade is adjusted–and that may’t occur with out Jap Gateway.
For all of those causes, it wouldn’t be in the slightest degree stunning if runDisney is on hiatus at Disneyland Resort for at the very least 5 years. It would truly be nearer to a full decade when you account for the Jap Gateway building, then the bus loop demolition, adopted by the Pandora (or no matter else) building.
Actually, I wouldn’t be stunned if runDisney by no means returns to Disneyland given all the above. It’s a problem to juggle each Walt Disney World and Disneyland occasions, a trouble to coordinate with the Metropolis of Anaheim, and there’s not a lot incentive to work round building. On the similar time, I additionally wouldn’t truly anticipate runDisney to be gone from Disneyland endlessly. Sufficient time will cross, worker turnover will occur, institutional reminiscence will fade about all the above, and Disneyland occasions will as soon as once more be seen as a possible progress engine.
Within the meantime, we’d suggest getting your closing “repair” on runDisney in California with the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon. Simply be warned, as registration is probably going going to get far more aggressive for this race now that runDisney has introduced every part past this one is occurring hiatus!
Listed below are full particulars about that upcoming occasion:
Should you’re seeking to “Have fun Pleasure” prepare, get set …to smile! runDisney goes to “Have fun Completely satisfied” through the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend introduced by Honda, January 29–February 1, 2026. For much more completely happy information, it’s occurring through the seventieth anniversary of the Disneyland Resort! This race weekend can be themed to alternative ways to rejoice what delights us most, think about the Happiest Race on Earth on the Happiest Place on Earth.
Right here’s a primary have a look at the completely happy occasion themes for the 2026 race weekend:
Disneyland 5K introduced by Honda
On January 30, be a part of Pleasure from Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out movies to “Have fun Pleasure” throughout your 3.1 miles!
Disneyland 10K introduced by Honda
On January 31, prepare for six.2 magical miles with Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey as you “Have fun Creativeness!”
Disneyland Half Marathon introduced by Honda
On February 1, “Have fun Togetherness” throughout 13.1 miles of “it’s a small world” wonders — make sure you convey a pal!
Dumbo Double Dare introduced by Honda
You may as well “Have fun Achievement” with Dumbo and earn an additional medal by ending each the 10K and the half marathon for a complete of 19.3 miles!
Children 9 and below can “Have fun Laughter” on January 31 as they leap into thrilling runs that includes Sew, a.ok.a., Experiment 626.
Disneyland Yoga introduced by Honda
Get able to stretch and “Have fun Smiles” on January 29 throughout a morning yoga session with the magnificent Miss Piggy in entrance of Sleeping Magnificence Fort.
Runners desirous to take part within the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend occasions ought to mark their calendars for April 29, 2025 at 7:00 AM PT | 10:00 AM ET, when normal registration will start.
Planning a Southern California trip? For park admission offers, learn Ideas for Saving Cash on Disneyland Tickets. Study on-site and off-site motels in our Anaheim Lodge Critiques & Rankings. For the place to eat, take a look at our Disneyland Restaurant Critiques. For distinctive concepts of issues that’ll enhance your journey, take a look at What to Pack for Disney. For complete recommendation, seek the advice of our Disneyland Trip Planning Information. Lastly, for guides past Disney, take a look at our Southern California Itineraries for day journeys to Los Angeles, Laguna Seaside, and lots of different SoCal cities!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Ideas on runDisney as soon as once more suspending races in California? Suppose that is merely a matter of building, or are logistics for the races in Anaheim too large of a hurdle to beat? Excited concerning the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon? Which race(s) will you run? Do you agree or disagree with our commentary? Any questions we may help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
RunDisney revealed races will go on indefinite hiatus following the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend. This shares particulars of the announcement, how lengthy the races will seemingly be on maintain, whether or not they’ll ever return to the California parks, and why this seems like déjà vu another time.
The announcement from Disney signifies that runDisney occasions can be positioned on hiatus in 2026 on account of building impacts at Disneyland Resort. If this sounds acquainted, it’s as a result of that is the second time in lower than a decade that runDisney has paused races at Disneyland below the guise of building impacts.
On October 18, 2017, runDisney introduced that “after cautious consideration and weighing all potentialities, we’ve made the very troublesome choice to put all runDisney race weekends at Disneyland Resort on hiatus starting in 2018. This contains the related Coast to Coast Race Challenges.” As we’ll talk about under, the circumstances had been completely different then, however regardless, runDisney didn’t return to Disneyland till final 12 months–the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon will mark the third flagship race again after a 6-year hole.
Quick-forward to April 22, 2025, and right here’s the announcement from runDisney:
- Replace: runDisney on the Disneyland Resort
- Attributable to upcoming building impacts, runDisney races on the Disneyland Resort can be positioned on hiatus in 2026 after the conclusion of the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend introduced by HONDA.
- We’ll proceed to supply races at Walt Disney World Resort, in addition to digital choices.
Again when the races had been abruptly paused in late 2017, efficient only some months later, there was extra to the story than the impression of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge building. Though that was the official clarification, and a face-saving excuse that almost all followers accepted, it was one among a number of elements.
One other issue was Disney’s tense relationship with the Metropolis of Anaheim. It was a tough few years, involving a sequence of standoffs that resulted within the cancellation of Disneyland’s Jap Gateway and deliberate luxurious lodge on the sting of Downtown Disney. Shortly after the runDisney occasions had been cancelled, Disney and the Metropolis of Anaheim reconciled in 2018 and have had a significantly better relationship since. And by reconciled, I imply that Disney invested closely in political spending to get its most well-liked candidates elected.
Disneyland has had zero points with the Metropolis of Anaheim since then. Even past extra pro-Disney politicians, Anaheim and its residents discovered how dependent it was upon Disney in 2020-2021. The native vibe has modified quite a bit in the previous few years. That’s one of many the reason why DisneylandForward was pushed by way of when it was. Not as a result of Disney wants that zoning mission within the near-term, however as a result of the corporate was opportunistic and accurately sensed that sentiment was favorable for gaining approval.
One more variable was that runDisney occasions in Anaheim had waned in recognition on the time. There have been most likely a number of causes for this alone, from oversaturation to uninspired occasions, however regardless of the underlying causes, races weren’t promoting out. That on prime of building and tensions with the Metropolis of Anaheim all mixed to make it a comparatively straightforward choice–even when they known as it a troublesome one.
Admittedly, I don’t have my finger on the heartbeat of runDisney dynamics in 2025. From what I’ve heard, navigating logistics with the Metropolis of Anaheim remains to be difficult. Not essentially on account of any underlying political tensions, however just because it’s a herculean job to close down so many metropolis streets for the races. Working with exterior companions complicates every part, and never everyone seems to be totally on board with internet hosting the runDisney occasion throughout Anaheim.
Much less credibly, I’ve additionally heard that there are challenges inside runDisney. The group has managed to place extra of a buffer between the flagship Walt Disney World Marathon and Disneyland Half Marathon, however they’re nonetheless lower than a month aside. The previous will get extra consideration as a result of it’s the longstanding, marquee occasion…amongst different causes.
Lastly, there’s the matter of building. This time, that seems like much less of a face-saving excuse and extra of a legitimate clarification. However, I don’t assume that building alone could be outcome-determinative. Which is to say that if all else had been going swimmingly with the Anaheim occasions, runDisney would’ve discovered a method to navigate the Avengers Campus building and no matter different tasks would possibly break floor inside the subsequent 18 months.
The most important obstacle to runDisney persevering with in California may not be the in-park growth tasks, however quite, the revived Jap Gateway mission. One of many cornerstones for DisneylandForward is a brand new parking construction between Harbor Blvd and Disney Method. That is presently the Pumbaa lot for Solid Member parking and a few empty parcels, and can also be utilized because the staging location and end line for runDisney races.
The Jap Gateway is broadly believed to be a crucial prerequisite to a number of the opposite improvement plans at Disneyland Resort. Whereas the brand new immersive theme park and Disney Springs-esque space on the map above are (most likely?) nonsense, it’s true that Pandora: World of Avatar and different tasks (most likely?) can’t start building till the present Esplanade is adjusted–and that may’t occur with out Jap Gateway.
For all of those causes, it wouldn’t be in the slightest degree stunning if runDisney is on hiatus at Disneyland Resort for at the very least 5 years. It would truly be nearer to a full decade when you account for the Jap Gateway building, then the bus loop demolition, adopted by the Pandora (or no matter else) building.
Actually, I wouldn’t be stunned if runDisney by no means returns to Disneyland given all the above. It’s a problem to juggle each Walt Disney World and Disneyland occasions, a trouble to coordinate with the Metropolis of Anaheim, and there’s not a lot incentive to work round building. On the similar time, I additionally wouldn’t truly anticipate runDisney to be gone from Disneyland endlessly. Sufficient time will cross, worker turnover will occur, institutional reminiscence will fade about all the above, and Disneyland occasions will as soon as once more be seen as a possible progress engine.
Within the meantime, we’d suggest getting your closing “repair” on runDisney in California with the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon. Simply be warned, as registration is probably going going to get far more aggressive for this race now that runDisney has introduced every part past this one is occurring hiatus!
Listed below are full particulars about that upcoming occasion:
Should you’re seeking to “Have fun Pleasure” prepare, get set …to smile! runDisney goes to “Have fun Completely satisfied” through the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend introduced by Honda, January 29–February 1, 2026. For much more completely happy information, it’s occurring through the seventieth anniversary of the Disneyland Resort! This race weekend can be themed to alternative ways to rejoice what delights us most, think about the Happiest Race on Earth on the Happiest Place on Earth.
Right here’s a primary have a look at the completely happy occasion themes for the 2026 race weekend:
Disneyland 5K introduced by Honda
On January 30, be a part of Pleasure from Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out movies to “Have fun Pleasure” throughout your 3.1 miles!
Disneyland 10K introduced by Honda
On January 31, prepare for six.2 magical miles with Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey as you “Have fun Creativeness!”
Disneyland Half Marathon introduced by Honda
On February 1, “Have fun Togetherness” throughout 13.1 miles of “it’s a small world” wonders — make sure you convey a pal!
Dumbo Double Dare introduced by Honda
You may as well “Have fun Achievement” with Dumbo and earn an additional medal by ending each the 10K and the half marathon for a complete of 19.3 miles!
Children 9 and below can “Have fun Laughter” on January 31 as they leap into thrilling runs that includes Sew, a.ok.a., Experiment 626.
Disneyland Yoga introduced by Honda
Get able to stretch and “Have fun Smiles” on January 29 throughout a morning yoga session with the magnificent Miss Piggy in entrance of Sleeping Magnificence Fort.
Runners desirous to take part within the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend occasions ought to mark their calendars for April 29, 2025 at 7:00 AM PT | 10:00 AM ET, when normal registration will start.
Planning a Southern California trip? For park admission offers, learn Ideas for Saving Cash on Disneyland Tickets. Study on-site and off-site motels in our Anaheim Lodge Critiques & Rankings. For the place to eat, take a look at our Disneyland Restaurant Critiques. For distinctive concepts of issues that’ll enhance your journey, take a look at What to Pack for Disney. For complete recommendation, seek the advice of our Disneyland Trip Planning Information. Lastly, for guides past Disney, take a look at our Southern California Itineraries for day journeys to Los Angeles, Laguna Seaside, and lots of different SoCal cities!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Ideas on runDisney as soon as once more suspending races in California? Suppose that is merely a matter of building, or are logistics for the races in Anaheim too large of a hurdle to beat? Excited concerning the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon? Which race(s) will you run? Do you agree or disagree with our commentary? Any questions we may help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
RunDisney revealed races will go on indefinite hiatus following the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend. This shares particulars of the announcement, how lengthy the races will seemingly be on maintain, whether or not they’ll ever return to the California parks, and why this seems like déjà vu another time.
The announcement from Disney signifies that runDisney occasions can be positioned on hiatus in 2026 on account of building impacts at Disneyland Resort. If this sounds acquainted, it’s as a result of that is the second time in lower than a decade that runDisney has paused races at Disneyland below the guise of building impacts.
On October 18, 2017, runDisney introduced that “after cautious consideration and weighing all potentialities, we’ve made the very troublesome choice to put all runDisney race weekends at Disneyland Resort on hiatus starting in 2018. This contains the related Coast to Coast Race Challenges.” As we’ll talk about under, the circumstances had been completely different then, however regardless, runDisney didn’t return to Disneyland till final 12 months–the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon will mark the third flagship race again after a 6-year hole.
Quick-forward to April 22, 2025, and right here’s the announcement from runDisney:
- Replace: runDisney on the Disneyland Resort
- Attributable to upcoming building impacts, runDisney races on the Disneyland Resort can be positioned on hiatus in 2026 after the conclusion of the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend introduced by HONDA.
- We’ll proceed to supply races at Walt Disney World Resort, in addition to digital choices.
Again when the races had been abruptly paused in late 2017, efficient only some months later, there was extra to the story than the impression of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge building. Though that was the official clarification, and a face-saving excuse that almost all followers accepted, it was one among a number of elements.
One other issue was Disney’s tense relationship with the Metropolis of Anaheim. It was a tough few years, involving a sequence of standoffs that resulted within the cancellation of Disneyland’s Jap Gateway and deliberate luxurious lodge on the sting of Downtown Disney. Shortly after the runDisney occasions had been cancelled, Disney and the Metropolis of Anaheim reconciled in 2018 and have had a significantly better relationship since. And by reconciled, I imply that Disney invested closely in political spending to get its most well-liked candidates elected.
Disneyland has had zero points with the Metropolis of Anaheim since then. Even past extra pro-Disney politicians, Anaheim and its residents discovered how dependent it was upon Disney in 2020-2021. The native vibe has modified quite a bit in the previous few years. That’s one of many the reason why DisneylandForward was pushed by way of when it was. Not as a result of Disney wants that zoning mission within the near-term, however as a result of the corporate was opportunistic and accurately sensed that sentiment was favorable for gaining approval.
One more variable was that runDisney occasions in Anaheim had waned in recognition on the time. There have been most likely a number of causes for this alone, from oversaturation to uninspired occasions, however regardless of the underlying causes, races weren’t promoting out. That on prime of building and tensions with the Metropolis of Anaheim all mixed to make it a comparatively straightforward choice–even when they known as it a troublesome one.
Admittedly, I don’t have my finger on the heartbeat of runDisney dynamics in 2025. From what I’ve heard, navigating logistics with the Metropolis of Anaheim remains to be difficult. Not essentially on account of any underlying political tensions, however just because it’s a herculean job to close down so many metropolis streets for the races. Working with exterior companions complicates every part, and never everyone seems to be totally on board with internet hosting the runDisney occasion throughout Anaheim.
Much less credibly, I’ve additionally heard that there are challenges inside runDisney. The group has managed to place extra of a buffer between the flagship Walt Disney World Marathon and Disneyland Half Marathon, however they’re nonetheless lower than a month aside. The previous will get extra consideration as a result of it’s the longstanding, marquee occasion…amongst different causes.
Lastly, there’s the matter of building. This time, that seems like much less of a face-saving excuse and extra of a legitimate clarification. However, I don’t assume that building alone could be outcome-determinative. Which is to say that if all else had been going swimmingly with the Anaheim occasions, runDisney would’ve discovered a method to navigate the Avengers Campus building and no matter different tasks would possibly break floor inside the subsequent 18 months.
The most important obstacle to runDisney persevering with in California may not be the in-park growth tasks, however quite, the revived Jap Gateway mission. One of many cornerstones for DisneylandForward is a brand new parking construction between Harbor Blvd and Disney Method. That is presently the Pumbaa lot for Solid Member parking and a few empty parcels, and can also be utilized because the staging location and end line for runDisney races.
The Jap Gateway is broadly believed to be a crucial prerequisite to a number of the opposite improvement plans at Disneyland Resort. Whereas the brand new immersive theme park and Disney Springs-esque space on the map above are (most likely?) nonsense, it’s true that Pandora: World of Avatar and different tasks (most likely?) can’t start building till the present Esplanade is adjusted–and that may’t occur with out Jap Gateway.
For all of those causes, it wouldn’t be in the slightest degree stunning if runDisney is on hiatus at Disneyland Resort for at the very least 5 years. It would truly be nearer to a full decade when you account for the Jap Gateway building, then the bus loop demolition, adopted by the Pandora (or no matter else) building.
Actually, I wouldn’t be stunned if runDisney by no means returns to Disneyland given all the above. It’s a problem to juggle each Walt Disney World and Disneyland occasions, a trouble to coordinate with the Metropolis of Anaheim, and there’s not a lot incentive to work round building. On the similar time, I additionally wouldn’t truly anticipate runDisney to be gone from Disneyland endlessly. Sufficient time will cross, worker turnover will occur, institutional reminiscence will fade about all the above, and Disneyland occasions will as soon as once more be seen as a possible progress engine.
Within the meantime, we’d suggest getting your closing “repair” on runDisney in California with the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon. Simply be warned, as registration is probably going going to get far more aggressive for this race now that runDisney has introduced every part past this one is occurring hiatus!
Listed below are full particulars about that upcoming occasion:
Should you’re seeking to “Have fun Pleasure” prepare, get set …to smile! runDisney goes to “Have fun Completely satisfied” through the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend introduced by Honda, January 29–February 1, 2026. For much more completely happy information, it’s occurring through the seventieth anniversary of the Disneyland Resort! This race weekend can be themed to alternative ways to rejoice what delights us most, think about the Happiest Race on Earth on the Happiest Place on Earth.
Right here’s a primary have a look at the completely happy occasion themes for the 2026 race weekend:
Disneyland 5K introduced by Honda
On January 30, be a part of Pleasure from Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out movies to “Have fun Pleasure” throughout your 3.1 miles!
Disneyland 10K introduced by Honda
On January 31, prepare for six.2 magical miles with Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey as you “Have fun Creativeness!”
Disneyland Half Marathon introduced by Honda
On February 1, “Have fun Togetherness” throughout 13.1 miles of “it’s a small world” wonders — make sure you convey a pal!
Dumbo Double Dare introduced by Honda
You may as well “Have fun Achievement” with Dumbo and earn an additional medal by ending each the 10K and the half marathon for a complete of 19.3 miles!
Children 9 and below can “Have fun Laughter” on January 31 as they leap into thrilling runs that includes Sew, a.ok.a., Experiment 626.
Disneyland Yoga introduced by Honda
Get able to stretch and “Have fun Smiles” on January 29 throughout a morning yoga session with the magnificent Miss Piggy in entrance of Sleeping Magnificence Fort.
Runners desirous to take part within the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend occasions ought to mark their calendars for April 29, 2025 at 7:00 AM PT | 10:00 AM ET, when normal registration will start.
Planning a Southern California trip? For park admission offers, learn Ideas for Saving Cash on Disneyland Tickets. Study on-site and off-site motels in our Anaheim Lodge Critiques & Rankings. For the place to eat, take a look at our Disneyland Restaurant Critiques. For distinctive concepts of issues that’ll enhance your journey, take a look at What to Pack for Disney. For complete recommendation, seek the advice of our Disneyland Trip Planning Information. Lastly, for guides past Disney, take a look at our Southern California Itineraries for day journeys to Los Angeles, Laguna Seaside, and lots of different SoCal cities!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Ideas on runDisney as soon as once more suspending races in California? Suppose that is merely a matter of building, or are logistics for the races in Anaheim too large of a hurdle to beat? Excited concerning the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon? Which race(s) will you run? Do you agree or disagree with our commentary? Any questions we may help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
