Want to participate in a RunDisney event, but haven’t secured your spot yet?
Well, you better act fast because these races sell out at lightning speed! In fact, it’s not uncommon for popular RunDisney events to sell out within hours of registration opening.
But don’t worry, there may still be some ways to secure your spot even if the race is sold out.
In this article, we’ll explore what happens to make RunDisney events sell out so fast and the options available if you missed your chance. So, if you’re ready to lace up your running shoes and join the fun at a RunDisney event, keep reading!
Before we get started, if you’re a fan of all things Disney and love discussing theme parks and planning Disney vacations, then I want to announce the launch of my new private Facebook group, the Disney Park Advisor Community. This is a place where Disney park fans can come together to share their love of all things Disney, ask questions, get advice, and make new friends. Click the link to request membership. I can’t wait to see you in the group!
Factors that influence how fast Rundisney events sell out
There are a number of factors that can influence how quickly Rundisney events sell out. Understanding all these factors can help increase your chances of getting a spot in one of these popular races.
The ever-increasing popularity of runDisney events
One of the biggest factors that determines how fast RunDisney events sell out is the popularity of the event. For instance, events like the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, RunDisney’s flagship event, sells out really quickly. Some events like the marathon and the Star Wars Rival Run Weekend are simply more popular than others, and these are the ones that tend to sell out the fastest.
Event capacity
Another factor that affects how quickly RunDisney events sell out is the capacity of the event. Some events have a larger capacity than others, which means they’re obviously able to accommodate more runners. On the other hand, events with a smaller capacity are more likely to sell out quickly. It’s important to keep in mind that even if an event has a large capacity, it can still sell out if there is enough demand. But there’s only so much room and so much space for runners, and combined with the popularity of the RunDisney races, this makes it harder to get signed up for.
Distances of the event
The length of the event can also impact how quickly it sells out.Challenge races at runDisney events tend to sell out quickly, as do the shorter distances such as the 5K and 10K. These distances also attract a lot of family members of runners and groups participating in the races. Additionally, there are many people who want to participate in a runDisney event but are not interested in tackling the longer distances.
Members of the RunDisney Club may have the opportunity to register early for certain RunDisney events. As a benefit of their membership level, Gold and Platinum Club runDisney Members will get early registration opportunities which is pretty cool.These spots tend to fill up quickly, as runners want to secure their spot in the event as soon as possible, which means the capacity for the event is already reduced by the time it’s opened to the public for registration.
(note: Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members do NOT get early access for RunDisney events)
Time of year the event takes place
The time of year that the event takes place can also affect how quickly it sells out. Some RunDisney events take place during times with more favorable weather conditions. For example, an event that takes place in Florida in the wintertime or springtime, may sell out more quickly than an event that takes place in Florida in the summer because summer in Florida is brutal and endurance events are far more challenging in such weather conditions.
Events could also take place during times when the theme parks are more crowded and hotel rooms are in high demand. These events are likely to sell out faster than events that take place during non-peak times.
Tips for increasing your chances of getting a spot in a RunDisney event
If you’re hoping to participate in a Rundisney event, there are a few strategies you can use to increase your chances of securing a spot. Here are some tips to consider:
Register as soon as registration opens
One of the best ways to increase your chances of getting a spot in a RunDisney event is to register as soon as registration opens. RunDisney events typically announce their registration dates well in advance, so be sure to mark your calendar and set a reminder so you don’t miss out. Registration tends to fill up quickly, especially for the more popular events and distances, so it’s crucial to act fast if you want in.
Consider registering for a less popular event
If you’re having trouble getting into a the RunDisney event you want, consider registering for a less popular event or location. It may not be ideal, but it could be a case where getting into any event is better than no event at all. Some races won’t sell out as quickly, which gives you a better chance of grabbing your spot. Keep in mind that while these events may not be as popular, they can still be a lot of fun and offer a unique running experience.
Consider becoming a member of the RunDisney Club
Another option to increase your chances of getting a spot in a RunDisney event is to join the RunDisney Club. Gold and Platinum RunDisney Club members get early access to registration for most events, which can give you a significant advantage. The RunDisney Club also offers other perks, such as discounts on race registration and merchandise, as well as access to exclusive events and experiences.
Keep an eye out for re-openings, cancellations and transfers
If you’re unable to secure a spot in a RunDisney event when registration first opens, don’t lose hope.
Sometimes the registration for events will re-open. We’ve seen this several times for past events, but it’s not guaranteed that the registration process will re-open, so you need to make sure to frequently check the RunDisney website.
There are often cancellations and transfer spots that become available as the event approaches. Keep an eye on the RunDisney website and social media pages for updates on availability. You may also want to consider joining the waitlist for the event, which can increase your chances of getting a spot if one becomes available. During the same race weekend, it’s possible to transfer registration to a longer race distance as long as there are slots still available for the alternate distance, so something may open up.
What to do if you miss out on a RunDisney event
If you’re unable to secure a spot in a RunDisney event when registration first opens, don’t despair. There are still a few options available to you. Here are a few things to consider:
Secure a spot in sold-out RunDisney races through charity organizations or travel operators
Currently, there is no wait-list option for the races. However, in the event of sold-out RunDisney races, it’s often possible to secure a spot through charity organizations or travel operators. These groups typically have a certain number of spots reserved and will assign them to individuals upon request. You’ll have to check to see which charity organizations are part of the event or find your favorite travel agent to check availability.
Find an open RunDisney event in the future and get registered
If you’re disappointed about missing out on a RunDisney event, not all is lost. There may be other future events that have open registration that you can sign up for and you can even get a better head start on training.
RunDisney events take place throughout the year all around different locations in Walt Disney World, so you should have plenty of opportunities to participate in the future. By starting your training early, you’ll be better prepared to take on the challenge when the time comes!
Find alternative ways to participate
If you’re unable to secure a spot in a RunDisney event as a runner, you may still be able to participate during race day in other ways. Consider volunteering at the event, which can be a rewarding and fun way to be a part of the action. You can also consider cheering on runners from the sidelines or following along on social media to get a sense of what the event is like. It may not have been your first choice to volunteer, but in some instances, like serving as one of the Balloon Ladies, you may still get to participate in, albeit in an alternative way.
Nexts Steps
The next step is connect with other Disney racers and fans. Join the Disney Park Advisor Community group to connect with other Disney fans and get tips and advice on planning the perfect Disney vacation. This private Facebook group is the perfect place to share your love of all things Disney and get insider knowledge from other Disney enthusiasts. Simply click the link below to request membership and become a part of our community.
