Join the RunDisney Volunteer Team: Be a Part of the Magic at a Memorable Event

Robert DLast Updated July 5, 2024

Join RunDisney volunteers: Discover race details, opportunities, benefits, registration process, and volunteer roles for a memorable event.

Looking for a fun way to get involved with a RunDisney half marathon, marathon, or other running event, but the thought of running isn’t exactly appealing to you? Or maybe you’re looking for a way to support your significant other without having to do all that running yourself?

Volunteer at a RunDisney event!

Disney World’s RunDisney Marathons require thousands of volunteers throughout the race season to make the events a huge success so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Volunteers can help with everything from setting up the course to handing out water and snacks to cheering on the runners.

RunDisney, a division of Walt Disney World, hosts endurance running events at Disney resorts in Florida (returning in California in 2024!) including the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, Disney’s Wine & Dine half marathon weekend, and the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, offer runners a chance to experience Disney while participating in a challenging race.

As a RunDisney volunteer, you can make a difference in the success of these events. Whether you’re a runner or just want to help out, there are many ways to get involved as a volunteer at a RunDisney event.

Keep reading to learn more.

What exactly is a RunDisney race?

“RunDisney” is a series of themed running events from kids races and 5k races for beginners, to a full marathon for the premier event, the Walt Disney World Marathon.

These races take place at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and in 2024, they’ll be starting at Disneyland Resort in California. The events, many of which run through Disney’s theme parks, are Disney-themed from top to bottom and are designed to be fun and exciting for runners of all ages and ability levels.

One of the most popular RunDisney events is the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, which is held annually at the Walt Disney World Resort. This event, which is designed specifically for women, features a half marathon, a 10K race, a 5K race, kid’s races, as well as a variety of other activities, such as a fitness expo and a runDisney Health & Fitness Expo.

To participate in a RunDisney event, runners can register on the runDisney website, which is the official website for all RunDisney events. On the website, runners can find information about scheduled future events, including the dates, locations, and registration fees. The website also has resources for runners, including training plans, course maps, and information about the race experience which is quite helpful.

In addition to the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, RunDisney offers a variety of other events throughout the year, including the Star Wars Rival Run Weekend and lots of other fun events.

Volunteer Opportunities for RunDisney Races

For all the races there will be plenty of RunDisney volunteer spots available so if you’re interested in volunteering at a race, there are a number of different roles that you can play.

There are a number of different organizations that offer volunteer opportunities for RunDisney races, including Race Track Shack Events and the RunDisney website. Track Shack volunteers heroes behind the curtain for these events and without them the races wouldn’t be possible. To find out about volunteer opportunities for specific RunDisney events, you can check the websites of these organizations or search for volunteer opportunities online.

In terms of availability of volunteer slots, it can vary depending on the event and the job. Some events may have a large number of volunteer slots available, while others may have limited slots. To increase your chances of getting a volunteer slot, it’s a good idea to sign up as early as possible, as slots can fill up quickly.

If you’re interested in volunteering for a RunDisney race, you will need to register online through the Track Shack website or the website of the organization offering the volunteer opportunity. The registration process will typically involve filling out a form and providing some personal information. Some organizations may require that you complete a waiver form or attend a training session before volunteering.

Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering at a RunDisney race is a great way to get involved in the community and support a worthy cause. In addition to the satisfaction of helping others, there are also a number of benefits that come with volunteering for a RunDisney race.

One benefit of volunteering for a RunDisney race is that you can receive free tickets or passes to Disney theme parks. Depending on the specific event, you may receive a complimentary ticket to the theme park where the race is taking place, or you may receive a pass that allows you to visit other Disney theme parks during the weekend of your event since the race itself, along with its preparations could easily take up the full day.

Another benefit of volunteering for a RunDisney race is that you may receive free parking at the event. This can be especially helpful if you’re traveling from out of town or if you don’t have access to reliable transportation. By volunteering, you can help out at the event and still have a convenient and cost-effective way to get there.

Volunteering for a RunDisney race may also come with other perks, such as snack boxes or other food and drink. These perks can help to make your volunteering experience more enjoyable and rewarding.

How to Register to Volunteer for a RunDisney Event

If you’re interested in volunteering at a RunDisney race, there are a few steps you’ll need to follow in order to register. Here’s how to get started:

Determine which RunDisney event you want to volunteer for. RunDisney offers a variety of races throughout the year, including the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, and the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend.
Find out which organization is offering volunteer opportunities for the event you want to volunteer for. Volunteer organizer Track Shack handles all the details.There are a number of organizations that offer volunteer opportunities for RunDisney races, including Race Track Shack Events and the RunDisney website. [1]
Those who are interested in medical volunteering can get in touch with AdventHealth, a top healthcare provider in Central Florida and the official medical sponsor of RunDisney, to become part of their volunteer team. [2]
Visit the website of the organization offering volunteer opportunities and look for information about how to sign up. You may need to create an account or log in to an existing account in order to register.
Follow the instructions provided on the website to register as a volunteer. This may involve filling out a form and providing some personal information, such as your name, contact information, and availability.
Review the requirements for volunteering. Some organizations may have specific requirements for volunteers, such as a minimum age or certain health considerations. Make sure you meet these requirements before registering.
Submit the necessary documents. You will be required to complete a waiver form or provide other documents in order to volunteer. There’s one for adults, one for minors. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by the organization to ensure that you submit all necessary documents.

In terms of requirements for volunteering, you may need to be a certain age in order to volunteer at a RunDisney race. For example, some organizations may require that volunteers be at least 18 years old. Additionally, you may need to be free of certain health concerns in order to volunteer.

Volunteers play such an important role so it’s vital that your schedule is clear on the day of the race in order to volunteer. There may be specific volunteer shift that you are required to work, so they’re counting on you to fill your volunteer time slot. Make sure to check your availability and the requirements for race volunteers before registering.

Jobs That You Can Volunteer For

There are a variety of jobs that volunteers can do at a RunDisney event. Some of the most common roles include:

Course marshals: Course marshals are responsible for directing the runner’s race journey along the course and providing guidance and assistance as needed. This might involve helping runners stay on course, providing encouragement and support, or communicating important information to runners.
Water stop volunteers: Water stop volunteers are responsible for setting up and managing the water stops along the course. This might involve setting up tables, filling water cups, and handing out drinks to runners.
Finish line volunteers: Finish line volunteers are responsible for helping runners as they cross the finish line. This might involve handing out medals, providing water and snacks, or helping runners find their way to the post-race area.
Medical volunteers: Medical volunteers provide medical support in medical tents on the course to runners during the race. This might involve working in a medical tent, providing first aid, or assisting with hydration and nutrition.
Packet pick-up volunteers: Packet pick-up volunteers are responsible for helping runners pick up their race packets, which include their race bib and other materials. This might involve checking runners in, answering questions, and providing assistance as needed.
Expo volunteers: Expo volunteers help with the set-up and management of the expo area, which is typically held in the days leading up to the race. This might involve setting up booths, assisting vendors, and answering questions from runners.
Cheer squad: As a cheer squad volunteer at a RunDisney event, your role is to cheer on runners and provide encouragement along the race course as they pass by. You can use noisemakers, signs, and other props to make your cheering more fun and effective. It’s also helpful to call out specific details about runners, such as the characters they are wearing or their college affiliations. Cheer squads can provide a huge boost to runners, so make sure to bring lots of energy and enthusiasm to your role.
Balloon ladies: The balloon ladies are a group of runners volunteer participants that keep the minimum 16 minute mile pace and are known for their brightly colored, Mickey Mouse-shaped balloons that they carry with them as they run. They serve as the last runner on the course and these balloons serve as a marker for the end of the race. The balloon ladies are an important part of the RunDisney experience, and they help to ensure that all runners are able to complete the race within the time limits.
Other roles: Depending on the event and the needs of the organizers, there may be other volunteer roles available. For example, volunteers may be needed to assist with registration, provide directions and information to runners, or help with other tasks as needed.

Final thoughts

To get started, click here to find out what upcoming Disney marathon weekends are available and how you can volunteer. Volunteering for a Disney Marathon is a great way to give back to the running community with some amazing perks like a snack box or complementary ticket, see the Walt Disney World them parks in a whole new light, all while having fun and making new friends. Plus, you get to be part of the magic that is RunDisney!

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.