Disneyland Half Marathon Course Revealed as runDisney Season Heats Up

The runDisney season is about to kick into high gear with major race weekends happening at both Disney World and Disneyland within weeks of each other. Marathon Weekend takes over Walt Disney World January 7-11, followed shortly by the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend January 29-February 1, 2026.

For serious runDisney enthusiasts, this compressed timeline presents an exciting yet challenging opportunity to participate in races on both coasts within a span of less than three weeks. That’s ambitious, but plenty of dedicated runners make it happen.

Disneyland Half Marathon Course Details

runDisney just released the official course map for the Disneyland Half Marathon presented by Honda, showing the 13.1-mile route runners will follow through both parks and the surrounding Anaheim area.

The Disneyland course differs significantly from Walt Disney World races. Disney World’s massive property allows courses to wind through all four theme parks, water parks, and resort areas while rarely leaving Disney-owned land. Disneyland’s compact footprint with only two parks means the course includes substantial sections through public Anaheim streets.

The Route Breakdown:

Starting Point & Approach to Parks:

• Begins on Disney Way
• Heads down S Harbor Blvd
• Turns onto W Katella Ave

Disney California Adventure Section:

• Enters through Cars Land with its Radiator Springs theming
• Loops over and around Pixar Pier waterfront area
• Navigates up around the left side of Grizzly Peak
• Comes back down and around Avengers Campus
• Heads left through Buena Vista Street

Disneyland Park Section:

• Crosses over to Disneyland Park
• Runs down Main Street U.S.A.
• Veers right into Tomorrowland
• Zips through and up into Mickey’s Toontown
• Comes back down through Fantasyland
• Continues through Frontierland, New Orleans Square, and Critter Country

Anaheim Streets Portion:

• Exits the parks onto Ball Rd
• Turns left onto Anaheim Blvd for several blocks
• Winds through various Anaheim streets
• Returns to Anaheim Blvd
• Goes left on Cerritos Ave
• Left again on Lewis St
• Makes final approach back to Anaheim Blvd
• Finishes on Disney Way

This route gives runners a unique perspective on both the parks and the city surrounding Disneyland that most tourists never experience. The street portions might not have the same Disney theming as the in-park sections, but they provide interesting contrast and allow runners to see different facets of the Anaheim area.

Special Anniversary runDisney Medals

The Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend coincides with Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration in 2026, and the medals reflect this milestone. All three race medals prominently feature the number “70”, making them special limited editions tied to this specific anniversary year.

Disneyland 5K Medal: Features Joy from Inside Out and the Pixar Pal-A-Round, connecting to the race route through Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure. This is the most accessible distance for beginners or families.

Disneyland 10K Medal: Features Sorcerer Mickey running with a magic broom, bringing together iconic Fantasia imagery with the running theme. Perfect middle-distance option for runners wanting more challenge than a 5K without committing to half marathon distance.

Disneyland Half Marathon Medal: Features children from “it’s a small world,” the classic Disneyland attraction that’s become synonymous with the park itself. The ultimate prize for completing the full 13.1 miles.

runDisney medals are known for being substantially more elaborate than typical race finisher medals, often featuring moving parts, dimensional elements, and detailed artwork. These anniversary editions are likely to become highly sought-after collector’s items.

The Dual Coast runDisney Challenge

With Marathon Weekend at Disney World running January 7-11 and Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend January 29-February 1, dedicated runners have less than three weeks between events if they want to participate in both.

This creates logistical challenges, including travel between coasts, recovery time between races, and the physical demands of racing multiple times in short succession. However, for runDisney enthusiasts who prioritize these events and plan their annual schedules around them, tackling both weekends represents the ultimate expression of their commitment to the runDisney community.

What Makes runDisney Special

runDisney events combine athletic challenge with Disney entertainment in ways no other race series replicates. Running through theme parks during the early morning hours before regular guests arrive, encountering Disney characters along the way, and celebrating accomplishments with elaborate, themed medals creates a unique experience.

The community aspect also sets runDisney apart. Participants form training groups, make friends through shared experiences, and return year after year to events that feel like reunions as much as races.

Looking Ahead

As these major January and early February events approach, both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort prepare for the operational challenges of hosting thousands of runners. Early morning park access, road closures, character appearances along routes, and transforming theme parks into race venues before returning them to normal operations require extensive coordination.

For participants, this represents peak runDisney season where training efforts culminate in race day performances and the magic of Disney enhances every mile.