Beginning in 2026, all runDisney races at Disneyland Resort are on indefinite hiatus. The announcement comes as the Southern California Disney park prepares for construction on its “DisneylandForward” expansion project.
Multiple times a year, runDisney invites runners to participate in several themed races at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, as well as virtually. Events range from 5ks to intense challenges where runners complete three races in one weekend, culminating in a full marathon.
In-person races are incredibly popular, often selling out within minutes. Participants can run through empty Disney parks, meet rare characters, and, of course, pose for a picture-perfect memory with one of the most magical medals on earth.
Unfortunately for fans, runDisney is about to significantly reduce its in-person offerings. On Tuesday, Disney announced that after the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, which takes place from January 29 to February 1, all races at Disneyland Resort will be on indefinite “hiatus.”
runDisney fans can still participate in virtual races and several in-person events at Walt Disney World Resort. The company’s official statement reads:
Due to upcoming construction impacts, runDisney races at the resort will be placed on hiatus in 2026 after the conclusion of the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend.
One of the things runDisney participants enjoy most about our races is running through our theme parks as they enjoy special entertainment and character experiences. Due to upcoming construction impacts, we will be unable to provide guests with the race experience that our participants have come to expect from our events.
For fans who love to experience runDisney events, we will continue to offer races at Walt Disney World Resort, as well as virtual offerings.
Disneyland Resort hasn’t officially confirmed that the hiatus is due to the DisneylandForward expansion, but the mention of “construction impacts” makes this the most likely scenario. Although the opening of new Disney park areas in Southern California is years away, Walt Disney Imagineers have already released plans to rezone the Anaheim property to make way for several expansions.
Construction crews are currently working on an Avengers Campus expansion at Disney California Adventure Park, which is not officially part of the DisneylandForward project. However, a parking lot in the area nearby will reportedly be bulldozed to make way for an Avatar (2009) themed land, which is said to kick off DisneylandForward.
Follow Disney Dining for updates on DisneylandForward and other construction projects at Disney parks around the world!
Are you disappointed about the runDisney hiatus at Disneyland Resort? Share your thoughts with Disney Dining in the comments!
