RunDisney Events at Disneyland Paris
Updated 10th May 2025
RUNDISNEY EVENTS AT DISNEYLAND PARIS
WHAT HAPPENED TO RUNDISNEY AT DISNEYLAND PARIS? | FULL GUIDE AND UPDATES
If you’ve ever dreamed of running through Sleeping Beauty Castle with a medal waiting for you at the finish line, you’re in the right place. Welcome to our complete guide to RunDisney events at Disneyland Paris — the fairy tale race series that brought runners face-to-face with Disney magic at every mile.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: what the Disneyland Paris RunDisney events were all about, the different races that made up the weekends (from the Half Marathon to the Kids Races), and what the experience was really like. We’ll also explain why, sadly, these events are no longer part of the Disneyland Paris calendar, following official confirmation from park leadership at a recent Press Event.
Whether you’re here to relive the magic or find out where you can still chase your Disney running dreams, we’ve got you covered. So, lace up your (imaginary) running shoes, and let’s dive into the magical miles of RunDisney Disneyland Paris.
What is RunDisney at Disneyland Paris?
RunDisney at Disneyland Paris was a series of magical running events where Disney fans and runners could race through the parks, cheered on by beloved characters and Cast Members. From the excitement of sprinting down Main Street, U.S.A. to the thrill of passing Sleeping Beauty Castle at sunrise, these events were a dream come true for anyone who wanted to combine fitness with a sprinkle of pixie dust.
The race weekends included a variety of distances — from a family-friendly 5K to the full 13.1-mile Half Marathon — plus special Kids Races and race challenges for those brave enough to take on multiple events. Along the way, runners collected unique Disney medals, met rare characters, and enjoyed an atmosphere unlike anything else in the parks.
Sadly, while these events brought plenty of smiles and magical moments, Disneyland Paris has confirmed that RunDisney races will not be returning for the foreseeable future, citing that the races didn’t significantly boost the park’s performance.
But don’t worry — there’s still plenty to celebrate about the incredible memories these races created!
Will RunDisney Return to Disneyland Paris?
After just three magical years, RunDisney events at Disneyland Paris were cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic — and, sadly, they never made a comeback.
At a recent press event in April 2025, during a Q&A session with Natacha Rafalski, President of Disneyland Paris, it was confirmed that RunDisney is not expected to return anytime soon. Rafalski explained that although the races created wonderful memories, they had become less popular over time, and crucially, they didn’t boost park attendance or revenue.
In the world of Disney, where guest experience and business success must go hand in hand, this meant that RunDisney events simply aren’t a priority for the resort’s future plans.
While the official figures shared about the success of the races don’t seem to align with this, as attendance had been steadily increasing each year, the numbers at Disneyland Paris still remained much lower compared to the massive turnouts at Walt Disney World, where a single race could attract more participants than the total number of runners at the entire Disneyland Paris event.
Personal Reflection:
For those of us who had the chance to lace up and race through the parks, it’s a bittersweet goodbye, and for those of us who were looking for when RunDisney will return to Disneyland Paris, its not the news we wanted to read.
There was truly nothing like running through an empty park, seeing the Sleeping Beauty Castle at sunrise or being high-fived by Mickey himself at the finish line. Fingers crossed that, one day, the magic might return for a new generation of runners!
Disneyland Paris RunDisney Race Types
Race Tip:
No matter which race you chose, Disney Characters and on-course entertainment made every mile magical. Some runners even slowed down just to grab extra selfies with rare characters you’d never usually meet in the parks!
Disneyland Paris Half Marathon
The Half Marathon was the showstopper event at Disneyland Paris. Covering 13.1 magical miles, the course wound its way through both Disney Parks, the beautiful French countryside, and nearby villages before bringing runners back to a roaring finish line celebration.
Running down Main Street, U.S.A. and past the Sleeping Beauty Castle at sunrise was truly unforgettable. Add in Disney Characters popping up along the way and it was a race that felt more like stepping into your own animated adventure.
You needed to be 18 years or older to participate, and maintaining a 16-minute-per-mile pace was essential to avoid being picked up by the sweepers (those cheerful folks who close the course).
Half Marathon Participants Received:
- Disneyland Paris Race Finisher Medal
- Race T-shirt
- Official Race Programme Guide
- Personalised Bib
- On-course and post-race refreshments
Disneyland Paris 10K
The 10K was a perfect mid-distance race for newer runners and Disney lovers alike. Spanning 6.2 miles, it took runners on an enchanting journey through Walt Disney Studios Park and Disneyland Park, including a magical dash through Toy Story Playland and a moment to soak in the view of the Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Open to runners aged 14 and above, the 10K kept the same 16-minute-per-mile pace rule and had all the sparkle of the Half Marathon with just a little less mileage.
- 10K Participants Received:
- Disneyland Paris Race Finisher Medal
- Race T-shirt
- Official Race Programme Guide
- Personalised Bib
- On-course and post-race refreshments
Disneyland Paris 5K
A firm favourite for families and first-timers, the 5K was a nighttime adventure through the Walt Disney Studios Park. Under the stars, runners zoomed past places like Moteurs…Action! Stunt Show Spectacular and shrank down to toy-size in Toy Story Playland.
Anyone 5 years and older could join in, making it a true all-ages celebration of fitness, magic, and Disney spirit. (And yes, the character meet-and-greets were just as magical at night!)
5K Participants Received:
- Disneyland Paris Race Finisher Medal
- Race T-shirt
- Official Race Programme Guide
- Personalised Bib
- Post-race refreshments
Disneyland Paris Kids Races
The tiniest runners had their very own moment to shine with the Kids Races, split by age and distance:
- 100m: Ages 1–3
- 200m: Ages 4–7
- 1km: Ages 8–12
Parents could run alongside little ones aged 1 to 5, making it a real family affair. Every young runner crossed the finish line to cheers, applause, and — of course — their very own shiny medal.
Kids Race Participants Received:
- Kids Race Finisher Medal
- Race T-shirt
- Personalised Bib
- Post-race refreshments
Race Challenges at Disneyland Paris
For those runners who like to dream bigger (and maybe just a little bit crazier), Disneyland Paris offered special race challenges that rewarded extra miles with extra medals. Because let’s be real — if you’re running multiple races in one weekend, you deserve ALL the shiny bling!
31K Challenge
Run the 10K and the Half Marathon back-to-back, and you unlocked the 31K Challenge. Not only would you collect your individual race medals, but you’d also receive a special bonus medal celebrating your incredible achievement.
Think of it like levelling up in a video game — only instead of a power-up, you got a giant, glittering medal (which, let’s be honest, is way more satisfying).
36K Challenge
Feeling truly epic? The 36K Challenge was for those who dared to run the 5K, 10K, and the Half Marathon — all in one action-packed weekend. That’s nearly 22.4 miles through castles, countryside, and character encounters.
Not only would you scoop up three individual race medals, but you’d also earn the prestigious 36K Challenge Medal. Basically, you’d need a separate suitcase just to get all your medals home — and it was totally worth it.
Castle to Chateau Challenge
Now, this was the stuff of legends! The Castle to Chateau Challenge rewarded those who crossed continents to combine Disney magic.
Complete the Disneyland Paris Half Marathon and either a Half Marathon or Marathon at Walt Disney World in Florida within the same calendar year, and you would snag the exclusive Castle to Chateau Medal.
It wasn’t just a medal; it was proof that you were a true Disney Run Royalty, reigning on both sides of the Atlantic.
Disneyland Paris RunDisney Medals
RunDisney Disneyland Paris 2016 Medals
The inaugural Disneyland Paris Run Weekend took place from 23rd to 25th September 2016, welcoming around 15,000 participants for a magical first edition.
One of the best parts of any RunDisney event? The medals — and Disneyland Paris certainly delivered when they launched their first ever race weekend in 2016! Whether you were sprinting, strolling, or somewhere in between, crossing that finish line came with a serious reward.
Kids Races Medal:
The little runners were treated to a super cute medal featuring Mickey Mouse — the ultimate running buddy if you ask us. A perfect keepsake for their first dash through Disney magic!
5K Medal:
The 5K race was themed around everyone’s favourite tiny chef, Remy from Ratatouille. The medal proudly featured Remy himself, celebrating a race full of family fun and Parisian flair.
Half Marathon Medal:
The main event came with a truly stunning gold medal. It featured the Sleeping Beauty Castle with a joyful Mickey Mouse standing proudly in front — a magical tribute to Disneyland Paris’ iconic symbol and the magic of achieving 13.1 miles!
Castle to Chateau Challenge Medal:
For those ambitious runners who completed a Half Marathon at both Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida within the same calendar year, there was an extra-special prize: the Castle to Chateau Challenge Medal. This beautiful design showcased Sleeping Beauty Castle at the centre, flanked by the American flag on one side and the French flag on the other — a truly special piece symbolising a cross-continental achievement.
RunDisney Disneyland Paris 2017 Medals
The 2017 Disneyland Paris Run Weekend ran from 21st to 24th September, embracing a magical theme and drawing in around 20,000 enthusiastic participants.
In 2017, Disneyland Paris was celebrating its 25th Anniversary — and the RunDisney medals got the royal treatment! Every medal that year proudly featured the shimmering 25th Anniversary logo, making them extra special souvenirs of an unforgettable year.
Kids Races Medal:
The littlest racers earned a pink medal featuring Mickey Mouse, perfectly cheerful and packed with celebratory vibes for the Park’s big birthday.
5K Medal:
The 5K medal was pure gold — literally! It starred Lumière from Beauty and the Beast, ready to “light up” your race achievement. Fun fact: the ribbon design had a subtle spooky touch that reminded many runners of the Tower of Terror — a little hint of adventure with your victory.
10K Medal:
The 10K medal was a real fairy tale come true. It featured the three good fairies from Sleeping Beauty — Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather — swooping gracefully around the top of Sleeping Beauty Castle. A truly magical design that felt straight out of a storybook.
Half Marathon Medal:
For the big race, runners were rewarded with a beautiful medal showing Mickey Mouse alongside the sparkling Sleeping Beauty Castle. It captured the spirit of the weekend perfectly: a mix of magic, achievement, and Disney dreams.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Challenge Medal:
Runners brave enough to take on both the 10K and Half Marathon were gifted a special medal featuring the Fairy Godmother herself. The design included a dark circular frame, highlighting a pumpkin carriage transformation scene — a whimsical nod to the endurance and magic needed to complete both races.
RunDisney Disneyland Paris 2018 Medals
The 2018 Disneyland Paris Run Weekend took place from 20th to 23rd September, featuring a thrilling Villains theme and attracting a record 26,000 participants.
For the 2018 Disneyland Paris Run Weekend, things took a wickedly fun twist — with many of the medals embracing a villainous theme! But don’t worry, these baddies only added extra magic (and mischief) to your medal collection.
Kids Races Medal:
Our youngest runners raced to a playful medal featuring Stitch — bringing just the right mix of cheeky fun and intergalactic charm to the Kids Races.
5K Medal:
The 5K went full superhero mode with a medal themed to Thanos and the Marvel Infinity Stones. It was bold, powerful, and definitely one to show off — even if you didn’t have to battle any Avengers to earn it!
10K Medal:
The 10K medal kept the mischievous vibes going with Pain and Panic from Hercules causing a little chaos around the course. Their sneaky smiles made this medal a real standout — and a great nod to Disney’s more mischievous side.
Half Marathon Medal:
The Half Marathon medal was a magical masterpiece — Mickey Mouse alongside Sleeping Beauty Castle, in shimmering blue and gold colours. The design gave strong Fantasia Mickey vibes, blending classic Disney magic with the achievement of completing 13.1 miles.
Challenge Medals:
Those tackling the weekend’s bigger challenges were rewarded with silver medals themed to Disney’s most iconic villains — the Evil Queen from Snow White and Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty. Dark, dramatic, and beautifully detailed, these medals were seriously impressive (and totally worth the extra miles).
RunDisney Disneyland Paris 2019 Medals
The 2019 Disneyland Paris Run Weekend occurred from 19th to 22nd September, with an adventurous theme that brought together around 27,000 runners for an unforgettable experience.
The 2019 Disneyland Paris Run Weekend medals brought a real celebration of adventure, magic, and Disney classics — the perfect keepsakes for a weekend of unforgettable miles!
Kids Races Medal:
The Kids Races were all about adventure this year, with a medal featuring Peter Pan and the Lost Boys. It captured that playful spirit of “never growing up” — perfect for our littlest runners (and honestly, some of us bigger kids too).
5K Medal:
The 5K medal took us straight to the Pride Lands, with a Lion King theme! The design featured Mufasa’s face watching over Pride Rock, with Rafiki holding up Simba — a proper “circle of life” moment to celebrate your run.
10K Medal:
The 10K was bursting with colour and creativity, with a medal showcasing Rapunzel. Her signature golden hair flowed beautifully across a rich purple background, making this one of the most striking medals of the weekend.
Half Marathon Medal:
The Half Marathon medal kept things classic and heartwarming, featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse running hand-in-hand around Sleeping Beauty Castle. It was the perfect tribute to teamwork, magic, and making memories mile after mile.
36K Challenge Medal:
For runners daring enough to complete the 36K Challenge (5K + 10K + Half Marathon), the reward was a medal themed to Genie from Aladdin, sometimes seen with Aladdin holding the magic lamp. It was a shining, shimmering, splendid way to cap off an epic achievement.
FAQs About RunDisney at Disneyland Paris
Will RunDisney events return to Disneyland Paris?
No official plans are in place for a return. As confirmed in April 2025 by Disneyland Paris President Natacha Rafalski, RunDisney is no longer a priority for the resort.
Why were RunDisney events cancelled at Disneyland Paris?
After three years of races, the events were cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Disneyland Paris later confirmed that the events wouldn’t return because they didn’t significantly boost park attendance or revenue.
What races were part of RunDisney at Disneyland Paris?
The events featured a Half Marathon (21.1km), a 10K, a 5K Family Fun Run, and special Kids Races. There were also race challenges for those completing multiple events across the weekend.
Where did the Disneyland Paris races take place?
The courses ran through both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, as well as through nearby countryside and villages.
Who could participate in the Disneyland Paris races?
Races were open to runners of all experience levels. The minimum ages were 5 years for the 5K, 14 years for the 10K, and 18 years for the Half Marathon.
What made the RunDisney events at Disneyland Paris special?
Running past iconic attractions like Sleeping Beauty Castle, meeting rare Disney characters on the course, and collecting exclusive medals made the experience unforgettable.
Are there still RunDisney events elsewhere?
Yes! RunDisney races continue at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and have returned to Disneyland Resort in California.
