3: The History of runDisney, and How Every Race Weekend Came to Be

runDisney feels like it has been around forever. It hasn't. The name itself only dates to 2010, and the first Walt Disney World Marathon was in January 1994, with about 5,600 runners.

In this episode I follow the thread of each of today's four race weekends back to where it started: Marathon Weekend, from that first marathon to the half, Goofy and Dopey; Wine & Dine, from the Disney Classic 10K and the Tower of Terror 13K to the night half marathon; Princess, from Mini Marathon Weekend to the race that changed who runs runDisney; and Springtime Surprise, by way of Disneyland, Tinker Bell, Star Wars and the Rival Run. This is Chapter Two of The runDisney Companion.

LINKS
This episode's article and the runDisney history timeline printable: https://thecastlerun.com/history
All the printables: https://thecastlerun.com/printables
Running Wine & Dine this month? My 2026 guide: https://thecastlerun.com/wine-dine-2026-guide/
The new 5K start groups at Wine & Dine 2026, explained: https://thecastlerun.com/wine-dine-2026-5k-changes/
run. eet. repeat. Book signing at eet, Thursday, October 22, 3–6 p.m., benefiting Kellsie's Hope: https://thecastlerun.com/eetWD
MEI-Travel & Mouse Fan Travel: https://thecastlerun.com/MEI

NEXT WEEK
Registration: how it works, how to maximize your chances, proof of time and Club runDisney.

THE BOOK: The runDisney Companion — https://thecastlerun.com/book
UPDATES: the Companion Hub — https://thecastlerun.com/companion/
New episodes Tuesdays at 5 a.m.

Book partners are sponsors of the book. There's no affiliate relationship; I don't earn anything when you book with them.

The Castle Run podcast and The runDisney Companion are not endorsed by, affiliated with, or sponsored by Disney or runDisney.