JP’s first Run Disney race was at this year’s WDW Marathon Weekend. My whole family was so excited to watch him run at Disney’s Wide World of Sports on the eve of my first marathon. Being 2 years old, JP didn’t know exactly what was going on but he had a great time. If you’ve never watched the Run Disney kids races, I highly recommend it for entertainment value! All of the kids are so cute as they run across the field to the finish line.
JP is ready to rock his race!
JP ran the 100 meter dash, but they offer other distances (up to a timed 1 mile) based upon your child’s age. They even have a diaper dash for the little babies. Run Disney offers several Kid’s race days per race weekend as they’ve become a popular family experience. Each child receives a medalian upon finishing and a race t-shirt. Mickey was present for the day of JP’s race too. Post race refreshments included Powerade, bananas and a Cliff bar.
JP and I are headed to the finish line (pictured left in purple).
My Run Disney Kids Race Tips
- You must pick up your kid’s race bib at the expo along with any commemorative items (like ears). Be sure to have your kid try on their new race shirt so you can exchange it for a different size, if needed.
- Get to the kids races early. The busses pick up guests from multiple resorts. It can add unexpected time traveling to Wide World of Sports. Some guests prefer driving their own cars to avoid this hassle.
- DON’T let your kid wear their race shirt to the event. So many kids are wearing the shirt, so it can be hard to spot your little runner. Kids are allowed to run in costume.
Two things I wouldn’t do: Wearing the race shirt and bib on their back!
- Put your child’s bib on the front of their shirts. MarathonFoto will be taking professional photos of the kids. You’ll be able to find your kid’s photos easily based upon their bib number.
- Have your child run closer to the side where you’ll be standing. For JP’s race, people cheering were only allowed to stand on one side of the field. We made sure he ran closest to that side for better photos.
- A Parent is allowed to run alongside their child. I ran with JP in his 100 meter dash.
I hope you and your child enjoys the Run Disney kid’s races as much as we did! It was a fun addition to our vacation and we’ve got great photos to prove it. When you see how proud your child is of their medal, it’s totally worth it.