

Are you preparing for the next Disneyland runDisney race? If it's your first Disneyland race, you'll want to follow these Disneyland race day tips. Even if you've done a runDisney race at Disney World, keep in mind that things can operate a little differently at Disneyland. 3, 2, 1 ... GO!

Disneyland Race Day Tips for runDisney Races
We completed our first Disneyland runDisney race — and boy, did we learn a lot! We have some hopful Disneyland race day tips for before the race, during and after.
Before the Race
Here are our tips for the time leading up to the race:
- Be sure to pick up your bib at the Expo at least the day before. (You can also pick up some free pre- and post-race nutrition samples.) You cannot pick up your bib on the morning of the race.
- Allow about an hour and a half to two hours for the Expo experience (and parking). Bring payment options in case you want to buy something. There are a ton of great athletic items for purchase. You may need to join a virtual queue in the Disneyland app on day one to shop for race merchandise.
- Look over the course map and race start and end locations, so you know where to go and where to go through security.
- Study the event maps in the Expo. Ask questions so you know where to go on race day.
- Stay in a hotel as close to the race as you can. You want to take as few steps as possible afterward.
- PhotoPass photos are included at Disneyland! You can find instructions for linking your bib to the Disneyland app on the back of your bib. Do not include any hyphens or spaces.
- If you are wearing a costume, be sure it fits the guidelines. Also, practice running in it to make sure it's breathable, comfortable and doesn't chafe.
- Pack bandages, anti-chafe products, pain relievers and any first-aid supplies you may need.
- Do not overplan your weekend. You need to schedule some downtime. Do not expect to put in a full theme park day the day before, during and after a race. Plan some rest time into the schedule.
- Arrive early to beat security lines and get near the front of your corral.
- Buy theme park tickets and make park reservations early (weeks before the event) if you plan to visit the parks on race weekend.
What to Bring to the Race
What do you need? From nothing to everything, here are some arrival tips and suggestions for what to bring:
- Bring that clear plastic bag you receive from the Expo with you to the race, even if you are not checking anything. Write your bib number on it and check it. You'll want to collect it after the race to carry all the stuff they give you. For the Halloween races, we got a banana, bottle of Powerade, bottle of water, box of snacks, the race medal and a cooling towel (for the 10K and Half), plus some candy. It was a lot to manage without a bag. For the winter races, you might get something to keep you warm like a thermal blanket.
- You can wear a fanny pack or other non-clear bag during the race.
- Carry a small towel to wipe your hands, face and phone if you are taking pictures during the race.
- If you think you'll need water more frequently, carry it with you. We used a fanny pack. We see a lot of people with hydration vests, especially at the Halloween races.
- In the January/February races, wear a sweatshirt or wrap (to keep you warm) that you can discard once you warm up. The discards are collected for donations.
- Bring energy chews or headphones, if you use them.
- Don't forget sunglasses! Even though you start racing in the dark, it may be bright and sunny when you finish or shortly after.
- Bring your phone for photos and getting in touch with other party members post-race.
- Disney recommends arriving more than an hour before race time so you have time for security, checking your gEAR bag, using the restroom, hydrating and getting in your corral. (We arrive an hour and a half early.)
- Arrive earlier if you want to be near the front of your corral.
Mid-Race Tips
Here are some hopful tips for during the actual race:
- Take as much water as you need when offered.
- Take energy chews as needed. (You have to bring your own.)
- Do not accept any food or beverage from anyone on the course except at the hydration stations. You could be disqualified.
- Keep an eye out for race-course photographers. They usually are located in front of brightly colored pop-up tents. Try not to be behind people so the photographers can see you. And smile!
- The in-park restrooms you pass are open!
- If you need to shed a layer, toss it out of the path of runners. (You will not get this item back.)
- Assess your time based on when you started the race. The corral starts are spaced 5 minutes apart. So Corral A starts at 5 a.m., B at 5:05 a.m. and so on. There are a different number of corrals for each race. Your race time starts when you cross the start line.
- The 5K is not timed. Relax and take time to meet characters and take photos.
- The 10K and Half Marathon are timed. You'll have to assess your pace and corral to determine how much time you have to wait for characters and pose for photos.
- Watch out for the two balloon ladies for the 10K and longer races. (They may not even have balloons.) They keep a 16-minute mile pace. They take off at the back of the last corral. If they catch up to you, you can be swept from the course and transported to the end. People in earlier corrals have the advantage here and therefore more time to take photos and see characters. Sometimes a volunteer may yell out how far the balloon ladies are behind you.
- If you plan to carry your phone for photos and selfies with the mile parkers or characters, attach a case with finger loops to the back of the phone so it's easier to hold or wear clothes with good pockets.
- Be on the lookout for signs, characters and photo-ops. You'll never regret taking photos with the mile markers.
- Listen to your body. No race is worth a serious health event. If you need to, stop and get help.
Post-Race Tips
Here are some tips for after you cross the finish line:
- Pat yourself on the back. You did it!
- Open your medal at the race and check it. If there is anything wrong with it, you can exchange it right then. (Some of the 5K medals were not connected in 2024, and it was easiest to exchange them at the race.)
- Take time to snap photos with sights and signs in the recovery area.
- For the 5K, you end in Disney California Adventure (subject to change), so enjoy taking pics with the medal in the park. For the other races, there are some signs you can take photos with in the finishing area.
- Visit a Disneyland theme park (if you have a ticket and reservation) after the race with your medal for photos.
- Take Disney Photopass photos and ask for Magic Shots (some are just for racers)!
Do you have any other Disneyland race day tips for runDisney races? Share them in the comments below. If you are looking for discount hotel rooms or theme park tickets for your race weekend, your froggy friends at Undercover Tourist can save you some green!
Related: Our Step-by-Step Guide to runDisney Disneyland Events
Related: Things to Know for Race Weekend at Disneyland
Hoppy planning!