Earlier this year, we saw the 2020 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend canceled and the 2020 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend converted to a virtual event.

No word, however, had been released on the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend or the 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. But, today we got an update from runDisney about both of these events.

Today we spotted an update on the runDisney website noting that Disney has decided to convert both the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend to virtual events.

Disney noted that during this time, due to the global pandemic, “race organizers around the world continue to pause on hosting in-person race events that draw large crowds,” and so, it appears, Disney will be doing the same. Disney said that they have based their decision on the “unique circumstances of hosting a road race experience on this scale under the current environment.”

Instead of simply canceling the events, however, Disney notes that they will be converted to virtual races — similar to the offering they’ve created for the 2020 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend.

So, if you registered for the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend or 2021 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, what now? Registered participants will receive an email beginning September 23rd with instructions on how to make their registration selection before October 7th. Guests can choose to receive a refund or convert their registration.

Refund

Participants who registered through runDisney.com will have the option of receiving a full refund for the race. The refund will be sent back to the original form of payment.

Any registered participant with a shipping address outside of the U.S. will automatically receive a refund. Disney has indicated that participants without a valid U.S. shipping address will not be eligible for the virtual race option.

Convert

If you registered through runDisney.com with a valid U.S. shipping address, you can convert your existing registration to the new virtual event that you’ll be able to complete from home. PO Boxes and APO Boxes are not considered valid shipping addresses for this purpose.

Disney has specified that “eligible runners who participate in the virtual race will receive a medal for each distance they complete and the option of a race shirt.” 

Registered participants who select the virtual race option will also receive the following, based on their registration: a digital bib and finisher certificate, a digital toolkit with a start/finish line and mile markers, a digital goody bag, a virtual playlist, and a Digital Disney gift card for select races.

Non-runDisney.com Registrations

If you booked your registration through a charity or tour operator, you should reach out to that organization directly. If you booked through the Walt Disney Travel Company, you can call them directly at 407-939-4786 to discuss your available options.

Club runDisney Charter Membership

If you purchased the inaugural year of the Club runDisney membership, you’ll receive a second year of membership at no charge.

Want to Register for the Virtual Races?

If you didn’t register for the previous races or you received a refund for your registration, and you’d like to now register for the virtual events, additional registration opportunities will open up on September 24th at 10AM ET on a limited basis.

2021 Castaway Cay Challenge

Additionally, Disney has indicated that the 2021 Castaway Cay Challenge will also transition to a virtual event, although the January 11, 2021 Disney Dream cruise is currently still scheduled to sail.

Currently, the Star Wars Rival Run for 2021 is still scheduled to take place in Walt Disney World in April of 2021, so we’ll be on the lookout to see if this ultimately is converted to a virtual event as well. We’ll keep our eyes open for more information regarding these runDisney races and future races. Be sure to come back for all the latest updates.

Click here to check out the runDisney spirit jerseys that are available online!

 Had you signed up for one of these races? Let us know in the comments if you’ll still participate in the virtual events for these races!