runDisney is one of the most popular and successful race series in the United States, combining athletic challenges with Disney theming, character interactions, and the unique experience of running through Disney parks during early morning hours, before the parks open to regular guests. Since its inception, the program has grown significantly, expanding from initial events at Walt Disney World to include races at Disneyland Resort. This expansion has created opportunities for runners on both coasts to participate in Disney-themed 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and full marathons throughout the year.These events attract tens of thousands of participants each year, ranging from competitive runners seeking personal records to casual participants enjoying themed experiences. Many runners incorporate runDisney events into their annual vacation plans. The unique finisher medals featuring Disney characters, the chance to run through theme parks, and the celebratory atmosphere justify the higher entry fees and travel costs compared to standard road races.The runDisney calendar is released in stages, with events announced months in advance, allowing participants to register, plan their travel, and train. Seasons don’t align with traditional calendar years; for instance, spring races at the start of the year actually belong to the previous season that began in the fall. This overlapping of schedules can confuse newcomers about event registration periods and opening dates.The 2026-2027 runDisney calendar has been released, detailing events, registration dates, and specifics for the race weekend. Unfortunately, it has been announced that Disneyland Resort runDisney events are on hiatus for this season due to construction, disappointing West Coast runners who prefer these races over those at Walt Disney World.Understanding the runDisney CalendarBefore examining what’s included in the 2026-2027 calendar, understanding what this release covers versus what it excludes provides important context. This calendar announcement does not include spring 2026 races, which remain part of the ongoing 2025-2026 season that started in fall 2025. Those events, including the 2026 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in January and the 2026 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend in February, were announced previously as part of the prior season’s calendar.The 2026-2027 season begins with the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend in October 2026 and extends through the 2027 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend in April 2027. This represents the typical runDisney seasonal cycle where fall wine and dine event launches new season that continues through winter marathon weekend, spring princess weekend, and concludes with springtime surprise event the following spring.Walt Disney World EventsThe 2026-2027 runDisney calendar includes four race weekends at Walt Disney World, maintaining the established schedule of signature events that have become traditions for runDisney participants:2026 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend takes place October 22-25, 2026, with general registration opening February 10, 2026. This event typically features nighttime races allowing participants to run through EPCOT and other areas during evening hours, creating unique atmosphere different from early morning races that characterize most runDisney events.2027 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend occurs January 6-10, 2027, with general registration opening March 17, 2026. This represents runDisney’s flagship event featuring the full marathon distance along with half marathon, 10K, and 5K races, drawing the largest participant numbers of any runDisney weekend.2027 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend runs February 25-March 1, 2027, with general registration opening June 2, 2026. This princess-themed weekend attracts predominantly female participants though remains open to all genders, featuring elaborate princess-themed medals and character interactions focusing on Disney princesses.2027 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend takes place April 15-18, 2027, with general registration opening July 7, 2026. This event represents newer addition to runDisney calendar, providing spring racing option at Walt Disney World.Credit: runDisneyVirtual Race SeriesBeyond in-person Walt Disney World events, the calendar includes three virtual race series allowing participants who cannot travel to Disney parks or prefer a virtual racing format to earn runDisney medals and participate in challenges:2026 runDisney Virtual Series runs June 1-August 31, 2026, with general registration opening April 7, 2026. This summer virtual event provides racing option during period when no in-person runDisney races occur.2026 runDisney Virtual Spooktacular represents new addition to the virtual lineup, taking place throughout October 2026 with general registration opening August 11, 2026. This Halloween-themed virtual race fills gap in runDisney’s virtual offerings, providing seasonal option during fall months.2026 runDisney Virtual 12Ks of Christmas runs December 1-31, 2026, with general registration opening October 6, 2026. This holiday-themed virtual event allows participants to complete running challenges during December while earning Christmas-themed medals.The addition of Virtual Spooktacular represents expansion of runDisney’s virtual offerings, acknowledging growing demand for virtual racing options that became more popular during pandemic years and have maintained appeal for runners who prefer flexibility of completing races on their own schedules in their home locations rather than traveling to Disney parks.The Disneyland runDisney AbsenceThe most significant aspect of this calendar release involves what’s missing rather than what’s included. Disneyland Resort runDisney events, which previously included the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend and other California races, have been completely excluded from the 2026-2027 season as these events go on hiatus.This confirms previously announced news that Disneyland races would be suspended due to construction projects happening at Disneyland Resort. The specific construction timeline, scope, and its impact on race course logistics have not been detailed publicly. Still, the infrastructure work apparently creates conditions where staging races safely through and around the resort becomes unfeasible.Credit: runDisneyFor West Coast runners who prefer Disneyland events due to geographic proximity, those who specifically enjoy the Disneyland race courses and atmosphere, and participants who appreciate having runDisney options on both coasts, allowing more frequent participation without always traveling cross-country, this represents disappointing news that limits their runDisney opportunities to Walt Disney World events requiring more extensive travel and expense.What This Means for RunnersThe exclusion of Disneyland races from the 2026-2027 calendar creates a situation where all in-person runDisney races occur at Walt Disney World, concentrating participant demand on Florida events and potentially increasing competition for registration spots as West Coast runners who might otherwise split their participation between both resorts now focus exclusively on Walt Disney World weekends.The hiatus also raises questions about when Disneyland races might return, whether the courses will remain the same after construction concludes, and how the absence of California events for an extended period might affect the West Coast runDisney community that has developed around these races.Credit: DisneyFor now, runners planning their 2026-2027 runDisney participation must focus on Walt Disney World events or virtual races, with Disneyland options unavailable until the construction-related hiatus concludes and California races return to the calendar in future seasons.The post runDisney Releases 2026-2027 Dates and Disneyland is Left Out appeared first on Inside the Magic.