Citing an abundance of caution, the Walt Disney World Resort has cancelled all running events on Saturday, January 7, 2017 due to expected weather conditions. This includes the Walt Disney World Half Marathon and the Disney Kids Races. In addition, the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo will delay opening until 11 a.m. According to Disney, weather tracking has indicated there is an elevated risk of lightning in the area of the racecourse. In addition, there are sections of the course that do not provide immediate access to shelter.
All registered half marathon runners will receive their half marathon medal and may choose from one of the following options:
- A full refund for their race registration in the form of a Disney gift card.
- Two One-Day Park Hopper tickets.
- Defer registration to another runDisney half marathon race in the U.S. within the next 24 months, subject to availability.
- Disney also has limited availability to run the full marathon on Sunday, January 8, 2017 during the regularly scheduled race.
All registered runDisney Kids Race runners will receive their Kids Race medal and a full race registration in the form of a Disney gift card.
Details on how those registered can claim their option will be communicated by 10 p.m. ET.
The race will be counted for those participating in multi-race challenges such as the Goofy Challenge and the Coast to Coast Challenge. Guests will receive all additional medals they would have received as if they had completed the race.
It is expected that the full marathon will run as scheduled.