Tips for a RunDisney first timer?

Highly recommend checking out the Jeff Galloway training material. They usually post it on the runDisney site. The run/walk/run method is how I was able to confidently work my way up to half and full marathons. You can do anything you train for and you have plenty of time to get started!

Here are some of them: https://www.rundisney.com/running-training-programs

It has been a while since we ran a Run Disney Race, but my best recommendation is to have fun with it. We did several of the 10k races pre covid and I think we went down too focused on the running of the race itself. Looking back, I wish we would have taken more time to do more of the photo ops, the extra events, and just take in the back stage areas. I remember the prerace warm up dance party before the Tower of Terror 10 mile was a blast! Running in the inaugural Star Wars 10k will always hold a special place.

Take part in what makes the Run Disney event special. The race is just a race, its all the other stuff that makes the memories.

I'm thinking of signing up for a RunDisney event in 2027 or 2028. I'm not a serious runner and will probably do a 5K or 10K. Any advice from the community on the most 'fun' RunDisney event for a beginner? Is there a consideration in terms of how hard it is to register and/or reserve DVC for these events?

They just doubled the size of the 5Ks so that should help make it easier. That said, they still do sell out fast so you just want to be ready in the queue with multiple browsers on registration day.

Springtime is the easiest to get into usually because it's during a warmer time. That said, they are all fun and any you can get into you will enjoy. They all have character stops, entertainment, themes, etc.

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Personally I think running all three would be too much for your first. Getting up at 2 am three days in a row would be hard. My first run disney was the Princess Half Marathon in 2022. The 5K isn't timed, the other races have a 16 minute per mile requirement, but that's from starting in the very back. I think if you want to start with a bang maybe start with the 10 miler. You've got an entire year to train.

I've done a few Run Disney races. Mostly 5 and 10Ks but that one Princess Half. I'm planning on doing the 10K and Princess Half at Princess, and the 5K and 10 Miler at Springtime. I'm SLOW, and my last 10K I was in the very back right before the balloon ladies. I started with tears thinking I wouldn't make it but I did!

Run Disney is such a wonderful community of supportive, kind people I wasn't a runner at all before I started training for that first Half. Now I'm hooked.

I just found the Podcast One More Run and it's fantastic. I've only listened to the first 3 episodes but it's great so far.

Let's start with me admitting I am not a runner, yet somehow my daughter and I signed up for the 5K and Half for Oct. (I’m not being forced, she is orchestrating a "Magical Journey together"). I am guessing the horn will go off and she will leave me in the dust! I am a big walker and have done "treadmill" short spurt runs at times, but not recently. I am gearing up to commit to training seriously, but any tips would be great! Looking at the training type schedules, my goal is a combo walk/run as previously mentioned. Let's GO!!!!

I would heavily recommend looking into the Jeff Galloway training process. His run, walk, run approach sounds like it would be perfect for what you described.

https://www.jeffgalloway.com/

I ran my first race this year! (Springtime Surprise 10K) some tips and observations are: order your tshirt like three sizes larger than normal. They run incredibly small. If you can get to the expo opening day to avoid popular rundisney merchandise selling out. I ran without headphones so I could enjoy my surroundings. I’m a runner so I didn’t train but it is a good idea to train if you don’t run. Morning off have light food available or you will spend $3 on a banana. Get to the race early, it’s a lot of fun. I ran solo but never felt alone. It’s such a warm community.

The SS was my first real non-neighborhood race I ever ran. last year. I did the 10k, and loved it. I've also done a 5k and half marathon at the Wine & Dine last year too. I did this year's SS 10k again, and I have to say that the 10k is my sweet spot. It's a good distance that takes you through Epcot and the Boardwalk, and is also the Saturday morning race, which is the sweet spot for me. I plan on trying to register again for it this summer, as it's probably the only runDisney race I can do next season. I also wouldn't to more than 1 race in a weekend for the first time, as the early wake times are draining. It also means you have to take it easy the day before each race and try to get to bed early. My son loves reminding me that we didn't buy a DVC contract just to exercise.