The Final Disneyland RunDisney Weekend: A Bittersweet Goodbye and What Comes Next
- Mai Smith-Trau
- 14 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Sadly, I have to share that Disneyland will no longer be hosting RunDisney events. We do know this is temporary, but there’s no clear timeline on when they’ll return. For those of us who live in California, this means traveling to Florida to get our RunDisney fix. It also means that for runners dreaming of earning their Coast to Coast, that goal is being placed on the back burner for now.
You can feel sad about it—or you can use this time to train. Train not only for Dopey, but also Dumbo when Disneyland races return. It’s also the perfect excuse to start a RunDisney fund so you’re ready for all the bling and swag at the expo when the time comes. ✨🏅
This last weekend was definitely bittersweet. I completed both the 10K and the Half Marathon, and it was more challenging than I expected. I trained about 2–4 times a week, even though my schedule is set for four days. Like most of us, life happens, and sometimes training takes a back seat.
My daughter and I used apps like Strava and Runna to track our distance, but we both noticed the mileage seemed off. That was a little discouraging because based on my apps, I would’ve PR’d—but according to RunDisney’s official timing, I finished one minute slower than my last race. While that was disappointing, it’s also motivating me to work even harder heading into Wine & Dine.
OOOOHHHHH—who’s ready for Wine & Dine?! 🙋♀️🍷🍽️Who was able to secure their holy grail and maybe their last chance at Coast to Coast?
Our goal is to participate in all three races, though there’s a chance I may have to give up one due to another commitment. And honestly? I’m okay with that—because it’s a proud mom moment I wouldn’t miss for anything. I will be there for the half so I can earn my Coast to Coast.
Back to Disneyland—we secured our bibs through Destiny2Sports, and I can’t recommend them enough. If you didn’t get into a race, definitely check them out. They’re friendly, helpful, and so much fun to work with. We may even use them someday for the Abbott Six.
Our hotel was amazing—less than a block from the start and finish line (which was a blessing when we were sore and exhausted). They even had a post-race breakfast buffet with an omelet bar and fresh fruit. Perfection. 👌
The half marathon itself was full of that unmistakable Disney energy—the kind you can’t find anywhere else. But there was also a shared sense of sadness, knowing it might be a long time before we get to run there again. Still, we’ll all be watching the RunDisney site closely, because we know that first race back at Disneyland is going to be one everyone wants.
Until then, it’s Dopey 2027 we’re working toward.
Being part of this running community has been truly inspirational. Seeing runners we follow on social media in real life was so exciting—I just wish I’d had the courage to ask for photos. Maybe next time. The balloon ladies weren’t nearly as scary this time either—I was happy to see them a mile behind me! (Even though my phone alerts about their location were only somewhat accurate 😅.)
The biggest lesson I learned this race is that I need to prepare for longevity. I feel strong during the first half, but as time goes on, my energy fades. That’s going to be my main focus moving forward—learning how to sustain energy throughout long races.
I’m still figuring out how to do that, but with research, experience, and training, I know it’ll come. I’d love to hear your tips, encouragement, or what’s helped you push through those later miles.
Your journey begins the moment you decide you’re worth the effort. We’ve got this—together. See you at the next run. 🏃♀️✨🏅
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