Ultimate Guide to runDisney: Pre-race

Outside of cost (which really isn't out of line compared to other big marathons in the US), the early mornings are BY FAR the biggest drawback to runDisney races. As of 2025, all of the races start at 5am, with the exception of the WDW Marathon which starts at 4:30am. Which means if you're in an early Corral you need to be in there 15 minutes earlier or risk getting bumped down to a lower Corral. And if you want to top off your water, use a last-minute port-o-potty, and stretch/warm-up then you're looking at another 15-20 minutes, at least. That doesn't account for the time you're actually waking up, getting dressed, eating breakfast (which will be in the dark if you're with your family and letting them sleep), and getting from your room to the bus to Epcot. Multiply by four if you're doing the Dopey Challenge, and that's a lot of early mornings. However, runDisney makes sure there's plenty to wake you up at the pre-race area.

First, you'll need to go through security to get to the pre-race area.

Whether you take the busses, monorail, or drive in, you'll need to walk by the Epcot entrance where runDisney has two metal detectors to walk through. These lines move quickly as they're mostly making sure there are no weapons or props that look a little too much like a weapon.

While anything too weapon-like is definitely a no-go, there are also a number of restrictions on costumes.

You will no doubt see plenty of creative Disney-themed costumes and outfits on the runDisney course. However, in 2024 runDisney came out with a number of costume restrictions that are mostly for runner safety. Lightsabers and foam sword-like props can't exceed 36". Full-face masks or anything obstructing your eyes is prohibited (yet sunglasses are fine once the sun comes up - I don't make the rules). Costumes need to be somewhat form-fitting, in that they can't be obtrusive with cardboard or metal frames or be so large they drag behind you. While the restrictions inhibit creativity, they are ultimately for the safety of all runners. During the 90's-themed WDW 5k there was a large group of runners wearing large Blockbuster VHS costumes with "running" movies. They looked great and were super creative, but I couldn't imagine A) running in the costumes, or B) trying to navigate around the group. So be sure to check the guidelines on the runDisney page under "Race Policies" for the event, and think about how your outfit could inhibit you or those around you.

There are plenty of amenities in the pre-race area.

After you get past security you'll find plenty of bathrooms (the actual one outside the Epcot is popular, but there are also more than enough port-o-potties as well), the gEAR check area, and even some food for purchase if you need some coffee or a pre-race snack. For the gEAR check, take your labeled bag to any of the well-labeled trucks, and they'll give you a return tag for after the race.

There is also plenty of entertainment (and your first character stops) at the pre-race area.

In spite of the early morning, it's hard not to get excited for any runDisney race. There's certainly energy and excitement from your fellow racers, but you also get hit with music, DJ's, and hosts Carissa Galloway and John Pelkey hyping up the crowds. There are also usually four characters out for photos. In my first few runDisney races I didn't quite "get" the character photos. But I eventually went with the flow and had fun trying to get photos with rare characters or characters my kids were into at the time. Also, during the longer races it's definitely nice to have a reason to stop every now and then. Anyway, the characters rotate each morning and there's no guarantee you'll see them on the course on a different day, so if there is a character you really like you should hop in line. The character lines will typically take 30-45 minutes to get through, so you may only have the time for one pre-race.

You'll want to head to the Runners Only section and your Corral well before it closes

Corral A will generally close 15 minutes before race time, with the subsequent corrals closing every five minutes or so after that. You'll need to go through one more gated area past the entertainment and show your bib once to get into the Runners Only area and again to get into your specific corral. If you miss the cutoff time to get into your corral then you're stuck getting in a lower one, no negotiating. Some people get to their corral to camp out at the front as soon as it opens, which is usually around 3:30am or 3:45am. However, the port-o-potties and water coolers are outside the corrals and there are none stationed within the corrals, so if you're someone who values one last bathroom trip before the race you may not want to get in your corral too early. When you do get in your corral, just don't be that person shoving your way through to the front. Sliding up is totally fair game if there's room, but there are always people commenting on people knocking into or stepping on others to try to get to the front. Each corral will release in waves, so even if you're near the back of your corral it shouldn't be too crowded at first. But at least now you're on your way!

Next Section: The Courses