You may be aware that the Disney parks play host to several marathons along with half-marathons, 10Ks and 5Ks. But you may not know that there is a 5K race that happens on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
Edit: DCL has made some changes to the 5K run. Guest are no longer required to preregister for the event or meet beforehand before departing the ship. Guest are free to run the 5k throughout the day on their own time and medals can be picked up once back on board the ship.
Running in the 5K is no extra cost but you will need to register to be a part of the event. To register you will need to stop by the guest service or excursions desk anytime before the day your cruise stops at the island. Unlike other RunDisney races there is no time limit to finish the race which makes it great for beginners or families with older kids. You do have to be at least 10 years to participate.
Once you register they will give you a ticket which you will need along with your photo id. The morning of your stop at Castaway cay you will meet at 8am at one of the clubs, on the Dream we met at Evolution. A cast member will check everyone in and give out race bibs, they also go over the race including a map of the path you will be running on.
Once the boat has docked and the ok is given the 5K runners are escorted off the ship first. You will have to walk a few miles to the starting line, they joke that it’s a 5K before the 5K. At 9am or once everyone has made it to the starting line they will start the clock and the race begins.
There are 2 paths that you will run on during the race the worst of the 2 is the bike path. This is shaded but the trees and bushes also aren’t very forgiving to the tropical humid heat of the island. There are several water stop stations inside the loop and just outside for those who didn’t bring their own drinks with them.
The other path is an old air landing strip that has you out in the open which is great for a breeze but you are also in direct sunlight. As you reach the end of the airstrip you can get a peek at the adults only beach, Serenity bay.
Once you return to the finish you will receive your metal, which is more rubber than metal which makes it waterproof should you choose to wear it all day. I will say that I am a not runner but wanted to do the 5K just to say I had done it. It was fun and I made a few friends along the way, definitely a fun experience.