Hey, runDisney fans! If you love lacing up your sneakers and racing through the magic of Disneyland, we’ve got some bittersweet news. runDisney just announced that all Disneyland races will be paused after the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend (January 29–February 1, 2026). Let’s break down what’s happening, why, and what you can look forward to before the hiatus.

What’s the Deal?

According to runDisney, the pause is due to “upcoming construction impacts” at Disneyland Resort, which will make it tough to deliver the top-notch race experience fans expect—like running through the parks with characters cheering you on. The 2026 Half Marathon Weekend, themed “Celebrate Happy,” will be the last event for a while, coinciding with Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. After that, races are on an indefinite hiatus, with no confirmed return date.

This isn’t the first time Disneyland has hit pause on runDisney. Back in 2018, races were halted for six years, officially due to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge construction, but other factors like tense relations with the City of Anaheim and declining race popularity played a role. This time, the reasoning seems more tied to Disneyland’s big plans.

Why the Pause?

The main culprit appears to be the DisneylandForward project, a massive rezoning effort to expand Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. A key piece of this is the Eastern Gateway, a new parking structure planned for the Pumbaa lot (near Harbor Blvd and Disney Way), which currently serves as the staging area and finish line for runDisney races. Building this structure could disrupt race operations significantly.

Beyond that, coordinating races in Anaheim is a logistical beast. Shutting down city streets requires working with outside partners, and not everyone’s thrilled about the disruption. Plus, runDisney’s focus tends to lean toward Walt Disney World, where the flagship Marathon Weekend overshadows Disneyland’s events. Some speculate that if everything were smooth sailing, runDisney might’ve found a workaround, but the combo of construction and logistics makes the pause an easier call.

What’s Coming Before the Hiatus?

Don’t hang up your running shoes just yet! You’ve got two more chances to race at Disneyland:

1. 2025 Halloween Half Marathon Weekend (September 4–7, 2025): Get ready for a villain-themed spooky sprint through the parks!

2. 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend (January 29–February 1, 2026): This one’s all about celebrating joy, imagination, and togetherness. Expect races inspired by Joy from Inside Out, Sorcerer Mickey, “it’s a small world,” and Dumbo. There’s also a Stitch-themed kids’ race and a Miss Piggy yoga session in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Oh, and it’s during Disneyland’s 70th anniversary—talk about a party! General registration opens April 29, 2025, at 7:00 AM PT, so mark your calendars, as spots will likely fill up fast.

What’s Next for runDisney Fans?

While Disneyland races are on hold, runDisney is pointing fans to Walt Disney World races and virtual events. No word on how long the hiatus might last—some guess five years, others a decade, depending on construction timelines for the Eastern Gateway, an Avatar-themed land, and other DisneylandForward projects. There’s even a chance races might not return if logistics remain tricky, but history suggests they could make a comeback once the dust settles and new opportunities arise.

Final Thoughts

It’s a bummer to see Disneyland runDisney take a break, especially after its triumphant return last year. But with two epic race weekends still ahead, there’s plenty of magic to soak up before the pause. Whether you’re chasing medals or just love the vibe of running through the Happiest Place on Earth, plan to join the 2026 “Celebrate Happy” event—it’s shaping up to be a memorable send-off!

Got thoughts on the hiatus or excited for the upcoming races? Drop a comment below and let’s chat! And stay tuned for more updates as Disneyland’s construction plans unfold. 🏃‍♀️✨