Your Ultimate Guide to the runDisney pace requirements

Planning to do your first runDisney race? Let’s dive into all the key points of runDisney pace requirements, pace groups, Balloon ladies, and more!

Greetings, fellow runners and Disney fans! If you’ve ever dreamt of combining your love for running (or even walking) with the magic of Disney, participating in a runDisney race might be the perfect fit for you. However, before you lace up those running shoes and don your favorite Disney-themed gear, it’s important to understand the runDisney pace requirements that come with the runDisney event you are participating in.

In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about runDisney pace requirements for every magical mile!

By the end of this post, you’ll know the runDisney pace requirements and exactly what pace you should aim for in your runDisney training. You’ll also understand runDisney events corrals, and runDisney race proof of time policies, so that you can make sure you are placed with runners you can keep the pace with.

Table of Contents

Understanding runDisney Pace Requirements

1. Event-Specific Pace Requirements:

So, first things first, there is a 16-minute pace (16 minutes per mile) requirement for all runDisney events that are 5k, 10k, 10-milers, half-marathon or marathon races. If you are doing a kids fun run there is no pace requirement. Keeping that in mind it’s best to train at a 15 minute per mile pace so that you will have time for character meet and greets, restroom breaks, and any other unexpected stops or slow downs.

The exception to this rule is that the 5k runDisney races are kind of flexible on pace requirements. This race is a bit more lax because no roads are closed so you are not holding up traffic to Walt Disney World Theme Parks or Disney resort area (or Disneyland now that those races are back). So, though they technically say the pace requirement is the same as the other runDisney races, they don’t actually “sweep” you.

Other racers note that in the 10k runDisney races, they will sometimes sweep if you are not keeping the 16 minute mile minimum pace requirement but that they often have a bit of a buffer and allow a slightly slower pace.

The pace is set by the last person to start the race in the last corral, so that’s a bit of a buffer too, particularly if you are in an earlier corral (see below for more info).

If you are unable to keep the minimum pace and you are “swept” they will transport you to the Family Reunion area. Even if you get swept you will get your finisher medal- so there’s a bright side!

2. Balancing the Magic:

While the races are designed to be enjoyable, runDisney enforces pace requirements to ensure the safety of all participants. These requirements are typically set to maintain a steady flow of runners throughout the course, preventing congestion and allowing for a more comfortable race experience, as well as allowing the roads (if closed) or Disney parks to reopen at a reasonable time.

And, yes, you must clear the Disney resort theme parks BEFORE they open, as a valid theme park ticket is required for entry. This surprises many new runDisney participants, as they often expect (or hope) to get a free theme park ticket out of their expensive registration fee—this is not so, unfortunately!

3. Proof of Time and Corrals:

For some races, runDisney may require proof of your anticipated finishing time. This is what they mean when they refer to “proof of time”. This is to ensure that runners are placed in appropriate corrals based on their pace, contributing to a smoother race start and reducing the likelihood of bottlenecks.

What are runDisney Corrals?

If this is your first race you are likely wondering what a corral is.

A corral is a group of runners/race participants (pace groups) that are matched (or at least attempted to be) for pace. The runDisney races allow one corral to go at a time. Your Corral Placement is usually determined by your pace BUT if you are a Club runDisney member you will get an earlier corral placement.

Corral A is the “start group”, usually the fastest runners and the competitive runners. Next is Corral B, C, etc.

What runDisney races require proof of time?

Proof of time at race entry is required for:

10 Mile Races (these aren’t very common but are sometimes found at the Springtime Surprise runDisney race weekend, one of the many different race weekends offered at Walt Disney World)
Half-Marathon Races (13.1 miles)
Full Marathon Distance Race (26.2 miles)

However, proof of time is ONLY required if you feel you will finish at a faster pace. For example:

For the 10 Mile Race if you feel your race time will be less than 1 Hour 30 minutes proof of time is required
If you feel like you will finish the Half-Marathon in less than 2 Hours 15 minutes proof of time is required
If you feel your race time will be less than 4 Hours 30 Minutes for the full Marathon then proof of time is required

How do you submit proof of time?

You can use race results from prior runDisney races or other races. If you are using a shorter distance race then they will apply an industry-standard calculation to equate your time. For example, if you are submitting proof of time for a 10k and are registering for a runDisney half marathon, then they will use that formula to estimate your half marathon pace and place you in the according corral.

When you complete your race registration for your specific race, a valid proof of time must include all of the following:

Name of Race
Distance
City
State
Date
Finish Time (in Hours:Minutes: Seconds)
Website Link to Results

All runDisney races have proof of time deadlines. You must adhere to these to be placed in the right corral. If you don’t turn in your proof of time by these deadlines, you will be placed in the last corral. Here’s an example: 2024 proof of time deadlines from runDisney for the Walt Disney World Resort Marathon Weekend. Keep in mind you can’t submit your proof of time via email. Proof of time must be submitted within your runDisney participant account via the runDisney site.

4. Balloon Ladies:

A unique aspect of runDisney races is the “Balloon Ladies” or “Sweepers.” These are volunteers who maintain a specific pace at the back of the race. Falling behind the Balloon Ladies may result in removal from the course. It’s essential to be aware of your pace and stay ahead of them.

The Balloon Ladies are there to support and encourage those slower runners, walkers, or those who are struggling that day. They are there to simply be a marker for the “back of the line” and keep the pace.

The Balloon Ladies are not there to kick anyone out of the race. They are not Disney employees.

The sweepers are the runDisney agents that will remove you from the race if necessary. Their job is to “sweep” those who can’t keep the 16 minute pace requirement. They also are good people just doing their job. Most of the sweeping happens in the 10-mile race, half-marathon, or full marathon races.

There are so many character opportunities at the runDisney races, that it’s tempting to want to stop often. But if you can see the Balloon Ladies it’s not a good time to stop for character photos. Instead, it’s a good time to pick up the pace. Once you get some distance between you and those infamous Balloon Ladies you will have a little more time to take photos with your favorite Disney characters.

5. Training Tips for Success:

To comfortably meet or exceed runDisney pace requirements, the most important thing is to train!

Be sure to train at a minimum 15-minute mile pace. Try to do some shorter runs and one long run per week. This is particularly important in the 6 weeks leading up to your runDisney race. Check out Jeff Galloway’s runDisney training plan for a detailed runDisney training schedule.

Also, check out my runDisney training tips blogs to help you prepare for your first runDisney race. My runDisney blog and video series can also help those experienced runners who may need a refresher!

Familiarize yourself with the course layout and practice running on similar terrain to build endurance. It’s also important to do a practice run in your runDisney costume (if you are wearing one) and break in new running shoes ahead of time.

A runDisney adventure is a magical experience that blends the joy of running with the enchantment of Disney. Running down Main Street at the crack of dawn is incredible! And you can’t beat taking rare and adorable character photos along the race course.

Understanding and preparing for runDisney pace requirements is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable race day. So, lace up those sneakers, put in your training time, and enjoy every magical mile!

Happy running!