Thousands of Guests Not Welcomed Back to Disneyland in 2026

runDisney recently announced a significant change for thousands of participants. Starting in 2026, all runDisney races at Disneyland Resort will be on an indefinite hiatus. This announcement comes as the Southern California theme park prepares for its major “DisneylandForward” expansion project, involving construction that will impact the resort’s operations, including the runDisney events.

Since its debut, runDisney has invited guests to participate in various themed races at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, as well as virtual events. These races, which range from 5k runs to intense weekend challenges that involve completing three races, have become incredibly popular among runners.

Many of these races, especially those held at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, are known for selling out within minutes. What makes these events special is the opportunity to run through Disney parks, meet rare characters, and collect some of the most magical medals in the running community.

However, starting in 2026, runDisney fans will need to adjust their plans if they were hoping to participate in in-person races at Disneyland Resort. Disney has officially announced that after the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, which will take place from January 29 to February 1, all runDisney races at Disneyland Resort will be placed on indefinite hiatus. This includes the popular in-person events many fans have cherished over the years.

The announcement came with a statement from Disney, which clarified that the hiatus is due to upcoming construction work. Disney’s official statement reads:

Due to upcoming construction impacts, runDisney races at the resort will be placed on hiatus in 2026 after the conclusion of the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend.

One of the things runDisney participants enjoy most about our races is running through our theme parks as they enjoy special entertainment and character experiences. Due to upcoming construction impacts, we will be unable to provide guests with the race experience that our participants have come to expect from our events.

For fans who love to experience runDisney events, we will continue to offer races at Walt Disney World Resort, as well as virtual offerings.

runDisney fans will still have opportunities to participate in virtual races and in-person events at Walt Disney World Resort.

The hiatus is likely linked to the ongoing preparations for the DisneylandForward expansion project, which includes plans for a new Avatar (2009) themed land at Disney California Adventure Park. Although runDisney has not explicitly confirmed this connection, it’s clear that the construction work, including the planned demolition of a parking lot, will significantly affect the availability of space for races.

Have you ever done a runDisney race? Share your favorite memories with Disney Tips in the comments!