RunDisney announced late this evening that the Walt Disney World Half Marathon course will be shortened due to inclement weather expected on the course.
In addition to the omission of Magic Kingdom and shorter distance (see below for new course map), the race will start 15 minutes earlier at 4:45 a.m. with the aim of having all runners off the course by 8 a.m. Start. Please note that viewing the game at Magic Kingdom will no longer be possible.
Local forecasts call for continued rain from 8 a.m. to noon, with winds up to 29 mph.
Here is the full statement from runDisney:
In preparation for the Walt Disney World Half Marathon on Saturday, January 6th, please know that our team is paying close attention to local weather conditions. The safety of our guests and Cast Members is our top priority and we have made the difficult decision to change course due to inclement weather, including lightning expected in the area after 9am. Given this weather forecast, our goal is to have everyone off the course by 8am.
In addition to the shorter distance, the half marathon will start 15 minutes earlier at 4:45 a.m. This earlier race start time does not affect start group start/finish times or pre-race transportation.
Important details:
Participants who register for the Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, the Dopey Challenge, and the RunDisney Coast to Coast Race Challenge and complete the shortened course at pace will continue to earn challenge medals.
An updated course map showing the changes is now available in the Digital Expo & Event Guide.
Spectator viewing at Magic Kingdom has ended. Spectators wishing to support the participants can view the latest course map from the Digital Expo & Event Guide.
Expo hours during the Disney Health & Fitness Expo will not be affected and the Expo will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
