Due to expected severe weather in the area, runDisney has announced changes to the course and start time for the 2024 Walt Disney World Half Marathon, taking place tomorrow, January 6, 2024.

Changes Made to 2024 Walt Disney World Half Marathon

The course’s original distance has been shortened, and guests will now begin the half marathon 15 minutes earlier; the race will start at 4:45 a.m. rather than 5 a.m. This early race time will not impact the Start Group Open/Close times or pre-Race Transportation.

Above is the modified half marathon route. The change is due to expected lightning in the area, which is forecasted to start after 9 a.m. Because of this, runDisney is hoping to have everyone off the course by 8 a.m. Weather.com predicts a 54% chance of rain beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday. 

Here’s a look at what the original half marathon route was intended to be. All of the Magic Kingdom portion of the marathon has now been cut for time, leaving runners to only experience the EPCOT section of the course.

On the runDisney Instagram page, those participating in tomorrow’s race were directed to the runDisney Digital Event Guide, which provides more information related to the course changes:

• Participants registered for Goof’s Race and-a Half Challenge, the Dopey Challenge, as well as the runDisney Coast to Coast Race Challenge who complete the shortened course on pace will still be eligible for their challenge medals.
• Updated course maps showing modifications are now available on the Digital Expo & Event
  Guide.
• Spectator viewing in Magic Kingdom will no longer be available. Spectators wishing to cheer on participants can view updated course mans via the Digital Expo & Event Guide.
• Expo hours for the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo will not be affected, and the Expo will remain open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Those participating in the Half Marathon were also notified via email about the changes, with a link to the Digital Expo & Event Guide. For any additional questions, guests are recommended to visit the “Contact Us” section of runDisney.com.

See the road closures for the 2024 Walt Disney World Marathon weekend, as well as this year’s merchandise.

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