Searching for a reason to do a runDisney event? The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend might be just the thing you’re looking for. And in 2016, it is getting some new flavor this year and will be bigger and better than ever.

Disney invites runners of all abilities to join the celebration that is the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon. All new for this year is Lumiere’s Two Course Challenge and the Disney Wine & Dine 10K in addition to the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, Mickey’s Holiday 5K and runDisney Kids Races. Plus, there’ll be plenty of surprises, Disney entertainment, and an exclusive Post Race Party for runners and their guests. After you’ve done the running part, prepare to feast on a whole new exciting menu while you wine and dine your way through Walt Disney World to celebrate your accomplishment.

2016 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend Changes

The November runDisney race weekend is expanding to a three-day event that now includes more options to involve runners of different levels. There will be a new 10K race option to run. The Disney Wine & Dine 10K will debut on Saturday, November 5, 2016.

New Challenge Event

This year there will also be a new half marathon course and a new challenge event.  The new challenge – the Lumiere’s Two Course Challenge – will involve runners completing the 10K on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday. The new half marathon course will now involve a 13.1-mile route that takes runners through ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Epcot.

Morning Race

Another change is that the half marathon will now be a morning race instead of a traditional night event. This gives runners more free time in the evenings to experience new Walt Disney World Resort nighttime entertainment with their families (or fellow runners)!

 The race weekend, set for November 3-6, kicks off with the Health & Fitness Expo on Thursday, November 3 followed by the Mickey’s Holiday 5K on Friday, November 4, the inaugural 10K on Saturday, November 5 and the half marathon on Sunday morning, November 6. There will also be runDisney Kids’ Races on Friday and Saturday.

Finish Line Party

One of the highlights of this weekend is the Finish Line Party which is open to runners and their guests exclusively.  This year the party will take place from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday, November 6. This event is part of the popular Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Runners will have access to more than 30 festival marketplaces offering fine cuisine and wine, plus Disney characters, musical performances and the opportunity to ride signature Epcot attractions.

Register for 2016 Half Marathon Weekend March 29th

Want to register for this half marathon weekend? Make sure you do it right away. More than 20,000 runners participated during the two-day event in 2015. Registration for the 2016 event opens March 29 at 12 noon at www.rundisney.com. Last year the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend was the fastest-selling race within the runDisney series. 

Want some more information on this runDisney run? Check out Lorainne Sanabria Robertson, Marathon TravelingMom, and her tips on the Wine & Dine extras. Also be sure to read her checklist for the best runDisney running outfit!

Traveling Mom recommends Parksavers for discount Disney World tickets. Even better, use code TM2 for an extra $2 off per ticket.