Earlier I posted all the official important info about the upcoming runDisney Castaway 5k connected to Marathon weekend in January.. A part of me though is wondering, why is Disney suddenly taking a free 5k and slapping a price tag and a bunch of swag on it? Will this become a regular event? Will the cruisers not entered still be able to do the free version that cruise or are they sadly not getting the option to do the CC5k? As a previous Castaway 5k walker the I am scared that if this one does great, Disney may get the idea that each cruise to the Cay's 5k should become a for-profit item with limited entry and time limits etc. Walking that 5k was a fun thing to do because I was not running it. I am not a runner and oh wow it was hoooot and humid that day and though I am from an area that is usually hot and humid I was still blown away by the 8am-ish humidity levels last July when we did the race.
Here's to hoping runDisney and DCL don't decide to take a possible once a year thing and spin it into another "book it at X many days out for Y cost" event.
Are you ready to set sail on a Disney Cruise? Today, we are excited to invite you to join us at the Inaugural Disney Castaway Cay Challenge during the 2015 Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna!
Which races are eligible, you ask? Any race that includes a distance of 5K or longer. So, complete the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, or either of the Goofy and Dopey Challenges, and you’re eligible to enter the Disney Castaway Cay Challenge!
The race fee will include a race bib, t-shirt, 5k Medal, Challenge Medal and a post race refreshment. There will also be exclusive activities designed for runDisney guests, plus featured menu items and special merchandise, just for the cruise! The entry fee does not, however, include your cruise booking, which will have to be made separately through Disney Cruise Line.
Challenge registration opens Friday, May 23 at Noon ET. Complete details, including registration and booking procedures, are available now on the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend page at www.rundisney.com/disneyworld-marathon/#castaway. We hope to see you sailing away this January during Inaugural Disney Castway Cay Challenge!
From the official event page:
Disney Castaway Cay Challenge
Disney Cruise Line 4-night Bahamian Cruise January 12-16, 2015, following Walt Disney World® Marathon January 7-11, 2015Disney Castaway Cay 5K January 14, 2015
Registration opens May 23 at Noon EST!
From Parks to Paradise, join the first-ever Disney Castaway Cay Challenge!
The all-new Disney Castaway Cay Challenge is an ultimate running adventure, combining one magical 5K event or longer during the 2015 Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend (January 7-11, 2015) with a Castaway Cay 5K on Disney Cruise Lines’ private tropical island in the Bahamas the following week. On Monday, when Marathon weekend is over, set sail on board the Disney Dream for a 4-night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral. You’ll sail to Disney Castaway Cay for your 5K run along sandy white beaches, past swaying palms and sparkling turquoise lagoons, with magical Disney moments to surprise you along the way. It’s a runner’s paradise in a spectacular island oasis. Best of all, as a runDisney guest on board the Disney Dream, you’ll receive VIP treatment with exciting activities, special merchandise offerings, and featured menu items.
From parks to paradise…and a dream getaway on board a magical cruise! Be one of the first to earn your Disney Castaway Cay Challenge Inaugural Finisher Medal!
Go to Disneycruise.com to book your January 12th, 2015 cruise aboard the Disney Dream today, then register for the Castaway Cay Challenge on Active.com on May 23 at Noon EST. Use the promotional code RUN at the time of booking your Disney Cruise Line vacation. Be sure to enter your Cruise reservation number when registering for the race.
- 3.1 mile course through Disney Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Lines’ private island in the Bahamas
- Course runs past sparkling lagoons, the harbor, and white sandy beaches
- Surprise Disney magical moments and entertainment on-course
- Castaway Cay Challenge Inaugural Event T-Shirt
- Commemorative Castaway Cay 5K Finisher Medallion* **
- Commemorative Inaugural Castaway Cay Challenge Finisher Medal for participating in one Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend 5K or longer event PLUS the Castaway Cay 5K* **
- Post-race refreshments
- Exciting Activities and access to Special Merchandise on board Disney Cruise Line
- Featured Healthy Menu Options on board Disney Cruise Line
** A reservation on the January 12, 2015 Disney Dream 4-Night Bahamian Cruise is required in order to participate. It is recommended that you register for your Disney cruise PRIOR to registering for the Castaway Cay Challenge. Cruise Line reservations must be booked by August 1, 2014 or your Challenge Reservation will be forfeited. If your Disney Castaway Cay Challenge spot is forfeited for any reason, the race fee is non-refundable. Please refer to Disney Cruise Line for cruise refund policies.