I hate running, but I did Disney World’s marathon. Here’s why it’s different.

I don’t run, but years ago, I promised myself I’d do a marathon if I made it into grad school. I don’t think I could’ve kept that promise anywhere but at Walt Disney World.

It’s not just because there’s no qualifying time and the course is paved and flat, all valuable perks for beginners. It’s because it still felt like a Disney vacation, even though I had to put in work.

“It is intentional and trying to create a really fun and special and memorable experience,” said Adam Ball, vice president of ESPN Wide World of Sports, runDisney and Disney Water Parks. “The environment is so supportive. Everyone is there to help take care of one another, from the cast that are working it to the other people that are participating in it.”

Here’s what Disney fans and runners should know about runDisney races:

What are the Disney races?

runDisney is Disney’s destination race series. Their races at Disney World and Disneyland are so popular that some sell out within minutes of registration opening.

There are six on-site events throughout the year, including the new Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend debuting this fall. Each in-person event features multiple races with courses taking participants through the parks and beyond.

“We try to offer a race that can appeal to anyone, so whether you want to run 26 miles or want to walk a 5K, you can do either,” Ball said. “One of my favorite things is seeing a family run a 5K together and then mom's going to run maybe the half marathon on her own a couple of days later, but she got to have that experience all doing it together.”

Virtual races are available for fans who can’t make it to the parks. There are also two virtual-only events: the runDisney Virtual Series and runDisney Virtual 12Ks of Christmas.

What does a Disney run include?

One of the biggest draws of runDisney’s on-site events is the exclusive opportunity to run through Disney parks, which many participants hold dear.

“Our guests tell us they love to run through our theme parks,” Ball said. “It truly feels magical being in front of the castle or inside of EPCOT with the countries lit up … just seeing that and taking it in is absolutely one of the most unique things you can get and a way to really stay into the environment, into the theme and really stay motivated to cross that finish line.”

There's music, live entertainment and multiple opportunities to meet Disney characters along the race course.

“Our athletes love our character appearances,” Ball said. “You can wait in line and take a picture with them if you want (or) you can just know that they're there and enjoy seeing them. What I think is truly special is the unique characters we have. They're not characters you see every single day.” Characters vary with each race, but one example is Sebastian from "The Little Mermaid," who was at 2018's Walt Disney World Marathon.

Most people have plenty of time for photo ops. However, unlike most people, I didn’t train for my marathon despite available training tools online. I knew I’d struggle just to finish, so I only made one stop for Lightning McQueen and Mater from “Cars,” my son’s favorite movie when he was younger.

What to expect on a Disney run

Some participants go all out for the races, dressing up to look like their favorite characters.

“The costumes are incredible. They're one of my favorite things to see,” Ball said. “We also have runners who will wear their best running gear to get their absolute best time and not even think about a costume but enjoy looking at everyone else along the way.”

Others, like me, wear custom shirts with various sayings. Mine said, “I thought they said 2.62 miles.”

Throughout the actual 26.2 miles, there were fellow participants’ loved ones, spectators, park guests and cast members cheering us on. I was wowed by how many people came out to support total strangers like myself.

An army of people also works each event, handing out water at all the races and energy drinks, and light snacks at the longer ones. There are also medical tents with physicians and sports medicine experts from runDisney partner AdventHealth, where participants can get taped up and tended. I remember taking ibuprofen and slathering Biofreeze on my legs in one tent. I also grabbed preventative bandages and, thankfully, didn’t end up with any blisters. There are also roving medics, looking out for injured participants throughout the course.

“We can bring our Disney service to our athletes throughout 13 or 26 miles in really thinking through every detail,” Ball said.

What are the ages for Disney races?

Age requirements vary by race and apply to both on-site and virtual events.

◾ Kids races: Up to 9 years old.

◾ 5K: At least 5 years old and able to complete the race on their own.

◾ 10K: At least 10 years old.

◾ 10-Miler: At least 12 years old.

◾ Half-marathon: At least 14 years old.

◾ Marathon: At least 18 years old.

What is the longest Disney race?

The longest single race is the Walt Disney World Marathon, but some challenges combine multiple races for runners who want to go the extra mile. For instance, the Dopey Challenge during marathon weekend involves completing the 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon.

How do you qualify for the Disney marathon?

Marathon registration is open to anyone who meets the minimum age requirement of 18.

“We have folks that have never run before or we have folks that are out to set their personal record,” Ball said.

There are no qualifying times to participate, but proof of time is required for higher starting placement for participants who expect to finish in less than four hours and 30 minutes.

All participants must be able to keep a pace of 16 minutes per mile for all on-site runDisney races. A small group of volunteers, casually known as the balloon ladies, keep that pace and carry the rear with very visible balloons as visual cues. There are also pace cyclists. Participants who aren't able to keep pace may get swept up and transported to the family reunion area.

Can I walk a runDisney race?

Yes. Race walking is an actual Olympic-level sport. Competitive race walkers walk faster than some people run, but anyone can walk a Disney race as long as they keep a 16-minute mile.

I walked most of the marathon, only running when I saw the balloon ladies getting too close. I managed to stay ahead of them until the very end when my untrained legs were ready to give out. However, I and a sizeable group of others were allowed to finish because we were so close to the finish line. My final time was seven hours and 10 minutes.

How much does it cost to run a marathon at Disney?

Registration for 2024’s Walt Disney World Marathon cost $221.

That’s less than the $230 entry fee for 2023’s Boston Marathon, $240 fee for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and $295 for the TCS New York City Marathon.

However, it’s significantly more than the earliest entry fee for the 2024 Honolulu Marathon, which was $128 for the first 100 participants.

One thing to consider while budgeting is the added cost of a Disney vacation because many participants make a whole trip out of the experience and proudly wear their medals and race shirts, included with the registration fee, around the parks.

When can I register for runDisney 2024?

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend2024 dates: Jan. 4-7. In-person races sold out.2025 dates: Jan. 8-12, 2025. General registration opens this April 9.Races: 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, Goofy Challenge (half+marathon) and Dopey Challenge (all four races).

Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend2024 dates: Jan. 11-14. In-person races sold out.2025 dates: Jan. 30-Feb 2. General registration opens this June 18.Races: Kids races, 5K, 10K, half marathon and Dumbo Double Dare (10k+half)

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Disney World2024 dates: Feb. 22-26. In-person races sold out.2025 dates: Feb. 20-24. General registration opens this July 30.Races: 5K, 10K, half marathon and Disney Fairytale Challenge (10K+half)

runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend at Disney World2024 dates: April 18-21. In-person races sold out.2025 dates: April 3-6. General registration opens this Aug. 27.Races: 5K, 10K, 10-miler and Stitch’s ‘Ohana Challenge (all three races)

Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend2024 dates: Sept. 5-8. General registration opens Feb. 13.Races: 5K, 10K, half marathon and challenge with details to come.

Disney Wine & Dine Half-Marathon Weekend at Disney World2024 dates: Oct. 31-Nov. 3. General registration opens on March 12.Races: 5K, 10K, half marathon and Two Course Challenge (10K+half)

runDisney Virtual Series2024 dates: June 1-Aug. 31 Registration begins March 26.Races: Participants complete three 5Ks.runDisney Virtual 12Ks of Christmas2024 dates: Dec. 1-31. Registration begins July 9.Races: Participants complete three 4Ks.

“We open our races throughout the year, well in advance of when the actual race will be, so you have time to register and time to kind of prepare for the race,” Ball said.

The latest details can be found on runDisney’s website.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Disney marathon and more 2024: What to know, how to prepare