2026 RunDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend: My Honest Beauty and the Beast Challenge Recap
By Mary Beth | Mouse Ears and Magical Chats
Princess Half Marathon Weekend is one of those RunDisney events that genuinely lives up to the hype. This year I tackled the Beauty and the Beast Challenge, running both the Moana-themed 10K on Saturday and the Tangled-themed Princess Half Marathon on Sunday. I had my four-year-old in tow for a chunk of the weekend, which added its own layer of adventure, and I am here to give you the full honest recap: the magical, the gorgeous, and the things I wish I had known ahead of time.
Whether you are a RunDisney veteran or this is on your bucket list, I hope this helps you plan your perfect Princess Weekend.
The Costume Culture Is Everything
One of the things I love most about RunDisney races is the costume commitment, and Princess Weekend runners did not disappoint. People truly showed up dressed as the themes and that energy on the course is unlike anything else. I saw stunning Moana running outfits, incredible Rapunzel costumes complete with the frying pan, and full Belle ballgown-inspired race gear. It genuinely makes the miles go faster when you are surrounded by that kind of creativity and joy.
If you are running Princess Weekend and have not committed to a costume yet, let this be your sign. The community energy you get from going all-in on the theme is worth every minute of planning.
The Races: Moana 10K and Tangled Half Marathon
The Moana-themed 10K on Saturday was a great warmup for the challenge weekend. The theme was well executed and the character and entertainment stops on the course gave you plenty to look forward to as you worked through the miles.
Sunday's Tangled-themed half marathon is where the Beauty and the Beast Challenge really comes alive. RunDisney does a wonderful job of filling the 13.1 miles with characters, experiences, and entertainment that keep you motivated. The wide-open sections of the course were absolutely glorious, giving runners room to breathe, find their stride, and soak in the magic of running through Walt Disney World. Those moments are what RunDisney is all about.
My biggest tip for both races: use the character stops strategically. If a line is too long, keep moving and hit the next one. There are enough experiences on the course that you will not miss out.
A Special Moment for the RunDisney Community
One of the most memorable moments of the weekend came during the half marathon when runners received a special message honoring Jeff Galloway and his incredible legacy in the RunDisney community. If you are not familiar with Jeff Galloway, he is the creator of the run-walk method that so many of us rely on, and he has been a cornerstone of RunDisney for decades. Hearing that tribute on the course, surrounded by thousands of runners who train using his philosophy, was genuinely emotional. It was a beautiful acknowledgment of someone who helped build this community, and it was the kind of moment that reminds you why you sign up for these races in the first place.
Expo Tips: The Brooks Shoes Situation
Let's talk about the expo, specifically the exclusive Brooks running shoes. The Tangled edition and the Belle edition shoes were absolutely gorgeous and I completely understand why there was a massive line for them. However, I have to be honest: the line was so long that I had to abandon it. I had my four-year-old with me and after assessing the situation I made the mom call to move on.
If getting the exclusive shoes is on your must-do list, here is what I recommend:
• Arrive at the expo as early as possible on the first day
• Try to go without little ones in tow if you can
• Commit to the line and treat it as part of the expo experience
• Know your size ahead of time so you are ready to grab and go
A Few Course Things to Know
I always want to give you the full picture so you can plan accordingly, so here are two things worth knowing before race day.
Construction near the Polynesian: During the half marathon we passed through a short construction area near the Polynesian where buses were being used to help manage traffic separation. The buses were running during that stretch and the fumes were noticeable. It was not a dealbreaker by any means, but if you are sensitive to exhaust or have respiratory concerns it is something to be aware of and hopefully something that will be addressed in future years.
Single-lane sections: The Princess Half has quite a few narrow, single-lane areas on the course. With the volume of runners that Princess Weekend draws, and the fact that RunDisney attracts so many run-walkers (which is amazing and should be celebrated), those bottlenecks can get congested. The good news is that the wide-open sections more than make up for it. When the road opens up and you have room to run, it feels incredible. Just know going in that pacing can be inconsistent in the narrower areas and plan accordingly.
The Medals: RunDisney Did Not Miss
I saved the best for last. The medals for the 2026 Princess Half Marathon Weekend are absolutely stunning. The 10K medal, the half marathon medal, and the Beauty and the Beast Challenge medal are all beautifully designed and I will be displaying them proudly. If you are on the fence about doing the full challenge, let the medals make the decision for you. RunDisney put in the work this year and it shows.
Final Verdict: Is the Beauty and the Beast Challenge Worth It?
Yes, absolutely, without hesitation. Princess Half Marathon Weekend is one of the most joyful race weekends in the RunDisney calendar. The costumes, the characters, the on-course experiences, the community, the medals: it all adds up to something really special.
Go in with a plan for the expo, give yourself grace on the congested course sections, and bring something to wipe your eyes for the Galloway tribute because it will catch you off guard.
I already cannot wait for next year.
Watch the Full Recap Video!
Want the full video experience including my medal reveal? Head over to our YouTube channel for my complete 2026 Princess Half Marathon Weekend recap. And if you are a RunDisney fan, make sure you are subscribed to Mouse Ears and Magical Chats for more Disney running content, resort reviews, and all things Walt Disney World.
Tell us in the comments: Have you run Princess Weekend before? Is it on your bucket list?
