In runDisney circles, the Castaway Cay 5K has been called the most expensive and exclusive 5K race EVER. You have to pay for your cruise, then sign up for the “free” race. In true Disney fashion, runDisney has plussed the Castaway Cay 5K with a new challenge: Disney Castaway Cay Challenge!
From the runDisney blog:
This inaugural event will combine any eligible race during Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend plus the Disney Castaway Cay 5K during the January 12 sailing from Port Canaveral, FL on the Disney Dream, hosted on Disney Cruise Line’s private island, Castaway Cay! Complete both races within the pacing requirements and you’ll earn the Inaugural Disney Castaway Cay Challenge Medal in addition to your Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and Castaway Cay 5K finisher medals.
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!
Registration opens on May 23 at noon. It will cost $40 for this inaugural event. Oh, and you have to pay for that whole cruise thing! Let’s not forget THAT part.
The details:
Castaway Cay 5K Highlights
- 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 Participants Receive:
- 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
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| Photo: Moms Magical Miles |
DisBroad Amy ran the Castaway Cay 5K a couple years ago. Be sure to check her review here. Spoiler alert: She wasn’t really a fan of the whole thing.
Anyone kinda- okay, really- annoyed at the last minute announcement? This might have been good information a month ago, you know, before people signed up and sold out the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. Dopey runners are looking at taking 2 weeks off work. Hey- they ARE Dopey after all! This isn’t a stretch that they will try to make it happen. Oh Boy Oh Boy!
Do you NEED to do this? Talk to my girl Jenn Greene at Destinations in Florida for a cruise quote today! She can take care of you from land to sea and back again with special rates at Walt Disney World. She can work her magic and YOU can sit back and enjoy your trip.
Are you in for a little Disney Cruise Line action after Marathon weekend? Have you run the Castaway 5K before?
Patty Holliday is the owner and creator of all things No-Guilt Universe. As a lifelong fangirl and pop culture connoisseur, she’s been creating online since 2009. You can find her work at No-Guilt Disney.com, No-Guilt Fangirl.com, No-Guilt Life, and as host of the top-rated No-Guilt Disney Podcast.
Kristen Smith
Thursday 15th of May 2014
Gonna chalk this one up to "maybe someday" but definitely not in the cards for next year. Gotta get over my fear of being on a boat first :)
patty
Saturday 17th of May 2014
HA! I'm not scared of the boat, just the price tag. ;)
Veronica Lee
Thursday 15th of May 2014
Sounds like great fun! But seriously, I would rather be lounging by the pool with a pina colada!
patty
Saturday 17th of May 2014
Me too girl!
Kristie Green
Thursday 15th of May 2014
DOPEY + CASTAWAY CAY challenge = insane. No way I could do this. I can get away with a race weekend trip to the world without the kids but a cruise. Nope. Not including the time off work, getting in trouble for taking the kids out of school you add cruise fare for 4 but 3 more plane tickets and likely park tickets. Yeah that is never going to happen. I'm still hoping for Dopey or Goofy in 2016 but if they offered it again i would not do it
Patty Holliday
Thursday 15th of May 2014
The time off needed is insane! But would be a lot of fun too.
krystel warden
Wednesday 14th of May 2014
sounds like fun
Patty Holliday
Thursday 15th of May 2014
I think so too- just need a money fairy to drop by!
We Run Disney
Wednesday 14th of May 2014
Passing on marathon weekend so this is not on our radar. Another way for runDisney to collect $$$ for a 5k!
Patty Holliday
Thursday 15th of May 2014
We will miss you two!