Particle.news

runDisney Finalizes Logistics for 2026 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

The changes are a live test of new crowd‑control and merchandising systems that will affect runners and other visitors over the season-opening race weekend.

Overview

  • runDisney published final weekend logistics on Sept. 23 that make bib pickup mandatory at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports for all race distances.
  • The 5K bib now uses a two–tear‑tag design with a shirt pickup tag and a Start Group Opening Time tag that must remain attached until race morning and then be handed to a cast member.
  • First-day expo merchandise and runDisney-themed Brooks shoes require joining a 7:00 a.m. virtual queue in the My Disney Experience app while Club runDisney Platinum and Gold members receive early, queue-free shopping windows.
  • Organizers released detailed event bus windows by race distance with very early starts for runners—for example half marathon buses run roughly 2:30 a.m. to 5 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.—and EPCOT will open one hour later on Sunday, Oct. 25.
  • runDisney says these procedures will streamline race‑day flow and enforce fixed start‑group assignments, so participants should plan arrival times, follow bib/tag rules, and expect heavier crowds and altered park access during the weekend.