It's been a while since we ran a Disney race. In fact, since 2020, we haven't been running many races in general. In 2021 I was registered for Wine and Dine weekend, but that didn't happen. You can read how Disney handled that HERE.
Fast forward to our recent Disney cruise! Our second stop was Disney's private island Castaway Cay!
We were excited to spend time at this beautiful island, but the main thing we wanted to do here was run the Castaway Cay 5K! We've run every other Disney race and just needed this "medal" to complete our collection!
The 5k is "run" a little different now than how it use to be.
It use to be an organized race that you had to sign up for prior to getting off the ship at Castaway Cay. The runners would all meet up with a cast member and they would all go to the start line together and start the race at a certain time. I believe there use to be a timing clock as well. The Castaway Cay 5K wasn't always offered on each sailing.
Now things are a little different. The Castaway Cay 5k is no longer an "organized" race. You might think this is a bummer, but actually it works out better this way. This just means the 5K will be available on every sailing and you can run it at any time of day. Here's how it worked out for us.
Passengers were allowed off the ship around 9:30 am and we ended up getting off about 10:10 am. We decided to walk instead of take the tram so we could take in the details of the island.
We made our way to Pelican Point, where the start line is. Right behind the starting sign is a big wooden box. You can put your beach bag and anything else you brought with you for the day inside of here. This is a public box and it does not lock, so don't bring valuables and keep your ship card with you. We felt completely safe putting our bag in here. My bag actually had my name embroidered on it and I didn't have any valuables in there, just a change of clothes.
You do not have to sign up for the "race" or tell any cast members you are doing it.
Just begin at the official starting sign and set your own watch. There is no official timing clock.
The path is paved and clearly marked with 5k signs all around the route.
I was not expecting as many fun props and photo ops along the way.
View of the Disney Wish from the look out tower!
Right pass the look out tower is a water station. I don't know if it was filled but I assume it was since there were also cups available as well.
More photo ops.
The turn around point is at the adult beach Serenity Bay.
Then it's more or less a straight shot back to where we started.
There is an official finish line sign.
There is a bike rental booth right before the finish sign. Be sure to stop by the booth and tell the cast member that you've finished the run.
They will present you with the Castaway Cay medal ( rubber medallion). We've been run Disney runners from way back and remember when the 5ks at the parks use to give these rubber medallions. We still think they are cute. This is even a new design for this year.
Don't forget to get the iconic picture at Mount Rustmore!
Have you ever run the Castaway Cay 5K? Have you ever run on an island?
Note: There are still times ( during some run Disney race weekends) that the Castaway Cay 5K is an organized event.
Till next time, M & L
We're linking up with the gals from the Runner's Round up!
Looks like you too had a fun time! Sounds like it is more an organized run route vs a race. So, that makes it easier for more people to try out!
ReplyDeleteYes, that's a good way to put it!
DeleteThis sounds like a fun way to do a race! Glad you were able to make it work!
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm so glad the weather held out!
DeleteOh, interesting that they changed it. I ran the 5K back when it was organized... Maybe in 2016? Ish? I remember it being so hot and I got turned around somewhere in the middle and ran a little long. Whoops. I did get a rubber medal, but I love that they changed the design.
ReplyDelete