We don’t often report on runDisney news here at the DFB (unless it has to do with WHAT you’re going to eat BEFORE your race and WHERE you’re going to eat after to celebrate your accomplishment!).
But we make a small exception for the Wine & Dine Half Marathon… ‘cuz wine. And DINE! And also because it takes place in tandem with the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, our favorite celebration of the year!
So we thought we’d chime in with some news about the 2016 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, which will take place November 3 – 6, 2016.
Here’s the RUNdown, along with details on two NEW challenges debuting this year!
Wine and Dine Half Marathon
First:
the Half Marathon — typically a nighttime race — will take place in daytime hours moving forward, beginning at Epcot at 5:30 AM on Sunday, November 6th. An updated course will bring runners through Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Please note that the Post Race Party will take place on Sunday evening, and runners will have exclusive access during “later hours,” according to runDisney. (This is AWESOME, because it means you don’t miss out on party fun if you’re a slower runner…not that I have any experience in that department at all, of course. ;-D)
2015 Epcot Wine and Dine Medal
Wine and Dine 10K — NEW!
Second:
a Disney Wine & Dine 10K has been added to the weekend, with Chef Remy on the way to host the race! The race will start at Epcot at 5:30 AM on Saturday, November 6th. (There will still be a 5K race as well :-D; Mickey’s Holiday 5K will take place at Animal Kingdom on Friday, November 4.)
Lumiere’s Two Course Challenge — NEW!
Third:
An all-new combo event will challenge runners to tackle both the 10K AND the Half Marathon. Lumiere’s Two Course Challenge finishers will receive a special third medal for the Challenge in addition to the medals they earn by finishing the individual 10K and Half Marathon races.
So get ready to lace up those running shoes and start logging those miles! Registration for these events opens at Noon EST on March 29, 2016. Be sure to check out all the info on rundisney.com and keep an eye on our Epcot Food and Wine Festival page for other details from the season!
Start Your Food and Wine Festival Planning Today! The DFB Guide to the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival e-Book is now available for Pre-Order! (And you get the 2015 Guide FREE!)
Want even more great tips? This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Order your 2016 edition today and get the 2015 edition for FREE, immediately!
Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World!
Use code CHEFS at check-out for a $3 discount!
Be sure to check our main Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page frequently for updates, and also check out Epcot Food and Wine Festival 101 for even more information about the festival!
Are you hoping to participate in any of the Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend Events? Please let us know with a comment!
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I’m happy the half-marathon is being moved to the morning solely because I knew I would miss a lot of the party since I’m not a fast runner.
Jessica — Definitely a valid point. When I completed the race in 2011, I was too whiped out to enjoy the party at all. I was super disappointed by that.
I was actually hoping for an eating and drinking contest. I’d have to be considered a favorite.
Steven — I’d give you a run for your money!
AJ – A wine and Dine Marathon. Sounds like a buffet with an open bar! Awesome. Let’s eat!