We have now been on 9 Disney Cruises and the one thing that I have thought about doing every single cruise is the Castaway Cay 5k. Normally, I am dreaming of being in one of the amazing Castaway Cay Cabanas, but this time, I wanted to finally experience the 5k. The Castaway Cay 5k is a “short” 3.1 mile tour of the island that will get your morning kick-started before anyone else gets on the island. If you’ve ever wanted to take on this fun event, here are all the details!
How do I Sign up for the Castaway Cay 5k
When I first tried to sign up for the Castaway Cay 5k online it said it was already full. So, I decided to check once I got on board. It turns out that is when you sign up for the 5k. I recommend signing up on the first day as the Castaway Cay 5k does fill up. The price of the 5k is the best, it is completely FREE! It’s completely free to sign up for, but spaces fill quickly.
I really was trying to push my daughter to do the run with me since the last time she wanted to but was only 9 years old. The minimum age to be apart od the 5k is 10 years old. During the run I was seeing small children jogging and walking with their parents, it turns out kids can participate they just will not get an official runners race bib or medal.
The other thing I learned is this event is that it is not just for runners. If you want to just enjoy a nice brisk walk you can enjoy the 5k as well.
You Must Attend a Mandatory Meeting!
Another place you can sign up for the 5k is the mandatory meeting the day before the Castaway Cay 5k. There you will receive a safety briefing, get your runners bib and even sign up last minute if there are any open spots. The meeting takes about 20 minutes and is mandatory if you want to be a part of the 5k
Race Day – Here is what to Expect!
First on the Island
On the day of the 5k run, you will be the first guests allowed off the ship and onto Disney’s Private Island. Get ready for an early morning as runners and walkers are expected to meet at 8:00 – 9:00 am (depending on the cruise) at the assigned meeting location on the island
There you will get a short review of the running route and a couple of quick reminders.
What to do with the kids who aren’t running
If you have little kids who need parental supervision while you are running you can drop them off at Castaway Cay’s own Kids Club, Scuttles Cove. It is the same staff that runs the Oceaneer’s club onboard except it is just a fun area on the island for the kids to explore.
What to Wear!
The weather is usually warm year-round at castaway to prepare to drink lots of fluid and be dressed in some warm weather gear. Shorts, T-Shirt and Athletic Shoes will suffice for this fun run
What is the Course Layout
The course takes you on alongside the path of the castaway beach, down the island’s airstrip, through a nice somewhat shaded greenery section that heads to a lookout tower and then you turn around to go back. There are two water stops and a few places to take a quick photo opportunity. It is pretty much the same path you take on the bike path if you have rented a bike from Castaway in the past.
Disney Cruise Line Cast Members are throughout the path to direct you and also cheer you on.
In addition to amazing views and fun photo spots, the course is flat, so no hills to worry about. This is a nice and flat path! Woohoo!
What’s Included in the Castaway Cay 5k
With every RunDisney Race comes a fun medal which you receive at the finish line to show you accomplished this amazing feat. Since people take Disney Cruises year after year, each year there is a new medal for avid runners who love the Castaway Cay 5k.
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Land & Sea – Run Disney’s Castaway Challenge
When we were staying at the Riviera Resort before the cruise we saw a lot of runners preparing for the Princess 10k. Many said they are running the castaway cay 5k after the princess run to complete the Castaway Challenge, which is one of the many RunDisney events.
It turns out you can earn a special “Castaway Challenge Medal” by running a race during Marathon Weekend (5k distance or longer), in January or February at Walt Disney World, and then run the Castaway 5k during the sailing on the Dream right after marathon weekend. You would earn 3 medals total for participation. You must register in advance and it does sell out. There is also a charge for this. The next Castaway Challenge is in January of 2021 and the price is $80. You can check out all the Run Disney Challenges Here!
All in all, this is a great event to start the day, stay healthy and then relax with the family on this beautiful island and continue enjoying your Disney Vacation.
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