What Happens When runDisney Cancels A Race | runDisney Cancellation Policy

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The runDisney cancellation policy is pretty clear: no refunds, no transfers and no deferrals. But what happens when runDisney cancels a race? What options do runners have if a running event is scrapped at Walt Disney World? Here is a rundown of what has happened in the past and what runDisney is doing now that Star Wars Rival Run has been cancelled. 

runDisney Cancellation Policy

There isn’t really a runDisney cancelation policy per se.

I know, that sounds crazy, but it is true. 

Mostly because the races have a pretty great track record of happening over the course of almost 30 years running.

There’s only been 1 race start scratched– ever- before the latest viral concerns took over, that is. 

The runDisney terms and conditions do cite the policy about the weather as such:

 

Weather for a runDisney Event

From the runDisney.com terms and conditions

The race will be held rain or shine.

If there is lightning in the area, the race may have a delayed start or, depending on the intensity of the weather, be cancelled.

The determination will be made by runDisney Event Management staff in their sole discretion.

runDisney reserves the right to change the details of the event, including altering the course route, delaying, canceling, or suspending the race due to inclement weather or other potential safety risks.

Registration Terms and Conditions Citing runDisney Refunds

Again from the runDisney website:

Registration fees, donations, event merchandise, special events, post-race parties and any other race-related purchases are non-refundable. 

So- that sounds pretty bleak, eh? 

runDisney doesn’t offer refunds in most cases… or do they? See below for what has happened in that single case of race cancellation. 

So What’s Up? Is The runDisney Star Wars Rival Run Canceled?

YES. 

Updated 3.20.2020 from runDisney.com:

With circumstances continuing to change rapidly around the globe, we are making critical and timely decisions based on guidance from local, national and international health agencies. As we have shared before, we are basing our decisions on the safety and well-being of our Cast Members and our Guests, since there is nothing more important than that.

In an abundance of caution, the 2020 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend will be cancelled. In addition, because our runDisney races require the presence of local medical professionals and first responders to monitor and treat runners, this will free up those resources for more critical needs during this time.

All participants for the Star Wars Rival Run Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort who purchased their registrations on runDisney.com will receive a refund for their race registration.

Star Wars Rival Run Weekend:
Runners registered for the 2020 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort will receive a refund back to their original form of payment for the following:

• Race registration (Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, Rival Run Challenge)
• Commemorative merchandise
• ChEAR Squad
• Processing fee

Guests who’ve already received a partial refund will receive their remaining balance to a Disney gift card.

Refund Timing:
Refunds from runDisney can be expected to be processed in four to six weeks. If you haven’t received your refund after six weeks, please visit the “contact us” section on runDisney.com.

Alternate booking methods:
Runners who’ve booked through a charity or tour operator should reach out directly to that organization.

On-sale dates:
On-sale dates for future runDisney races will be adjusted, and we will have more information to share soon.

See these guys later… ugh. 

What Happens When runDisney Cancels a Race?

Updated for March 20, 2020:

Star Wars Rival Run has been cancelled as noted above. 

Refunds will be processed for all race fees. 

Runners registered for the 2020 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort will receive a refund back to their original form of payment for the following:

• Race registration (Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, Rival Run Challenge)
• Commemorative merchandise
• ChEAR Squad
• Processing fee

Guests who’ve already received a partial refund will receive their remaining balance to a Disney gift card.

This is a departure from what they did in the past. 

That was a weather-related call made by Walt Disney World to cancel the 2017 Walt Disney World Half Marathon. 

Emails and social media announcements were sent as soon as the weather-related call was made.

While yes, it was an absolute bummer, it was also necessary for safety. 

Starting around 10 pm that evening, severe thunderstorms and lightning surrounded the Walt Disney World Resort which would have put participants, volunteers and cast members at risk throughout the staging period. 

Will runDisney Offer Compensation To Runners If A Race Is Canceled?

YES.

At least this has been the case in the past two instances of cancelations. 

See above. Refunds will be coming to runners for the Star Wars Rival Run for 2020. 

2017 Walt Disney World Half Marathon Options

• Option 1: A full refund, minus ACTIVE.com fees, for the cost of the race registration in the form of a Disney Gift Card. Please note, the Disney Gift Card is not accepted for payment for runDisney race registrations.

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