Disney's Castaway Cay 5K 2024 - Through Heather's Looking Glass

Disney’s Castaway Cay 5k has gone through some changes since COVID, and I wanted to write a blog post to reflect that. I will share my 5k experience from September 2024, and make sure to note where things are different than they used to be. The 5k can be run or walked and is such a fun way to see the island! Enjoy!

Year ago I wrote this post about the Castaway Cay 5k. But many things have changed. What hasn’t changed is the same FUN, route, and the fact that you get a free medal at the end! Let’s take a look.

Pre covid, everyone who wanted to run met at one of the adult spaces first thing in the morning on Castaway Cay day. You signed up, got a race bib, and there was a short presentation that explained the route and order of things. Then you would all leave the ship together and walk (a long walk at that!) to the start line (which is the same start line as today.) Back then, there would be an official “ready set go” and everyone would start like a real race. Sometimes a character would even be out to wave as we started and cheer us on. We would run the course, finish, and be handed a medal.

But now, things are not as “official” as they used to be. How so?

1.) You don’t meet on the ship first or get a bib, or walk out together. Bummer about the bib because it was a fun souvenir, and I thought meeting all together ahead of time was a fun way to meet other runners.

2.) There is no official start time. That’s right, you run at your own leisure, any time of day while the ship is docked. You can run or walk, it’s completely on the honor system.

How are things the same?

1.) You still get a finishers medal! Just grab it from whoever is working at the bike rental stand. Just remember they close earlier than the ship all aboard (maybe 3-3:30?) So make sure you run early enough to get your medal!

2.) The course is the same. Yes there are signs! Just make sure you run “the loop” twice or you won’t be running the full 3.1 miles

3.) They still have water all along the course. This is so needed so make sure you stay hydrated! There isn’t a ton of shade on the course.

4.) You can still purchase Castaway Cay 5k merchandise in the store near the start and finish line.

Which way do I like better?

That’s hard because I see the pros and cons of each. As a runDisney runner, I love a more official “race” with everyone running together. But I also see the benefit of being able to run any time of day. For instance, we ran around 11:15 after we had already played at the family beach. So we didn’t have to be at the start line at any particular time.

Either way, I am so glad Disney Cruise Line has kept this race around. It’s a great way to see the island, bond with family and friends, and feel accomplished while burning some calories. Just means I can drink an extra Konk Kooler, right?

A couple of tips:

Bring a change of clothes so you don’t have to go back to the ship. You only get so many hours on the island, so don’t waste an hour going back to the ship to shower and change. We brought our race clothes and changed before we ran, and then I changed back into my swimsuit after. I also brought deodorant, shower wipes, and liquid IV. Also wear sunscreen and a hat! (They have Powerade in the drink stations during lunch.) After I changed back into my swimsuit I just stood under the outdoor showers near the bathrooms.