RunDisney’s Castaway Cay 5K
You may have seen on Instagram that last week I did the most epic runDisney event: The Castaway Cay 5K! To attend a Disney Fairytale Wedding on Disney’s private island Castaway Cay (where two of my best friends tied the knot), myself and many other friends traveled on a Disney Cruise to the scenic tropical destination. (Side note, the wedding was truly the most spectacular Disney wedding ever!) Upon boarding our ship (the Disney Dream), I learned that at 8:30am on the day at Castaway Cay there would be a 5K. The best part? This runDisney event is FREE!
I know so often we say we will work out when on vacation, but then other plans happen and workouts are skipped. But given the chance to run alongside crystal blue waters and palm trees? It feels like quite the treat to get up early to go for a 5K! If you’ve been curious yourself about the Castaway Cay 5K experience, here is a breakdown of how it goes:
Registering
When you board the ship, just head to guest relations and request to register for the Castaway Cay 5K. Although you don’t have to pay for the event, it’s recommended you reserve your spot. (Must be 12 or older to take part)
Morning of the Run
The morning of, you are instructed to meet at a club on the ship at 8am, where you will be given a running bib and hear instructions of how the group will head out of the ship and to port, as well as a map of the running route. Once instructions and check in are complete, exiting the boat begins around 8:30. The guests registered in the 5K will get to be the first ones off the boat before other guests! You will then walk as a group to the starting point.
Castaway Cay 5K
The run typically begins around 9am.. Running is a great way to get beautiful glimpses of the island before it gets too crowded! Although you see the water at some points during the run, most of the run is on the bike paths that aren’t surrounded by water but by beautiful tropical foliage and palm trees (still very scenic).
I loved that the walls around the running paths were quite tall, which helped provide shade so it wasn’t too overly hot to run in the Bahamaian island. Along the route there’s water stops and cast members cheering you on! Everyone is so excited to be at Castaway Cay that the energy around you makes for a fun 5K! You are also welcome to walk the 5K if you prefer.
Once you run the finish line, you get a Castaway Cay 5K rubber “medal”! Perfect too if you wanted to take it in the water later. After the 5K, you can take a shuttle or walk back to the ship if you like to chang to enjoy a day at the pool, or you can bring a lightweight bag that you can run with to change in after. After the 5K, it wasn’t busy at all yet on the beaches so it’s a great opportunity to snag a great spot to spend the day by the water.
After my run and receiving my medal, you can pose for pictures with professional photographers, and enjoy a refreshing island beverage for purchase at one of the many stands! I got a coconut water infused with ginger in a souvenir Sven cup to cool off!
It was a wonderful time running with my husband, and will cherish the experience forever of the runDisney Castaway Cay 5K!
