by Disney Magic Diva
Have you always dreamed of a Disney Cruise? How about participating in a runDisney event? If both of these activities are on your Disney Bucket List, here’s some good news! Most Disney cruises that stop at Castaway Cay offer the chance to participate in the runDisney Castaway Cay 5k! Participating in the Castaway Cay 5k is fun and easy. Well, registering is easy. Whether or not actually running the 5k is easy is a matter of opinion.
Once you’re onboard your Disney cruise, head to the Port Adventures Desk to register for the 5k. Unlike typical runDisney events, this one won’t break the bank, because there is no extra charge! And unlike other runDisney races, you won’t need to rise before dawn to participate in the Castaway Cay 5k. Not into running while on vacation? No problem! This race does not have a minimum pace requirement, so walking the entire course is perfectly acceptable. (Read more about other runDisney races from Run Diva, here.) 
On the morning of your race, you report to a designated area on the ship, usually around 8:00am, for your race bib and a few instructions. At this meeting you’ll have a chance to go over the race route and ask any questions. The course is simple. 
It begins by the bike rentals, loops around the observation tower, goes out to Serenity Bay, then returns along the same route.
Race participants will be escorted by crew members off the ship to the starting point of the race. It’s about a 10-15 minute walk, but serves as a good warm-up for the race.
Walking to the start line of the Castaway Cay 5k
TIP: Have your camera ready, and you’ll be able to get some photos of the picturesque beaches before they are crowded with guests! 
There is a giant storage trunk available for any personal belongings near the start of the course. While this is convenient, you probably won’t want to leave any particularly valuable items here since it is not locked. There is also a water fountain here for a last chance to hydrate or fill a water bottle before you begin the race. 
TIP: Consider sending a change of clothes, swimsuit, or whatever you’d like to have after the race with family or friends who aren’t participating. After the race, you can meet them on the beach and not waste precious lounge-chair time going back to the ship to change clothes!
The race path is paved, and much of it is about 10-15 feet wide surrounded by foliage. 
The rest of the course is even wider, so having room to pass other participants is not an issue. Be prepared for a warm, sunny and possibly humid run. Remember, everyone participating is just doing it for fun, so be careful, relax, and take it easy. The crew will set up some water stations – take advantage of them! 
When you cross the finish line, you’ll be presented with a Castaway Cay 5k finisher medal. While it’s only rubber, it makes a wonderful addition to your medal collection, or simply a terrific souvenir. 
You might also want to splurge for a Castaway Cay 5k t-shirt, sold at gift shops close to the finish line. And after you’ve finished the 5k, you won’t feel even a twinge of guilt when you order that adult beverage later in the afternoon. 
Ready to book your cruise and take on the Castaway Cay 5K? Get in touch with Patricia at All for Dreams Travel for a free quote! And remember, as you toss your swimsuit and flip flops in your suitcase when packing for your Disney cruise, also make room for your running shorts and shoes!
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