It's a fun run, not a race - If you're a regular reader here, you know my deep love of runDisney races. Alas, this is not considered a runDisney race. In fact, it's considered an "onboard activity" for cruise guests. When you are planning all of your cruise activities on the Disney Cruise Line website you can "register" for the race. Once on board, stop by guest services and pick up a waiver that will need to be completed before the race. Or, you can walk up to the race start and get the waiver to fill out. Trade your completed waiver for a bib and you are good to go. The start is a simple "1, 2, 3. . .Go!" announcement and there is no chip timing - just a simple clock at the start finish area.
But you do get a medal! - The other thing you probably know about me is that I care about the bling. . .deeply. All finishers in this fun run will get a fun rubber medal. Yes it's only rubber, but it has a cute ribbon and a fun design to commemorate your accomplishment. I mean, you ran on a cruise vacation while most people on cruises only run to the buffet line! Wear it proudly and be sure to stop by and see the characters around the island after your run for some pictures showing off your bling.
Getting off the ship - So this was a change from the last time I ran this particular event and the guest services staff told me it started just a few months ago. In the past, runners would receive a "shore excursion" ticket the night before and meet in a specified lounge around 7:45. As soon as the ship was cleared, the runners disembarked first together as a group to take the nearly 10 minute walk to the start line. That's in the past now. Runners just meet up at the start line which means that you have to join the pack of people exiting the ship when it's cleared at 8:30 and make your way very quickly to the starting point near the bike rentals. I have to say, I was not a fan of this change. . .even if I got to sleep in an extra 30 minutes!
Getting off the ship - So this was a change from the last time I ran this particular event and the guest services staff told me it started just a few months ago. In the past, runners would receive a "shore excursion" ticket the night before and meet in a specified lounge around 7:45. As soon as the ship was cleared, the runners disembarked first together as a group to take the nearly 10 minute walk to the start line. That's in the past now. Runners just meet up at the start line which means that you have to join the pack of people exiting the ship when it's cleared at 8:30 and make your way very quickly to the starting point near the bike rentals. I have to say, I was not a fan of this change. . .even if I got to sleep in an extra 30 minutes!
This run is for everyone - You will find serious runners here who go all out and others who are 100% walkers just looking to stretch their legs with some exercise and take home a unique cruise souvenir. I know sometimes we all find ourselves being self-conscious with our abilities, but don't be nervous about joining this fun run. The course is a super simple out and back and the island terrain means you will encounter no elevation change whatsoever.
Speaking of the island - Regardless of what time of year you run, there are a few things to keep in mind. Even with an 8:50AM start time, you are running on an island. . .in the Bahamas. It's hot and oftentimes it humid. The sun is intense most days too. Even the walkers in this event want to take hydration very seriously. Think about it in the days leading up and drink plenty of water on board. Along the course of the fun run, you pass a water aid station 4 times - take advantage of it! I saw a lot of people stretching out cramps along the way.
The Castaway Cay 5K is truly a family fun event that casual and serious runners will want to check out on your Disney Cruise Line vacation. Kids as young as 10 may participate. If you need a space to check-in younger children while you run, Disney has a kids club, Scuttle's Cove, on the island which is open as you make your way to the run.
You may also want to pack some extra money for the race apparel that you'll find at the finish line! There is a cute collection of hats, tanks, tees, and long sleeve shirts along with pins and much, much more to further commemorate your fun run on the island. I picked up a Castaway Cay 5K hat to bring home as my cruise souvenir and something I can use on cold training days to remind me of the island vibes this run leaves you feeling! Enjoy the scenery, the fun, and the bling. . .then enjoy the sun, sand, and drinks!
The Castaway Cay 5K is truly a family fun event that casual and serious runners will want to check out on your Disney Cruise Line vacation. Kids as young as 10 may participate. If you need a space to check-in younger children while you run, Disney has a kids club, Scuttle's Cove, on the island which is open as you make your way to the run.
You may also want to pack some extra money for the race apparel that you'll find at the finish line! There is a cute collection of hats, tanks, tees, and long sleeve shirts along with pins and much, much more to further commemorate your fun run on the island. I picked up a Castaway Cay 5K hat to bring home as my cruise souvenir and something I can use on cold training days to remind me of the island vibes this run leaves you feeling! Enjoy the scenery, the fun, and the bling. . .then enjoy the sun, sand, and drinks!
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