Thinking about running the Castaway Cay 5K on your next Disney cruise? You’ve come to the right place. This guide covers everything from how to participate to what to pack, where to find the finish line, and how to turn your island jog into a magical memory.
Picture this: You wake up to the sound of ocean waves, step off your Disney Cruise Ship, and find yourself in a tropical paradise—Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. And while there is SO MUCH to do on this island (check out my favorite things to do on Castaway Cay here!), as a long time Crew Member, one of my all time favorite things is the Castaway Cay 5K! This fun run is a laid-back, untimed race where palm trees line the course and the finish line ends with sand between your toes 🏃♀️🌴🍹
What Is the Castaway Cay 5K?
The Castaway Cay 5K is a free, 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) fun run that takes place on Disney’s private island. It’s open to guests on most Disney Cruise Line sailings that include a stop at Castaway Cay.
- Totally optional
- Open to runners, walkers, and even bikers
- No registration required
- All ages welcome (recommended age 10+)
Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a vacation walker, or just in it for the Disney medal, this island run is all about fun, not finish times.
How to Participate in the Castaway Cay 5K
As of now, the Castaway Cay 5K is on the honor system—no official sign-up, race bib, or group check-in required. Here’s how it works:
1. Get off the ship when you’re ready (early morning is best for cooler temps).
2. Run, walk, or bike the 5K course on your own time.
3. After finishing, head back to the bike rental hut (near the start line) and ask for your finisher’s medal! 🎖️
It’s that simple. You set the pace and schedule. Just another reason why this is the chillest 5K you’ll ever do.
Castaway Cay 5K Course Overview
The course is a flat, scenic loop around the island:
- Starts and ends near the bike rental station (close to the island tram stop)
- Follow the old airstrip, turn right onto the bike path and loop around the Observation Tower, and swing past Serenity Bay (the adults-only beach) back to the finish line
- Expect some tropical greenery, wildlife sightings (cute lizards and birds!), but not much shade—so plan accordingly!
- Water stations are available along the course, but bringing your own bottle is smart.
What to Bring for the Castaway Cay 5K
Here’s what you’ll need for your 5K adventure:
- 👟 Comfortable running shoes (no sandals or flip-flops)
- 🧢 Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (shade is limited!)
- 💧 Reusable water bottle or hydration pack
- 📱 Phone or fitness tracker (for photos or tracking distance)
- 🎽 Lightweight, breathable clothing
You don’t need a race bib or timing chip—just your Key to the World card/Magic Band for getting on and off the ship.
Photo Ops You Don’t Want to Miss
The Castaway Cay 5K course is one big photo opportunity. Don’t forget to stop and snap pics:
- 📍 At the start/finish sign
- 🏝️ Near the Observation Tower
- 🎖️ With your 5K medal
What to Do After the Castaway Cay 5K
After you’ve crossed your imaginary finish line, here’s how to reward yourself:
- 🏖️ Relax on the beach with a towel and cold drink
- 🍴 Grab lunch at Cookies BBQ
- 🚲 Rent a bike and explore more of the island
- 📲 Post your medal selfie on Instagram (you earned it!)
Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops in your day bag so you can switch from race mode to beach mode.
Final Tips for Castaway Cay 5K First-Timers
- 🕶️ Go early—temperatures climb quickly in the Bahamas.
- 🐢 Pace yourself—this isn’t a competition!
- 🚫 Don’t stress if you skip the race. There’s no pressure and no sign-up—run only if you want to.
- 👨👩👧👦 Great for families with older kids (ages 10+ recommended)
Why the Castaway Cay 5K Is a Must-Do on a Disney Cruise
The Castaway Cay 5K is unlike any other runDisney experience—it’s part run, part tropical vacation, and completely unforgettable. You’ll make memories, collect a medal, and earn bragging rights for running a 5K on a private island. There’s even a shop near the starting line (Buy the Seashore) that features 5K merch!
Whether you’re checking off a bucket list item or just looking for a fun excuse to stay active on your Disney cruise, this 5K is a magical way to start your island day.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links – at no extra cost to you. All opinions in this post are my own and not affiliated with Disney in any way.
🚢 More DCL Posts
Check out these Disney Cruise Line posts:
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Jess at Sea 
Leave a comment