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As you plan your Disney Cruise Line adventure to Castaway Cay, you may come across the Castaway Cay 5K. Whether it is your first or fifth time on Castaway Cay, completing the Castaway Cay 5K might be on your list of things to do while visiting the island. We will take you through how to do the Castaway Cay 5K on your next Disney cruise to Castaway Cay.
What is the Castaway Cay 5K?
The Castaway Cay 5K is a self-paced and self-timed 5K (3.1 mile) fun run that takes place on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in The Bahamas. Disney Cruise Line passengers visiting Castaway Cay can participate in the Castaway Cay Disney Cruise 5k. Prior to the 2020 pandemic, the Castaway Cay 5K was an organized group race. However, the format has been revised to a 5K fun run that participants can complete at any time during their visit to Castaway Cay.
How do I sign-up for the Castaway Cay 5K?
The only way to do the Castaway Cay Disney Cruise 5K is to book a Disney Cruise Line sailing that stops at Disney Castaway Cay. Once you have booked onto your Disney cruise line ship to Castaway Cay, any guest can do the 5K if they choose to. No pre-registration or sign-up is required. Participants can simply show up and start the 5K whenever it fits into their day. Best of all, there is no cost to participate in the Castaway Cay 5K.
When is the Castaway Cay 5K?
Since the Castaway Cay 5K is self-paced, there is no set start time, and it can be completed any time. However, the weather can get very sunny and hot as the day goes on, so we recommend doing the 5K first thing on your Castaway day.
What should I bring?
Depending on what time you complete your Castaway Cay 5K, you may have already spent some time at the beach. We recommend keeping all valuables on your person, such as your Key to the World card, Disney Band+, wallet, and cellphone. You may want to bring a change of clothes as well, if you plan to hit the beach afterwards. The weather can be quite hot and humid, and the course offers very little shade. Therefore, we recommend wearing breathable apparel, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
Water stations can be found along the 5K course to keep you hydrated as you complete your race. Bringing a water bottle is not necessary, unless you choose to.
Do I have to run the Castaway Cay 5K?
Running the Castaway Cay 5K is not required. 5K participants can run, jog, or walk the route. Biking does not qualify, however.
Where is the starting line?
The Castaway Cay 5K is an out-and-back course, so the starting point will also be the finish line. To find the start line, you will look for the Bike Rental hut near the Pelican Point tram stop by the Castaway Cay Family Beach. There will be a “5K Start” sign at the beginning of a paved path.
What is the Castaway Cay 5K like?
The Castaway Cay 5K course follows the same route as the bike path.
On the flat, paved course, you will find clearly marked directional signs to keep you on course.
As you go along the 5K course through lush greenery, you will pass by some of Castaway Cay’s landmarks, such as the observation tower.
The turnaround point for the 5K is right in front of Serenity Bay.
Serenity Bay is the island’s adults only beach.
Additionally, you will run along Castaway Cay’s runway and there will be plenty of things to look at along the route.
Do I get a finisher medal?
Yes, once you have completed the Castaway Cay 5K, you can collect your Castaway Cay 5K finisher medal from the Bike Rental Kiosk next to the finish line.
Just tell a cast member on duty at the rental booth that you have completed the 5K and they will present you with a Mickey Castaway Cay 5K-themed rubber medallion.
Is there Castaway Cay 5K merchandise available?
Be sure to stop by the merchandise shops to pick up Castaway Cay 5K apparel and more.
These items are only available on the island, and at the time of our visit, we found merchandise at both She Sells Sea Shells and Buy the Seashore.
After finishing your Castaway Cay 5K, you may want to shower off and change into your beach gear. Showers can be found at restrooms throughout the island. Don’t forget to grab an ice cream as a post-5K treat!