Today, runDisney officially announced the dates for the 2025 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon, set to take place from September 4 to 7. The decision to hold the event during the same weekend as the 2024 marathon has drawn mixed reactions, especially following concerns over the intense heat and tragic incident earlier this year.

RunDisney Event Returns After Participant Died

In 2024, the Halloween Half Marathon was marked by tragedy when Bobby Caleb Graves, a 35-year-old Disney enthusiast and TikToker, collapsed after crossing the finish line. Graves, described as a passionate Disney superfan, went into cardiac arrest and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead about an hour later.

His passing shocked the Disney community and sparked a conversation among fans and participants regarding the risks of hosting a long-distance race during the heat of early September. That weekend was a particularly warm one in Southern California, where Disneyland Resort is located.

Related: Disney Influencer Dies After Half-Marathon in Disneyland, Investigation Launched

Disneyland Park Entrance with Minnie Mouse Flower Design
Credit: Disney

Many runners and fans had hoped for a change in the marathon’s schedule, advocating for a later date in October when Southern California temperatures are generally cooler. Some participants from the 2024 race shared their own challenges on social media, expressing that they found the weather conditions unbearable. Despite these calls for change, Disney decided to keep the 2025 event on the same early September weekend.

Wine & Dine Half Marathon at WDW: Oct 23-26, 2025 Club runDisney reg: 2/4/25 | General: reg 2/11/25

Disney Community Rallies Behind Family of Fallen Runner

Disney has made it clear that while the company is deeply sympathetic to Graves’ family and to other runners who struggled in the heat, the choice of early September is tied to longstanding scheduling considerations.

September is the real beginning of Halloween at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, making it an ideal weekend in some ways. Furthermore, Disneyland has emphasized its commitment to providing extensive hydration stations, onsite medical staff, and clear heat-related safety guidelines for runners participating in the marathon.

Guests happy after finishing a marathon at runDisney
Credit: Disney

Graves’ death highlighted the health risks of long-distance running in high temperatures, and many participants are hoping Disney will continue to explore solutions to mitigate these risks. It is too early to know if these conversations will result in further actions by Disney.

While the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon is celebrated for its festive atmosphere and Halloween-themed experience, which draws thousands of participants each year, this year’s decision has cast a spotlight on safety concerns associated with race timing. As Disney moves forward with the September 2025 event, many in the community hope the company will take further precautions to ensure that all participants can enjoy a safe and magical run.

The post Disney Revives Event Despite Tragic Death of Guest Last Year appeared first on Inside the Magic.

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