The Walt Disney World Marathon began in 1994 and has grown into one of the most “magical’ marathons on the planet. With finishers’ medals featuring the Mouse himself, Disney characters available for photo opportunities along the course, and an enthusiastic crowd of spectators and park attendees, the marathon draws 22,000 runners annually, including elite athletes and charity fundraising team members.
Registration and Pre-Race Information for the Walt Disney World Marathon
Walt Disney World Marathon registration can be completed online or with a simple mail-in form. Race fees (accurate as of 2009) are $125 for all participants. Although a popular event, the race does not fill as quickly as the New York or Chicago marathons. Runners requesting an earlier start corral must submit proof to support their expected finish time.
Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo begins the Thursday before race day and continues until Saturday. In addition to exhibitors and product testing opportunities, the expo also features celebrity runner appearances and conference seminars on nutrition and training. A marathon store is on site for runners wishing to purchase race souvenirs.
The Expo also serves as the packet pick-up location. Packets include the runner’s bib number, timing chip, and shirt. Disney recommends that runners pick up their packets on Thursday due to the large traffic volumes on Friday and Saturday.
The Walt Disney World Marathon is the final event in a weekend that holds the Circle of Life 5k, Mickey’s Marathon Kids Fest, and the Walt Disney World Half Marathon.
Race Day at the Walt Disney World Marathon
The Walt Disney World Marathon has a 5:40 a.m. start time. Transportation to the start line is provided for guests staying on site at Walt Disney World.
The event course takes runners on a magical trip through Walt Disney World, with the starting line at Epcot and marathoners trekking across Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios before crossing the finish line back at Epcot. A complete course map can be downloaded.
The Walt Disney World Marathon requires that runners maintain a 16 minute mile pace. Runners falling behind that mark can be asked to end their event. The course record (current as of 2009) was set by Leonid Shvetsov of Russia with a time of 2:11:50 in 1995.
A post-race party is held in Downtown Disney for all marathon participants and their families.
The 2010 Walt Disney World Marathon will be held on Sunday, January 10th. Complete details regarding the event can be found at the race website.
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