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Disney World Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Disney World Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.1 
Organization 4.3 
Spectators 4.0
Number of comments: 818 [displaying comments 111 to 121]
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T. S. from Fort Benning, GA
(1/9/2012)
 "Disney Could Do Better" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 4-5 Disney World Marathons
COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my fourth Disney World Marathon. It seems like the organizers dont listen to constructive feedback from those that spent a lot of money to run only to find out that you are running (again) next to the sewage plant. For those that ran this year, the smell was a lot worse than previous years. Why or why, with all the feedback they get, do the organizers feel like the runners need to run next to the sewage plan?? I guess they choose not to move to course since they always have a fresh group of new runners every year. As far as the organizationnobody does it better than Disney! As far as the volunteers, nobody has better volunteers than Disney! | |
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I. S. from Texas
(1/9/2012)
 "Great 1st marathon" (about: 2012)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Disney World Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is a great marathon for 1st timers without time goals. Your mindset is different if you're running a race to just finish rather than for time. I understood going in that Disney really isn't the place to run for time (that's what I was looking for). A lot of people stopped to take pictures w/the Disney characters that were standing throughout the whole course. The organization was great (I'm comparing this to the many 1/2 marathons that I've run). The volunteers were excellent, and worked hard standing out there in 52 (f) degree weather. The water stops were well stocked with Powerade and water. They were also well place throughout the course. They had tables on both sides of the road. I loved that fact that it was consistent at each water stop that as you approached the Powerade was at the 1st few tables and water was at the last few tables (no guessing which was which). The cups were even labeled. Great touch Disney. The aid stations were adequate. The volunteers at the end were very nice and extremely helpful, which is what you need after running 26.2 miles. The fans were sporadic. Most of the course is out on the back lots which were blocked off to fans. But, when you came into the parks the fans were great. It would've been nice to have more fan support along the way b/c 26.2 miles is a long way and you can really draw from the energy of the cheering crowd. The course was fair. There were several roads that were extremely cambered. They can really take a toll on my legs, hips and ankles. However, for the most part it is a flat course. There were a couple of inclines (not real hills) that helped to keep things interesting. There were a couple of places inside the parks where the pavement was uneven that were trip hazards. However, volunteers would warn you as you approached those areas (so don't where headphones). The temperature was really nice. It started out at about 52 degrees and quickly rose once the sun came up. I believe it was around 75 degrees. Some people that finished after me were clearly over heated. To that I would just say, be sure to watch the weather forecasts ahead of time for the area, and dress appropriately. All in all, I'm glad I chose this event as my 1st marathon b/c there was really no pressure and everything was well organized. But remember, 26.2 miles is still 26.2 miles and is challenging (please don't take your training lightly). | |
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A. B. from Belmont, CA
(1/8/2012)
 "Fun, Fast, and overly Full for some stretches" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Disney World Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a great fun marathon with all the 'magic' that Disney brings. The event organization was spot on and easy to navigate despite having over 20,000 marathon\half marathon runners (San Francisco take note). Even the expo was well done with multiple buildings keeping the crowds from achieving critical mass. I do have a small gripe, however...narrow running paths! Disney race organizers, you cannot squeeze thousands of runners on a sidewalk that measures 5 feet across! Even though I got a PR out of this race, I felt I could have done much better. But alas, there were long stretches where all I can do is slow down to the pace of the crawling crowd of runners directed to run in constricted spaces. Still, it was a great experience with live bands, park fans (you run through all the Disney parks in the area) and decent food. I also need to mention that the weather was fantastic! And to start at 5:30 made it all even better thanks to the fireworks and lighted parks. I recommend this race without hesitation. | |
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b. t. from usa
(12/22/2011)
"If you love Disney, youll love this race." (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 4-5 Disney World Marathons
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Good first time half or full. Running the parks are fun, but the 10 to 20 mi, half or full, running past the waste treatment plants and never seen back roads of the Disney mega complex get old fast. I suggest run with friends or a team. Medals are nice. Is also only place where half and full are on 2 different days, plus Goofy option which is a fun endurance 40 mi run for 3 medals. | |
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J. D. from Tampa, FL
(9/14/2011)
 "Pretty Typical Disney Event" (about: 2009)
4-5 previous marathons
| 2 Disney World Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Overall, the marathon wasn't as amazing as I expected it to be. Though it was still a great race, the course does not spend very much time in the parks. A good 20 miles or so are spent on the roads outside of the parks which are bland to say the least. The great turnout and very enthusiastic employees do make this a great race though. | |
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S. B. from New Hampshire, USA
(8/22/2011)
"Fun, but you still have to respect the distance." (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 4-5 Disney World Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 2002 was my first marathon and 2012 will be my 6th Disney. It's been hot most years, but in 2010 it was cold. This marathon is well organized and there are plenty of distractions along the way, but in the end 26.2 miles is 26.2 miles. I've run Boston 6 times and the biggest differences between the two, for me, are that the crowds in Boston are constant from start to finish so you're emotions are always high. While at Disney, you experience severe emotional ups and downs. The start is great, the parks are great, but the long stretches of highways and back roads leave you wanting more. That's when you have to reach down and be your own biggest fan. | |
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a. b. from United State
(6/20/2011)
 "IT WAS REALLY GREAT!" (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
| 6+ Disney World Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Disneyworld Orlando 01.09.11 - A great fun run since this is not a runner's marathon. All the photo ops with the Disney characters were proof of that. All the volunteers were Disney employees so not impressed with that. Plenty of water stops. The route was repetitive and loopy. We did so many round-a-bouts around the parking lot, I wanted to just get in the car and drive back to the hotel. Mickey medal was very cheesy but a great practice run after I had not run in over a month. | |
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N. O. from Atlanta, Georgia
(5/23/2011)
"Fun and Unique" (about: 2011)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Disney World Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon so I don't have others to compare it to. I was someone in corral A and finished in the top 50 runners (finishing under 3 hours)... So I can offer a different perspective than most others who have posted. Pros: -It was really well organized and offered a great overall experience. -the Expo was not crowded when I went, around 7-8PM on Friday night. -decent race temp (usually) - Fireworks at start were fun and unique - miles well marked - Water/aid stations are common - Not too crowded for 'faster' runners - Unique experience seeing all of the parks in one race Cons: -By far the biggest problem is the walk from the meeting area to the start being a half mile long - Crowded for the 'average to slower' runners. - Very early start time So, there are complaints about all the roads and highways, but running on those are the only way to see all 4 parks. You cant reasonably expect to run all 26 miles within the 'fun' parts of Disney, given how big it is. The course was flat and fair. I wouldn't say it's fast but its also not slow. There are a good bit of turns and a few 'hills' on the overpass', but with equal downhill. Overall, a fair course. I will return in the future to run again, but not for a few years. There are too many other marathons I need to run first before returning. Overall, a generally good experience. | |
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A. L. from Grand Manan, Canada
(5/22/2011)
"Magical, Fun Run" (about: 2011)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Disney World Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I loved this marathon! I took a camera in my fuel belt and had my picture taken about 10 times with various characters. Disney workers will take photos for you with your own camera, no problem. (You can also use the official photogragher and order pics online. But that costs money.) Another bonus is being able to use the real restrooms in the park instead of the porta-potties on the route. I've already signed up for the Goofy 2012. Disney really is the happiest place on Earth! | |
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Kyra Bronson from Kansas City, MO
(4/24/2011)
"Best marathon ever" (about: 2011)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Disney World Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Nothing could have been better! Great course; great entertainment. The Disney characters along the course were fun, but my favorite was the Florida Accordian Club playing for us at mile 13ish. I smiled the entire 26.2 miles. Action Sports Images had cameras everywhere, so I can prove it too. |
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