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Jul 5, 2024

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 131 to 141]

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J. B. from Williamstown, MA (1/25/2011) "First marathon = Incredible time!!" (about: 2011) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Disney World Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and I cannot imagine a better experience (always easy when you have nothing to compare to!). I loved getting up early and getting to the race site with the other runners from my hotel via the monorail. The walk to the corrals was fine - it loosened me up, and it was clearly stated how long it would be in the pre-race emails. Porta-potties were everywhere, or you could use the bathrooms in the parks. The run layout was great, flat and well done. Of course you can't have 26 miles only inside the parks, but on the "boring" sections there always seemed to be a comedy team or funny "deep thought" signs or characters all along the way. The water stations were everywhere and VERY well staffed with water, PowerAde, bananas, gels, etc. Spectators and other runners were friendly. I was able to see my family at multiple spots. Took advantage of some of the photo ops with characters. The medal and shirt are great. Best advice I can give to those thinking about this race as their first: do a race of longer than 10K with a certified time. I did a 10K in Oct (49 minutes) and was put in the second of 8 corrals, and the pace of my fellow runners was perfect for me with a finish of 3:55. Can't wait to do it again!!
T. N. from Sao Paulo, Brazil (1/24/2011) "The marathon exceeded my expectations." (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Disney World Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The Disney Marathon exceeded my expectations. The course, race support and organization were outstanding. Water and PowerAde stations at virtually every mile. I liked the early start. Remember, runners arrive early at the New York and Boston Marathons only to sit around and wait for hours in the staging areas. That was not an issue with Disney. There are few technical issues to encounter to prevent one from achieving a PR or a BQ. While the race temperatures in 2011 were ideal, one will encounter some wind on the course. Likewise, there were two highway ramps to climb at miles 22 and 23. I did not find running the resorts' service roads and highways to be boring because the organizers provide much entertainment during those stretches. I would recommend the Race Retreat if money is not an issue. The race fee is expensive but comparable to entry fees of other major marathons. The finish line food could be improved upon. From what I could tell, the finish line food consisted of a banana, a bottle of Dasani water, and a bottle of PowerAde. Race number pick-up was simple and quick. The race expo was a disappointment as it was very crowded, and I found it difficult to navigate the isles. The official race merchandise offered a lot of selection. I would run this marathon again.
D. B. from Toronto, Canada (1/24/2011) "Well organized, well executed" (about: 2011) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Disney World Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I had a very good overall experience running the WDW Marathon and found it to be well organized and well run. (Specific comments below.) We stayed at the Pop Century resort and thus there were buses to/from the race and resort. I had read previous comments that staying at a monorail accessible resort was advisable for easier access, but now can say that I truly can't imagine how it could have been easier. After eating my breakfast at the cafeteria (which opened at 2:30 a.m. for the runners), I walked outside the building and straight onto a bus, which left within two minutes. The starting area at Epcot is very close to the Pop Century resort and we got there without massive traffic or delay. Once off the bus, one walks a few hundred meters to the area with baggage check, etc. Couldn't be easier! Returning after the race was similarly easy and fast. I chose to pay for access to the "race retreat." I had really debated this expense but considered it insurance against waiting outside (in the dark) in really bad weather. It was cold when we arrived (somewhere between 0 and 4 degrees Celsius) and it was nice to have a place to sit, relax and chat with other runners. Porta-potties with almost no wait, and easy bag check were great too. After the race, it was particularly nice to have a warm place to go, change clothes, and sit at a table with warm food that was plentiful. I imagine that those outside the tent had to grab a patch of concrete. It was expensive, but it made the whole pre/post experience very comfortable. I left the tent for the starting line a few minutes before 5 a.m. Its a good distance away and I entered my corral (to which access is restricted based on the corral on your bib) and waited about 5 minutes for the race to start and an additional 10 minutes for my corral to start. I liked running in the dark and seeing the sun come up but it did make for a very early wakeup (2:45 a.m.). The race route through the different parks really broke the race up into segments. It's a mental trick, I realize, but it helped me get through it. For me, the difficult part of a marathon is around miles 17-21. At WDW, this falls after you have left Animal Kingdom and before you reach Hollywood Studios, so it's a bit of a lonely stretch. After that you are quite quickly at Hollywood Studios, through the Boardwalk resort area, and straight into Epcot, so there is constant stimulation and spectators to distract over the last few miles. At the finish, I quickly received my medal, a bottle of water, and a space blanket, then slowly walked over to the race retreat tent. When I walked by, the food stations were well stocked and accessible. A friend picked up my race kit for me, so I can't comment on the expo. The other interesting thing about this race, compared with any other I've done, is the number of runners who stopped and lined up to have their photos taken with various Disney characters. I can't imagine doing that in the middle of a marathon but there was a lot of this sort of distraction and entertainment along the route and I enjoyed the spectacle of it. I found it to be a great event and would recommend it wholeheartedly.
Terri Blair from Lockbourne, OH (1/17/2011) "A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Disney World Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my first GOOFY at Disney. The expense of the race, resort, and airline tickets is what will make it my first and last. Cons: expense, expo is not that great, there is only a little "Disney" and a lot of what you see at all other expos. I expected more for Disney. Plus sizes go quickly, so if you see something you want, better grab it then. And NO HATS??? Nothing with "Disney Marathon" on it at all. Wake up at 2:00 a.m. to be ready by 3:00 a.m. to catch the bus to the start, which is actually another mile from there. You feel like "night of the living dead," with everyone walking to the corrals for their start. Depending on the corral you start in, you may be waiting another 30-40 minutes from the 5:30 start... which is okay, as you may be waking up by then. PROS: The race, once you get started, is amazing. It's truly what you make of it, also. There are some areas that are boring, but that gives you a chance to talk to other people. There are some narrow spots through some of the parks - again, this is not a race for PR, but a race for plenty of FUN... it's there if you take advantage of it. The medals are amazing and heavy! It was a great weekend with running friends that I will always remember. The only thing I was sad about is that we had to change our flight because of Atlanta being shut down - therefore missing our marathon day at Disney, which we had planned to do!!! I truly think the pass should have been good for the end of 2011!!! That way, I would have made more of an effort to return, with family this time. Disney, you could have made MORE money!!
L. M. from Pocono Mountains, PA (1/16/2011) "Run For Fun - Not PR" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Disney World Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Did the Goofy; overall, it was a great experience. Small, enthusiastic crowds; plenty of water stops; great photo ops. I left thoughts of good race times at home in PA. These races were going to be about FUN and Disney did not disappoint. Lots of first-time marathoners there; good choice for a race. The half included a race for soldiers deployed in Iraq - nice touch. I stayed onsite, did the parks, bought stuff, and ate all my meals there. So with all the money I threw down you couldn't have a voucher for a cup of coffee Saturday and Sunday morning? Only other complaint was about the expo: some nice Goofy-themed clothing in sizes XL - XXL. How about more M and L for those who don't arrive until Friday?
Z. L. from Texas (1/15/2011) "Cannot fail to have fun at Disney" (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Disney World Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was our second Disney, and this year we did the Goofy Challenge, and it was wonderful. The organization is excellent, corrals are just fine if you have a prior time, but not so good if you are a runner and get stuck with walkers in G or H. This year we were in B & C, and it was so much easier getting a free space to run, and we were with people running relatively the same pace at the start. Aid stations are plentiful and great volunteers helping that little extra Disney Magic way they do. We love all of the great sights in the parks and the special character greets they put out along the way, and it really sets this event apart. We will be back, and cannot recommend it highly enough. Now if we can just figure out a way to get free in the fall to complete the "Coast to Coast Challenge." I've read others complain that the crowds are sparse, but I've run a couple where I could not even see a runner in front or behind, much less a crowd, so to me, it appeared that Disney was overflowing with enthusiastic supporters. The best!!! My only caveat is to listen when people say to get there early. It is important, and it does give you time to calm down and settle in. Just enjoy the event, every bit of it, and you will leave with a big smile and a determination to come back.
J. E. from Munich, Germany (1/15/2011) "First class marathon event" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Disney World Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I did the Goofy Challenge and it was one of my best marathon experiences ever. I took it slow in the half and was able to run a PB in the full marathon. Organization was excellent. Plenty of entertainment on the course, especially for the marathon and enthusiastic fans. Getting up in the middle of the night and waiting for the start in the cold was not so great, but it wasn't too bad either.
M. G. from Cleveland, Ohio (1/15/2011) "Great race if you love Disney" (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Disney World Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Yes, there are some negatives (cost, crowded, early start), but I would highly recommend this event for runners looking for a "fun" race. Running down Main St. toward the castle at the Magic Kingdom with all the lights on is one of my all-time running highlights. Spectators are sparse, but enthusiastic. You are truly made to feel special that day. Did the Goofy Challenge - might as well if you're already spending tons of money for flights, hotels, etc. Don't go for PR or BQ. Embrace the surroundings. Stop for pictures with Mickey, Donald, Buzz, etc. Medals are great.
C. B. from Philadelphia, PA (1/14/2011) "An awesome experience!" (about: 2011) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Disney World Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I've previously run the Philly Half twice. This was my first full marathon. Cons: Early start. Long walk to the start. I didn't have a qualifying marathon time so I was put in the very last corral and ended up with the walkers. This made for a frustrating start - ran the first 3 miles on the grass on the side of the road. But that's my problem because I didn't have a qualifying time for better placement - not Disney's. The pros absolutely outweigh the cons. This marathon was SO MUCH FUN for so many reasons! Yes, you only run through the parks for a short time, but this gives you something to look forward to every few miles. Additional pros: Photos with characters along the way, employees and volunteers with big smiles, and great encouragement. Frequent water stops and clean porta-potties with short lines. The miles just kept flying by - there wasn't a single time where I thought to myself, "Oh my goodness. I have 14 miles left... I am never going to make it." The entertainment and sights between the parks are great. I only needed my iPod for a short time between Animal Kingdom and MGM. I will definitely be back, hopefully in a better corral for a better time. Oh - and the course is flat!!
D. S. from Michigan (1/14/2011) "Not 'Magical' but worth a one-time run." (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Disney World Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Disney is a shrewd business. It really depends on your value of their hyped "Magical Experience" to justify the event. It's understandable that they are going to mitigate the run's impact on the park by starting early, and they do pretty good in keeping the course entertaining (fireworks, bands, hot air balloons, characters, etc.). Personally, though, since it is so profit-driven, it's a "one-and-done" event for me. I didn't use the "free" park ticket since, like many others, I was already there on a Disney vacation plan. I would have preferred the option of maybe the pre-race exclusive runner tent or simply not paying $3 for a small cup of coffee. So in a nutshell, squeeze what you can from the photo ops along the course and savor the run because really what's "magical" is if you are left with any money when you leave.

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