If you are athletically inclined, the Walt Disney World Marathon (scheduled for January 11, 2009) is something to be experienced at least once. While it might not have the prestige of the Boston Marathon, what it does have to offer is pure entertainment – music and Disney characters along a 26.2 mile route that takes you through all four Disney theme parks. What could be better than running down Main Street U.S.A. as onlookers applaud you as you run through the archway in Cinderella Castle?
If running that far sounds utterly exhausting to you, may I suggest trying for the Walt Disney World Half Marathon (13.1 miles). I’ve completed this race once before, and I’ve already signed up for the 2009 half marathon (scheduled for January 10, 2009), and let me assure you that I am not the poster child for physical strength. With a little training and motivation this is a race that I think is very attainable for those looking for a great way to kick-start their New Years resolution to be more active.
Those who complete the full marathon get a finisher’s medal shaped like Mickey’s head, and those completing the half marathon get one shaped like Donald. And for the truly ambitious runners who are foolish enough to attempt (and complete) both races, you get a special medal shaped like Goofy (and I think you’d have to be a little goofy to sign up for that much running in one weekend)!
If you’d like to test the waters with something a little less ambitious, Walt Disney World offers a variety of other endurance events throughout the year. Coming up on May 2-4 is Disney’s Minnie Marathon Weekend, which features a 5K race as well as a 15K race (which I’ve also done and think serves as a great warm-up for a longer marathon or half marathon). These races also take you through Walt Disney World property and, depending of the length of the race, through some of the theme parks.
You can learn more about all of Disney’s endurance events, as well as register for anything mentioned here, at DisneySports.com.
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6 Comments for “Registration for the 2009 Walt Disney World Marathon, Half Marathon Opens Today!”
January 18th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
I did not know all of these special dates and events were even at Disney World! Thanks for the information! Cindi
April 6th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Hello, I already registered for the Walt Disney World marathon 2009, Is there any link where I can see my confirmation to the race.
April 6th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Try contacting Disney’s Wide World of Sports … click here.
April 6th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Is park admission included for the rest of the day with marathon registration?
April 7th, 2008 at 9:21 am
Park admission doesn’t appear to be included.
Here’s what’s listed on the Disney Marathon site as part of the $125 entry fee …
* Race Registration
* Official Race Program
* Commemorative Champion® Race Tech Shirt
* Goody Bag
* Event Weekend Transportation
* Personalized Bibs
* On Course Refreshments
* On Course Disney Entertainment
* Post-Race Refreshments
* Family Reunion Area with live entertainment and characters
* Post-Race Celebration Entry
* Finishers of each race receive a Certificate
* Marathon Finishers receive Mickey Mouse medal-new design in 2009!
* More Disney Characters in 2009!
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:17 am
I have done the half marathon and my husband does the goofy every year. Park admission is not included which i think stinks. Also if you are staying at a disney world resort without a car you have to rely on the Disney bus, and the last one leaves at 4:00 AM so you get to Epcot and have to WAIT and WAIT and WAIT on the hard cold pavement. It really sucks. Then you have to walk almost a mile from the holding area to the start line. I guess they do this because they want to get you warmed up after you have waited for two hours on the pavement.
The actual marathon is very good - a lot of entertainment and crowd support but there has got to be a better way to get you there in the morning. My husband and I have rented a car just for that day so we could sleep in a little and not have to wait on the pavement.
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