news as issues

disney marathon


Runners from all over the world are making their way to Orlando, FL as Walt Disney World Marathon weekend is upon us with a whole slate of races on tap from Friday, January 8 to Sunday, January 10. More than 55,000 runners are registered to compete in one of the races - making it one of the largest running weekends in the country (second only to Arizona’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon weekend in 2009). In addition, there are new ticketed events this year including a carb-loading pasta dinner at Epcot on Thursday, January 7. The “Pasta in the Park Party” includes a pasta buffet at the World ShowPlace Pavilion and special seating to view “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth”. Also new is a private post-race party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios called the “Victory Lap Celebration” that includes a DJ, Disney Characters, cash bar, food vendors, and access to attractions. For those wanting a course preview, I include a mile by mile account of my running of the Walt Disney World Half Marathon in 2009 after the break. Continue on to read more about this year’s event, and listen while I participate in the race.

Almost 24,000 athletes are registered for the full marathon (26.2 miles) and more than 23,000 are registered for the half marathon (13.1 miles) - the two signature races. 7,500 athletes have filled “Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge” to capacity - requiring runners to complete both the full and half marathons (39.3 miles) in consecutive days. Defending men’s champion, Brazilian Adriano Bastos, returns to attempt to win his sixth straight Disney Marathon.