Choose to run in the Walt Disney Marathon and dreams can come true!
This 26.2-mile run has runners racing through each of the four Disney theme parks.
It has become quite a popular event attracting more than 20,000 participants annually.
And, of course, it is Disney World, so the event is also rate highly as one of the best destination marathon events staged anywhere.
Participants finishing the race in less than seven hours also get an official Mickey Mouse medallion.
Race History
The first running of the Disney Marathon was January 16, 1994. More than 12,000 runners from across the world participated in this very first Disney Marathon.
Just recently, the 2011 Disney Marathon ran Jan. 9. 2011. Fredison Costa, 33, of Brazil finished first with time of 2:21:15. He was more than six minutes ahead of his nearest competitor.
Coming in second behind Costa was Michael Wardian of Arlington, Va., who recorded a time of 2:27:37. He was followed by Orlando Florida resident Paul Nielsen who clocked a time of 2:31:45.
Another Brazilian, Andriano Bastos, has won the marathon six straight times, last finishing first in 2010 with a time of 2:22:10.
The women’s division winner took the championship crown on her 32nd birthday. Leah Thorvilson, from Little Rock, Ark., clocked a time of 2:42:11.
She was followed by Karen Simmonds-Brady out of Auburn, New York, placing second with a record time of 2:51:14. Melbourne, Fla., resident Jessica Crate finished third with a time of 2:51:53.
The winning times keep increasing every year since 2008 as many runners typically enjoy running what is a fairly flat course.
The first running of the Disney Marathon was January 16, 1994. More than 12,000 runners from across the world participated in this very first Disney Marathon.
Just recently, the 2011 Disney Marathon ran Jan. 9. 2011. Fredison Costa, 33, of Brazil finished first with time of 2:21:15. He was more than six minutes ahead of his nearest competitor.
Coming in second behind Costa was Michael Wardian of Arlington, Va., who recorded a time of 2:27:37. He was followed by Orlando Florida resident Paul Nielsen who clocked a time of 2:31:45.
Another Brazilian, Andriano Bastos, has won the marathon six straight times, last finishing first in 2010 with a time of 2:22:10.
The women’s division winner took the championship crown on her 32nd birthday. Leah Thorvilson, from Little Rock, Ark., clocked a time of 2:42:11.
She was followed by Karen Simmonds-Brady out of Auburn, New York, placing second with a record time of 2:51:14. Melbourne, Fla., resident Jessica Crate finished third with a time of 2:51:53.
The winning times keep increasing every year since 2008 as many runners typically enjoy running what is a fairly flat course.
Race Course
If there is one thing that the Disneyland Marathon can boast about, it is its unique course in terms of just exactly where it is run.
Runners begin at Epcot — home to station earth — and then whine through the classic Disney park, the Magic Kingdom. Next, participants travel through the Animal Kingdom before ending up in Disney’s Hollywood Studios completing the mandatory 26.2 mile run.
Although the Disney course is not as fast as any of the other major marathons, for example London or Berlin, it does present considerable challenge negotiating all the terms involved when running this fairly flat course.
Located in Orlando, Florida
This experience can definitely bring more than marathon training and participating in the Walt Disney World Marathon itself.
Of course you will enjoy all the Disney fun, but there is even more to experience! Are you an art or culture fan? It may be a good idea to fill some of your days with live music, theater, galleries and museums.
Orlando’s big collection of shopping malls and outlets are worth to visit as well. Oh, and take some time to visit one of Orlando’s award-winning spas and rejuvenate yourself.
Maybe you even have plans for a Disney dream wedding!
Race Registration
Race registration opens up March 15, 2011. The Disney Marathon weekend is scheduled for Jan. 5-8, 2012.
Although the registration fee for the Disney Marathon itself has not been set officially, this past year’s fee of $135 covered race registration along with a race T-shirt, goodie bag, free transportation to any of the Walt Disney World resort hotels, a runners personalized bib, on course refreshments and entertainment as well as post-race celebrations in refreshments including a finisher’s Mickey Mouse medallion and a certificate.
Interested would-be participants should check online for registration opportunities after March 15, 2011.
Any marathon runner is going to revel in the opportunity to participate in a race at one of the most magical spots on the globe. Bring the family for all the fun that they can muster in one of the most beloved places in the world where every mile that you run is filled with the whimsical, wonder of Disney fun.
Are you still searching for a marathon training plan that fits your needs? My 100 Day Marathon Plan review tells you all about Marius Bakken’s revolutionary method to train for a marathon. Make sure to read it!
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