Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
Lake Buena Vista, FL
- Dopey Challenge (48.6 Miles), Goofy Challenge (39.3 Miles), Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Half Marathon, inaugural mascot Donald Duck will be the star of the show at every race on every course over race weekend, inviting athletes, fans and his Disney pals to join in his antics. So come join Pluto for … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Jan 07):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 79 | 57 | 70 | 72 | 76 |
| L (°F) | 58 | 42 | 55 | 47 | 59 |
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Magical Miles
Running in Disney is hard to explain. Everyone tells you it is an experience like no other and that you will be hooked on rundisney races. Those people are correct! … MORE
Running in Disney is hard to explain. Everyone tells you it is an experience like no other and that you will be hooked on rundisney races. Those people are correct!
Expo: there is no getting around it – the expo is stressful, crowded, and time consuming. If you are doing the Dopey challenge, you will have to go to the expo the first day (Wednesday). You need to sign up that morning at 8 am (I think this was the time) to get into a virtual queue for official merchandise (this is a separate line/area from the expo). From there you will be assigned a group number and estimated wait time. You will be alerted when your group is up. You will need to use the Disney app for this and can register your entire group at the same time. Getting the bib is organized but the line was extremely long. I recommend immediately getting your shirts and trying them on. You will have an opportunity to exchange them for a different size if needed.
5k: great course basically entirely through Epcot. It’s early, it’s crowded, just have fun! Many people walk the 5k especially if they are doing the Dopey challenge. I ran most of it, stopping for characters/photos along the course.
10k: great course around the Boardwalk area and Epcot. The 10k was definitely less crowded/congested compared to the 5k.
Half marathon: buses start a half an hour earlier (2:30 am) for this race. Get there early, get any pictures taken that you want, then get to your corral. This is the race you get to run in Magic Kingdom and run through the castle! Yay! As soon as you run through the castle you will go in front of it towards the left – there will be photo pass on your right so find a good opening and give a big smile!! After running through the castle you will have an opportunity to get your picture taken in front of the castle (this is a must!). The half marathon does have some stretches of highway that get boring, so be prepared for that.
Marathon: this is the race you get to run through all 4 parks (plus the dreaded Blizzard Beach parking lot). You will have an opportunity to ride Everest in Animal Kingdom (as long as the park is already open by the time you get there) and rides in Hollywood Studios!
Disney is extremely organized and efficient. Depending on the corral that you are placed in, you may have longer wait times for character photo stops. For me, the longest I waited was the first day (5k) and that was 25 minutes. The 10k I think the longest I waited was 10 mins. For the half marathon and fill marathon I stopped at every character and my longest wait was still less than 10 mins (this was when the characters were taking a break). Other than that for the half and full I waited on average 2 minutes!
Buses are super easy to get to and from the races. I recommend staying on property and utilizing the buses. The medals are high quality and amazing!
I love the Disney Marathon
It is always a great race and I really appreciate the fact they gave water and gatorade every mile due to the hotter than ideal conditions. The only thing that … MORE
It is always a great race and I really appreciate the fact they gave water and gatorade every mile due to the hotter than ideal conditions. The only thing that made the race less than ideal is we got placed in the G section by mistake– so we spent the entire race passing people and thus congestion.
Well put together
Got to run through all of the parks. There were water and Powerade stations every 2 miles. The crowds cheering you on were amazing. MORE
Got to run through all of the parks. There were water and Powerade stations every 2 miles. The crowds cheering you on were amazing.
Amazingly organized and best swag.
Enjoy the weekend and have fun. Don't push too hard through the early races. 5k is a fun run and results are not listed on the website. Crazy early start … MORE
Enjoy the weekend and have fun. Don’t push too hard through the early races. 5k is a fun run and results are not listed on the website. Crazy early start time to beat the heat.
Inclusive event - continues to improve!
Run Disney continues to improve all aspects of the running events including the buses to the on-course entertainment and cheering areas and the aid stations and swag! This is the … MORE
Run Disney continues to improve all aspects of the running events including the buses to the on-course entertainment and cheering areas and the aid stations and swag! This is the most inclusive, energizing running weekend to participate in. If you enjoy Disney and running: Participate in Marathon Weekend!
A few areas to improve: 1. EXPO – especially on Wednesday and Disney specific Merch (very, very crowded and requires timed entry for Run Disney Merch). 2. Post Run Food – boxed snacks and banana after each DOPEY race and the snacks lacked appeal, especially considering the entry cost. 3. Race Shirts – improve the material, color choice and large block style designs. 4. Half Marathon and Marathon course: narrow pathway from Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom creates a bottleneck and the Magic Kingdom parking lot is HORRIFIC as is the Blizard Beach parking lot.
The few facts of Run Disney races that must be reckoned with include early arrivals/bus rides and potentially long waits for the start. Without proof of time or with a slower proof of time, you have the potential of corral placement that can be frustrating due to the number of walkers and participants that do not adhere to race etiquette.
Overall, Run Disney exceeds expectations and continues to listen to feedback and make meaningful changes to enhance the experience.
Dopey Challenge
This race keeps me coming back. If you like Disney, this is a great race! It is a lot of open road running without spectators, but there are generally a … MORE
This race keeps me coming back. If you like Disney, this is a great race! It is a lot of open road running without spectators, but there are generally a lot of runners, so you are never alone (unless you are super fast).
Interesting but not for me
This is a race or race series if doing Dopey that is more for Disney aficionados than people interested in running. For some this makes this race perfect for others--well, … MORE
This is a race or race series if doing Dopey that is more for Disney aficionados than people interested in running. For some this makes this race perfect for others–well, I’ve done it once and that was fun but I can skip a repeat.
Firstly, these races start very, very early because Disney is desperate to open the parks to regular guests. We had cold weather for Florida this year. Better than the sauna it could have been, but freezing under mylar blankets in the dark is not a happy race morning. Disney is known for its entertainment, but it’s very repetitive after four days.
Secondly, I would never do these races without a proof of time. For the marathon and half marathon, I was in coral A. This was a much more enjoyable experience than the Coral D of the 5k and 10k. It is clear that many people are less than truthful in the times they will run. The 5k was like being at a shopping mall on Christmas Eve. Running wasn’t really happening, and while I wasn’t in any great hurry for the shorter races, I wanted to limit my time on my feet and get out of the cold. Come on Disney, if a runner has proof of time for the longer races, don’t stick them in the chaos of the later corals for the shorter races. To make matters worse, our bus driver refused to turn on the heat or the lights on the bus after the 5k, so we were all sitting in a freezing, dark bus while the course cleared.
Thirdly, there was a fiasco with the timing chips this year with many not working. I was fortunate that my timing chip worked for all the races. These races are way too expensive for the timing to fail and for Disney to shrug their shoulders and say you can still PR in fun or the like. Challenging yourself to run a decent pace, whether that is faster than I could ever imagine or barely beating the balloon ladies, in all four races is part of the fun. Also for the cost of these races, Disney should give age group awards. I’m all for encouraging all to participate, but it is a race, and it’s not wrong to race. I’m very much a mid packer at most races, but old enough that being in the middle of the pack takes some work and makes me competitive in my age group. I don’t think it’s wrong to celebrate competitiveness, but the Disney vibe is that competitiveness beyond finishing isn’t desirable. There is a place for both groups. Finishing is fantastic, but don’t dump on those of us who find finishing a bit faster is more our jam. The race is also our celebration, and I train hard so I can celebrate.
On the positive side, the medals are fun and fancy and the on course entertainment is excellent. The light show near the Polynesian for the marathon and the half marathon was great, and since I was in an early coral I could enjoy it without terrible over crowding. Running up Main Street with the cheering crowds was fun. I was disappointed not to be able to ride Everest since it wasn’t open yet when I went by. I personally don’t mind the freeway running because the crowds are more tolerable in those stretches and there was ample entertainment.
Overall if you can afford it, do these races at least once. It’s an experience and worth the hassle.
It’s Disney…what else can I say?!
Disney puts on a helluva race and a helluva production. It’s expensive but worth the experience and you’ll compare every race you run to a RunDisney race. From the expo … MORE
Disney puts on a helluva race and a helluva production. It’s expensive but worth the experience and you’ll compare every race you run to a RunDisney race. From the expo to the finish line, you are the star of the show. Running through all 4 parks is amazing and the crowd support is top notch.
Great For a First Marathon
The expo was well run and had 0 lines when I went the day before the marathon. I was not shopping for merchandise but they seemed to have stock of … MORE
The expo was well run and had 0 lines when I went the day before the marathon. I was not shopping for merchandise but they seemed to have stock of multiple items. Morning of the race the corrals were easy to navigate. Early start time was no issue, once on the course things went fairly well. Out of 26.2 miles you run about 5-6 in parks split up by around 7 mile increments in between. Most of the course was flat and simple to navigate. I am a fan of the large amount of refreshment stations along the course. Character meetings were ok, not my biggest draw for the race. One of the highlights was a “star wars mile” which was more entertaining than the usual highway stretch. Worst miles were the water treatment facility and 21-22. Finish line area was nice and post-race reunion area was organized well. The vintage theming of the race was nicely designed as well. I would definitely run this again.
Talk about an experience! Magical!
I completed the Dopey, with the last day being the marathon. The marathon race started at 4:30 am with corrals A-G starting in Epcot. It takes about an hour to … MORE
I completed the Dopey, with the last day being the marathon. The marathon race started at 4:30 am with corrals A-G starting in Epcot. It takes about an hour to get everyone started. So, it is crowded. You need to get to the race at least an hour or more ahead of the race start. This race is for the experience, many character stops, running through all 4 parks, and rode on Everest (a rollercoaster). Absolutely, the best for a Disney fan. Plenty of fuel (sports beans, bananas, & biscuit) provided. Water and Powerade on the course. You really can’t get a flatter course. It was a breeze. Wear Disney shirts, costumes, gear… the more you get into the spirit, the more you will enjoy. The only challenge is stopping and starting again for character photo ops. This is not how I train, so starting again in the double digits took a bit to get back to my race speed. These are optional stops, but I wanted the full experience.
Extremely Crowded Marathon #92
It is Disney Race so there were DOPEYS, GOOFYs and others out there. It was extremely crowded and the course is very narrow in place. Medals are amazing and characters … MORE
It is Disney Race so there were DOPEYS, GOOFYs and others out there.
It was extremely crowded and the course is very narrow in place.
Medals are amazing and characters were abundant.
Lots of time in MK and very little time in HS.
Weather was perfect!
Today, I crossed the finish line of my 10th Disney Marathon, and while the weather was absolutely perfect—cool and crisp, exactly what you hope for on race day—I found myself … MORE
Today, I crossed the finish line of my 10th Disney Marathon, and while the weather was absolutely perfect—cool and crisp, exactly what you hope for on race day—I found myself with mixed feelings about this year’s event.
First, the positives. Thanks to the weather, I hit a personal record (PR)! For any marathoner, you know how much of a difference cool temperatures can make, and today was one of those rare days where everything seemed to align. There’s something magical about running through Disney with the sun rising and hearing the cheers of cast members and spectators. The energy was high, and for all my gripes, I still love this race.
That said, the course was different this year, and I can’t say it was for the better. There were a lot of u-turns, which can feel tedious and mentally draining after a few miles. The route also seemed to minimize time spent in Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios—two of the highlights for me in years past. Running through the parks is what makes this race special, and less time there feels like a loss.
Disney Marathon weekend is iconic, but I can’t shake the feeling that the event has become more about Disney’s convenience than the runners’ experience. It sells out every year, so they have little incentive to make changes based on feedback. And yet, I’ll probably be back next year—because for all its flaws, the Disney Marathon still holds a special place in my heart. It’s not just a race; it’s an experience.
Here’s to another year, another run, and maybe a little pixie dust on the course next time.
Crowded and Narrow
It is Disney Race so there were DOPEYS, GOOFYs and others out there. It was extremely crowded and the course is very narrow in place. Medals are amazing and characters … MORE
It is Disney Race so there were DOPEYS, GOOFYs and others out there.
It was extremely crowded and the course is very narrow in place.
Medals are amazing and characters were abundant.
Lots of time in MK
It's not a race!
This review is for the 5K. I ran it as part of the Dopey event. I had never done the Dope, so I didn't know that this race is essentially … MORE
This review is for the 5K. I ran it as part of the Dopey event. I had never done the Dope, so I didn’t know that this race is essentially a 3.1 mile costume parade in Epcot before sunrise. Stupid me! I wore running clothes! There were unbelievably elaborate costumes and make-up on the MAJORITY of the participants. Tall, self-respecting adults with rather serious RBFs were transformed into pixies, fairies, pirates, cartoon characters–the whole pantheon of Disney! The other participants looked on me with pity, if they looked at me at all, because I was wearing: Plain. Running. Clothes. I half expected someone to hand me a sandwich and point to the railroad tracks because I looked like a hobo!! So you, runner friend, have been advised. Wear something festive for the 5K. You can thank me later.
The race was spectacular!! Running through EPCOT before sunrise, with huge torches burning, the World Showcase all brilliantly lit up, live musical groups, the smell of fresh baked goodies in the air, cast members cheering you along the route, makes for all the feels of a perfect event. 11/10 would do again in a heartbeat!!
Would I do it again? Absolutely.
I am a repeat runDisney runner - but this was my first Dopey Challenge. Taking on the 5k, 10k, half, and full in the same weekend was daunting. It was … MORE
I am a repeat runDisney runner – but this was my first Dopey Challenge. Taking on the 5k, 10k, half, and full in the same weekend was daunting. It was a personal challenge as I was undertrained due to plantar fasciitis, but I went in ready to go. I will say bib pick-up for Dopey is a little chaotic because you have to go that first day of the expo, and thats when all the 5k racers are also picking up, so there are a ton of folks there, plan on spending a couple hours there just for bib pick-up! The races were spectacular. Transportation is easy and there are signs everywhere. Pre-race areas are full of energy and lots to do. Corrals take a bit to get through, maybe bring a throw away blanket or sweatsuit to stay warm. Race is clearly marked with tons of entertainment and your fellow runners are so cheerful and supportive. Disney cast members come out to cheer you on and you feel incredible. Had some weather that caused course changes, but communications were often and clear. Post-race is always fabulous with amazing swag. All four races was crazy, but I would absolutely do again. It makes you feel incredible.
So much fun!
Course was flat and easy. So much entertainment along the course. Got to ride the roller coaster Expedition Everest in the middle of the marathon. Had a blast. The race … MORE
Course was flat and easy. So much entertainment along the course. Got to ride the roller coaster Expedition Everest in the middle of the marathon. Had a blast. The race medals are works of art. The crowds were great.
Best race weekend Disney has to offer!!
Dopey challenge is a challenge in itself, but what a great year this was!! Granted the 1/2 marathon course got cut short due to thunderstorms, the marathons sure made up … MORE
Dopey challenge is a challenge in itself, but what a great year this was!! Granted the 1/2 marathon course got cut short due to thunderstorms, the marathons sure made up for it. It was the first time where I felt great running it the entire time. No pain or anything (thank you biofreeze!! lol). Disney knows how to do races, everything was worth it. I’d definitely do dopey again.
**Disney has plenty of water stations, first aid stations (more than any other race I’ve seen), entertainment, music, characters, etc**
Disney does not disappoint!
This was my 9th time running the Disney marathon. It is always so much fun. I ran it slower this time with my daughter, which was by far the best … MORE
This was my 9th time running the Disney marathon. It is always so much fun. I ran it slower this time with my daughter, which was by far the best part.
One of the observations I have made over the years of running this race is that it’s becoming less and less runner centric. Because the race sells out every year, it feels like Disney is working to make things more convenient for them, than the runners. For example, I had to walk a mile before the race started and a mile after the race ended for parking. Not ideal when you’re running a marathon, but the Disney marathon is a favorite and I will do it again next year , and probably every year for the rest of my life
Nice run for the experience
This is likely one of the only races where I would say I “only did the Full Marathon.” The Disney challenges (Dopey & Goofy) are the main event. Definitely on … MORE
This is likely one of the only races where I would say I “only did the Full Marathon.” The Disney challenges (Dopey & Goofy) are the main event. Definitely on my bucket list to attempt the Dopey someday!
Course: Nice flat course. A lot of the course is on roads between parks but they did a nice job of placing characters and DJs to distract you. The run down Main Street is Magic Kingdom was magical. It was also neat to run through portions of Animal Kingdom (I was able to ride Everest during the race!!), Epcot and Hollywood Studios. I committed to myself to enjoy the experience of the characters and wasn’t chasing a goal time. They probably had at least 30 character stops. There might’ve been more but there was a significant downpour for several miles and the characters get pulled.
Swag: The medals and shirts are nice! I chose not to wait for a half a day to visit the Merch area but it sounds like a lot of people really like to buy all of the merchandise. I liked that they had bananas on the course! They also had Sport Beans. Post race they provided plenty of water. Gatorade etc. They also had a nice snack pack for runners. Runner also got a set of Marathon edition Mickey ears.
All in all I had a great time and enjoyed this race!
Most fun I’ve had running a marathon
I’m not a huge Disney fan, but this was still the most fun I’ve had running a marathon. Once you let go of ego and quit worrying about your finishing … MORE
I’m not a huge Disney fan, but this was still the most fun I’ve had running a marathon. Once you let go of ego and quit worrying about your finishing time, this event gets a lot more enjoyable.
Nearly everyone I saw was doing some sort of Galloway method. For some it may have been a race strategy; for most, I suspect it was about soaking up the atmosphere. In fact, there were stretches where you had little choice but to slow down or walk due to congestion.
Character encounters were plentiful…at least one per mile until heavy rains soaked us around mile 7-8. After the rain passed, characters were back on the course…within 3-5 miles, I think. It was actually nice to stop once a mile to wait in a short line for a character encounter/photo op and catch your breath.
Water stations were plentiful, too: Water and Powerade every mile, with a few GU stops, too. Medical care was abundant. Support crews were friendly and energetic. Toilets seemed adequate, near as I could tell.
The course itself: Flat. A few baby hills while circling a highway on-ramp/off-ramp or too, but if you were put off by those “hills” you probably need to ramp up your hill training. They’re barely worth noting if you’ve trained on anything with more than 50-ft of total elevation gain.
The expo was…exactly what you’d expect from Disney. One arena was full of vendors selling you everything from run apparel to hairstyling products. The other was a typical Disney merchandise sales machine, with typically pricy Disney branded run apparel. There was some nice stuff…I just don’t wear Disney apparel, so I sure as heck didn’t need to pay a premium price to buy it. But to each his/her own.
The post-race was fine…food/beer/liquor for purchase, a free snack pack, and more merch in sizes that met the needs of very few runners (think XXXL shirts).
At the end of the day, this race is all about the Disney showmanship…all the typical race details are sorta trivial. My suggestion: Run this race, have the time of your life, where something fun, stop for as many character encounters as you can, and remember how to be a kid again for a few hours.