Overall Rating
Overall Rating (103 Reviews)
4.5
(103 Ratings)  (103 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
2.3
SCENERY
4.1
PRODUCTION
4.7
SWAG
4.6
You’re invited to join us for the most magical race weekend on Earth at Walt Disney World® Resort where your favorite classic Disney characters are the hosts! With race distances for all skill levels, including Kids Races, a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon, participants will enjoy special Disney entertainment … MORE
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Recent reviews

    gaebeenz REPEAT RUNNER '24

    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.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    Manda REPEAT RUNNER '24

    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**

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    Vendsweet REPEAT RUNNER '24

    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

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    keifekm FIRST-TIMER '24

    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!

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3
    My Media

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    DonutShark FIRST-TIMER '24

    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.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4
    My Media

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    inKlinerunner FIRST-TIMER '24

    Great race, submit your proof of time as soon as you register so if your competitive you can run without the pack. I heard/saw many complaints online but being in … MORE

    Great race, submit your proof of time as soon as you register so if your competitive you can run without the pack. I heard/saw many complaints online but being in group A, I had no issues running freely and enjoyed the race and all the festivities with it.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    jfickler FIRST-TIMER '24

    Very interesting race! Running through all the parks was a blast. Absolutely amazing time. As for the remaining part of the race, it was really brutal. LOTS of highway miles … MORE

    Very interesting race! Running through all the parks was a blast. Absolutely amazing time. As for the remaining part of the race, it was really brutal. LOTS of highway miles (around 20 of them) which turns to being time long and boring.

    Production wise, really well done. Easy transfer to my hotel after the race, and the expo was super simple.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    lelejones FIRST-TIMER '24

    A storm was expected so they adjusted the start time & shortened the distance to 7 miles. It was very crowded on the course & almost half the participants walked … MORE

    A storm was expected so they adjusted the start time & shortened the distance to 7 miles. It was very crowded on the course & almost half the participants walked the majority of the race. One complaint is-many runners weren’t using race etiquette and stopping & walking in front of people instead of moving to the opposite side of the path. This is a complaint because it’s dangerous for those actually running the course.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    cmpress07 REPEAT RUNNER '23

    No better place to run a marathon! I did the foley in 2018 and came back this year. Great production as usual. Getting up at 3 in the morning is … MORE

    No better place to run a marathon! I did the foley in 2018 and came back this year. Great production as usual. Getting up at 3 in the morning is always fun! Lol. Character stops were great. Well supported. Sufficient fuel along the course.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5

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    kellenday FIRST-TIMER '23

    Disney always puts on a great race weekend. Easy transportation. This weekend, bag check was a little rough. I stood in a long line to drop my bag, maybe 15 … MORE

    Disney always puts on a great race weekend. Easy transportation. This weekend, bag check was a little rough. I stood in a long line to drop my bag, maybe 15 minutes. Then it was a long walk to the chutes to start. Course was nice, flat, and entertaining. Lots of pace groups if that is your thing. Sometimes the courses get congested, which can be frustrating. The energy is electric at these races though. Great swag, and post race environment.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    Lexifer FIRST-TIMER '23

    First of all, if you PR a Diz race, you’re not doing it right. Btwn character stops, entertainment & the potential to grab a drink in Epcot, there is sooo … MORE

    First of all, if you PR a Diz race, you’re not doing it right. Btwn character stops, entertainment & the potential to grab a drink in Epcot, there is sooo much to do to keep you entertained. This is the only race i dont wear my earbuds during. No need to. Theres so much more going on. DO IT!!!!!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    nagelca1989 FIRST-TIMER '23

    Running disney is a dream and the goofy was the most fun I could have distance running. - The expo: I was a little afraid of this cause I'm in … MORE

    Running disney is a dream and the goofy was the most fun I could have distance running.
    – The expo: I was a little afraid of this cause I’m in rundisney facebook groups and it seems like the first day is very very very crowded and a fight for “Hot” merch, but I went on friday (the day before my half) and didn’t wait in any lines and got a really cool marathon jacket!
    – The races: I took my time for the half and stopped for every character! I literally didn’t stop smiling the whole time I was running! Disney has photographers on course so you can purchase those tickets but at each character, a cast member would take my phone and take pics. The marathon was awesome and I PR’ed. I would say there’s almost too many aid stations, but it was great for keeping me hydrated! These races are truly the most fun that you can have while running!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    turtle1024 FIRST-TIMER '23

    There are cool mile markers, and stops to take pictures with many Disney characters, so I would make an allotment of time to do this and perhaps not worry about … MORE

    There are cool mile markers, and stops to take pictures with many Disney characters, so I would make an allotment of time to do this and perhaps not worry about finish time as much, wish I knew this going into it. I lucked out, because the weather was perfect for running at 49 -54 F. Have your camera out and ready or wear a go pro camera when entering the Magic Kingdom.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    4

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    Everything about marathon weekend is perfect- except maybe the 230 AM wake-ups! The Dopey Challenge was just that... a Challenge! But I would do it again in a heartbeat!! MORE

    Everything about marathon weekend is perfect- except maybe the 230 AM wake-ups! The Dopey Challenge was just that… a Challenge! But I would do it again in a heartbeat!!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    Manda FIRST-TIMER '22

    Truly amazing for a first marathon ever! This race will hold a special place in my heart. Lots of characters, entertainment, spectators, you name it, Disney has it. MORE

    Truly amazing for a first marathon ever! This race will hold a special place in my heart. Lots of characters, entertainment, spectators, you name it, Disney has it.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    Vendsweet REPEAT RUNNER '22

    The Disney Marathon continues to be my favorite marathon. I have run it 10 times or more and I have continued to love to run it. It really is an … MORE

    The Disney Marathon continues to be my favorite marathon. I have run it 10 times or more and I have continued to love to run it. It really is an awesome race. I have also learned that you don’t need to get there as early as they say you do. I typically get there 1 hour before the race starts and then I walk to the start. There are so many rolling starts that sometimes I get into a different corral, but it is fine. If you love Disney, this is the race you need to do before you die!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    Disney Marathon! It’s a great race. A lot of fun! Running through the parks is fantastic. Crowd support, even during Covid was great! There is a stretch between parks that … MORE

    Disney Marathon! It’s a great race. A lot of fun! Running through the parks is fantastic. Crowd support, even during Covid was great! There is a stretch between parks that is t very nice but that is okay given the rest of the race.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    5

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    missmac17224 FIRST-TIMER '22

    I got talked into running the Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World on Marathon weekend and I am so glad I did. Even though it was rough getting up at … MORE

    I got talked into running the Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World on Marathon weekend and I am so glad I did. Even though it was rough getting up at 2:30 each race morning, it was also nice to be done the race and still have time to go to a park.

    The 5K and 10K races both started in the parking lot of Epcot. The half marathon and marathon started out on the road near Epcot. Be prepared for a long walk from Epcot out to the start line for the half marathon and full marathon. Each race had several characters along the route where you could stop and get your picture taken with them. Most of the time, the wait was not very long to get a picture taken, but the more popular characters had a longer wait.

    The races also had many very large aid stations with water and sports drink. I was very grateful for the medical stops, especially for the marathon. I was able to stop and get some Vaseline for chafing that I was experiencing, but they also offered biofreeze, bags of ice and sunscreen.

    The 5K ran only in and around Epcot. The 10K briefly went in Hollywood Studios and then back to Epcot. The half marathon went to Magic Kingdom and then back to Epcot. The full marathon went to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, the parking lot of Blizzard Beach, briefly in Hollywood Studios and then back to Epcot. Excluding the 5K, each race had stretches of highway that could have been boring except that they had character stops and some entertainment.

    My husband ran just the half marathon but the entire week he kept saying he wished he had done Dopey also. We will go back in a few years when he is ready to run all the races. The only thing I would do different next time is to run the races first and leave the park visits for the week after the races.

    Transportation during the races was easy as buses were provided for those staying on Disney property to get to and return from the start/finish in Epcot.

    For the Dopey Challenge I got six tech long-sleeved shirts and six medals. That’s one shirt and metal for each race plus a shirt and metal for the Goofy Challenge (completing both half marathon and full marathon) and another shirt and metal for the Dopey Challenge (completing all four races).

    The only disappointment for me was the Expo. Packet pickup was fairly straight forward, but shopping for merchandise was time-consuming and a waste of time. The Expo opened on Wednesday morning at 8 AM. We didn’t get there until Wednesday around 1 PM. It took a couple of hours waiting in line just to get in to look at merchandise. By then, there was very little worthwhile merchandise left to buy, and I ended up getting just a Dopey Challenge magnet. The Expo was open several days but anyone who didn’t get there very early on the Wednesday (and was willing to wait in line for 5-6 hours) did not have a good selection.

    The most fun thing about these races was the costumes. I dressed up in a different Disney character for each race, as did many, many other people. It was so much fun looking at everyone’s costumes, from the very simple to the very elaborate.

    I can’t wait to go back!

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5

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    missmac17224 FIRST-TIMER '22

    I got talked into running the Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World on Marathon weekend and I am so glad I did. Even though it was rough getting up at … MORE

    I got talked into running the Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World on Marathon weekend and I am so glad I did. Even though it was rough getting up at 2:30 each race morning, it was also nice to be done the race and still have time to go to a park.

    The 5K and 10K races both started in the parking lot of Epcot. The half marathon and marathon started out on the road near Epcot. Be prepared for a long walk from Epcot out to the start line for the half marathon and full marathon. Each race had several characters along the route where you could stop and get your picture taken with them. Most of the time, the wait was not very long to get a picture taken, but the more popular characters had a longer wait.

    The races also had many very large aid stations with water and sports drink. I was very grateful for the medical stops, especially for the marathon. I was able to stop and get some Vaseline for chafing that I was experiencing, but they also offered biofreeze, bags of ice and sunscreen.

    The 5K ran only in and around Epcot. The 10K briefly went in Hollywood Studios and then back to Epcot. The half marathon went to Magic Kingdom and then back to Epcot. The full marathon went to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, the parking lot of Blizzard Beach, briefly in Hollywood Studios and then back to Epcot. Excluding the 5K, each race had stretches of highway that could have been boring except that they had character stops and some entertainment.

    My husband ran just the half marathon but the entire week he kept saying he wished he had done Dopey also. We will go back in a few years when he is ready to run all the races. The only thing I would do different next time is to run the races first and leave the park visits for the week after the races.

    Transportation during the races was easy as buses were provided for those staying on Disney property to get to and return from the start/finish in Epcot. I would recommend getting to the start very early to get a good position in the starting corral.

    For the Dopey Challenge I got six tech long-sleeved shirts and six medals. That’s one shirt and metal for each race plus a shirt and metal for the Goofy Challenge (completing both half marathon and full marathon) and another shirt and metal for the Dopey Challenge (completing all four races).

    The only disappointment for me was the Expo. Packet pickup was fairly straight forward, but shopping for merchandise was time-consuming and a waste of time. The Expo opened on Wednesday morning at 8 AM. We didn’t get there until Wednesday around 1 PM. It took a couple of hours waiting in line just to get in to look at merchandise. By then, there was very little worthwhile merchandise left to buy, and I ended up getting just a Dopey Challenge magnet. The Expo was open several days but anyone who didn’t get there very early on the Wednesday (and was willing to wait in line for 5-6 hours) did not have a good selection.

    The most fun thing about these races was the costumes. I dressed up in a different Disney character for each race, as did many, many other people. It was so much fun looking at everyone’s costumes, from the very simple to the very elaborate.

    I can’t wait to go back!

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5

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    nickowen5 FIRST-TIMER '22

    You should run the Disney Marathon if you are looking for a fun race with good entertainment and an easy course. You should not run the Disney Marathon if you … MORE

    You should run the Disney Marathon if you are looking for a fun race with good entertainment and an easy course. You should not run the Disney Marathon if you thrive on “ideal” race conditions.

    … I share significantly more details in the full race report at the link below.
    https://nowenthomas5.wixsite.com/website/post/2022-disney-marathon

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    My Report
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3
    My Media

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