The runDisney: Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend was definitely a “Magical” event. The weekend featured several race opportunities which included a 5K; 10K; Half Marathon and Marathon. Within these race selections you could combined the races and complete either the Goofy Challenge 39.3 miles (Half Marathon and Marathon) or the ultimate Dopey Challenge 48.6 miles (all 4 races). Of course I was up for the challenge and chose to be “DOPEY” Dopey was the ultimate endurance challenge but it was four days of pure fun and Disney Magic. All four race days was filled with awesome energy from the time I arrived at the race site until the time I crossed the finish line. The 5K - 3.10 mile through Epcot; 10K - 6.20 miles through Epcot and the Yacht and Beach Club resort; Half Marathon - over 13.1 mile through Magic Kingdom and Epcot and the 25th Annual Marathon covered 26.2 miles through Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Each race was hosted by a different Disney Character, with numerous Disney Characters along the course. There was practically no down time on entertainment because just as you thought the excitement had ended you would see a big screen projecting a Disney movie which I like to refer to as the “Run In Theatre”.

Enough about the amazing courses let’s get down to what's really important the SWAG. The swag was to put it mildly very “SWAGALICIOUS.” Disney had a graphic long sleeve dri-fit shirt for each race and challenge with the exception of the 5K which was a short sleeve cotton shirt giving the Dopey participants a total of 6 shirts. The medals are “GORGEOUS” very well designed with the host Disney character on each medal. So how many medals did I receive for being “Dopey?” SIX !!!!! Also, at the completion of the 25th Anniversary Marathon we received a commemorative Mickey Mouse Ears Hat, just another marvelous surprise to bring a smile to my face after completing 26.2 magical miles.

The runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend was a very organized event and exceeded all of my expectations. I went into the race afraid of the total mileage but because of all the extras on the course I forgot I was running and just felt like a kid in the amusement park. I was not running this race for time or PR this race was strictly to test my endurance and also to enjoy the experience.

This is not a race I would recommend for runners who are concerned about time or PR’s due to the number of participants and the narrow paths throughout the amusement park. But, if you are looking for a fun, really organized race I encourage you to runDisney.