Why all the hype about WDW Marathon?

This weekend is Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend!  If you've spent any time on social media this week, I'm sure you've seen your fair share of posts about it.


The Walt Disney World Marathon certainly holds a special place in my heart.
It was MY first marathon, as well as my sister's first marathon. I actually ran it twice. My first time running it, I ran the Goofy Challenge, (which was the half marathon on Saturday and the full marathon on Sunday).  Needless to say, running a half marathon the day before a full marathon makes race day sort of challenging.  Throw in having IT band syndrome and it made the race down right tough for me, but I finished.

The following year I wanted to see what it was like to run the marathon uninjured, so I did it again!

There is no doubt about it, Disney puts on a fabulous weekend, from all the race distances (5k-marathon), to the expo, photo ops, and special decor and deals in Disney Springs, it truly is an experience every Disney lover and runner should have at least once.


I've participated in WDW Marathon weekend three times and countless other Disney races through out the years. You would think seeing all the posts on social media of people getting ready to run at Disney would give me FOMO ( I thought it would too), but honestly it doesn't!  Which is weird because I always want to go to Disney!

 One reason I think it doesn't is because I actually enjoy being a homebody just as much as I enjoy traveling. In theory, I love to travel, but in reality it stresses me out, especially when I have to fly ( I would much rather drive).  Also, the WDW marathon is not held during the best time of year for me. I mean I understand why they hold it at that time, supposedly lower crowds and better running weather, but being a teacher, it's the first week back after Christmas break. It's not like I actually need to take off work for yet another break!  Also, traveling in January could possibly be problematic depending on the weather. Who wants that stress when flying?


Now I'm not saying that I will never participate in WDW Marathon weekend again, in fact, I do hope to run it (or one of the other races that weekend) again some year. But as of right now I am totally content cheering on our friends from the comfort of my home.  I will be saving my next Disney trip until the summer ( when crowds are the highest and so are the temps...lol) but the trip will be less stressful!  Do you like my logic?

What race do you love, but don't run it often because of timing, logistics, or some other factor that makes you stressed?   -M






24 comments:

  1. When my girls were younger and loved the Disney Princesses, I contemplated running WDW weekend, but they grew out of that stage and it never happened. I love that pic of you two in your rainbow tutus!

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    1. Maybe one day one of your daughters (or both) would love to run a Disney race with you! I ran my first Disney race with my mom!

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  2. I ran the WDW half marathon in 2011. It was a family vacation and it was fun! I didn't mind going in January. But I'm not a Disney person--and so it was a one and done for me. I think it's definitely an experience and Disney really set the bar high for bling. But the race overall was kind of a letdown.

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    1. Aww, I am sorry the race was a let down for you. I do admit the roads of Disney aren't that great for runnning and there is not a lot of time in the actual parks either.

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  3. Our family is HUGE into all the Disney stuff...I can't even remember how many trips we made there when the kids were young (and not so young). When I got into running, I thought I'd make my first "big" race a Disney one, but it didn't happen. I'm not sure it will ever happen now, due to the huge price tag (for the events AND all the expense in getting there) and all the crowds LOL

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    1. Well, if you ever take another family vacation (even the big kids would love it now), you can always through in a 5k or a 10k with the family!

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  4. I have never run a Disney event. I thought maybe when my grandchildren came along we would combine a trip to Disney World with a race for me but so far, they have not expressed any interest in going to Disney World. Maybe when they are a little older. The photo of you two sisters in your tutus is wonderful! As a former teacher, I understand the difficulty with traveling during the school year. For most of the time I taught we only had 2 personal days per year. Tough to arrange a trip at any time other than summer!

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    1. Exactly! I use to save all my personal days each year and take them for a Disney race trip! Hopefully you'll get to run one of the races someday. The 5K is a great family run, maybe you can get the grandkids to join in!

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  5. While I love to travel, yes, it's stressful. The hardest part for me is getting the house clean and getting all the stuff for the dogs ready. So yes, it's stressful, but it's so worth it. Winter travel can be especially hard!

    I like to try to travel for my birthday, but let's face it, it's the middle of February and that's just the worst time -- I was almost born in the car due to a snowstorm!

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    1. Oh no! You are right, January and February is not ideal for traveling unless it's close by

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  6. I have not ever run a WDW race but we visited a number of times when my kids were younger. I love it there but the logistics of a race weekend seem overwhelming and a little exhausting. They do always look like a blast though

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  8. I did the Princess a few years ago and enjoyed it, but for me it was more of a "one and done" experience. It's expensive, crowded, and like you, being a teacher, it's not the best time (Marathon weekend or Princess) to get away. I get stressed too, so I'm glad to hear I'm not alone in this! :)

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    1. The Princess race was actually my very first Half Marathon! It is not the ideal time of year either but I do hope to maybe run that one again. I was injured every year I've run it so far. I need a redemption run!

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  9. Maybe if I had kids. But no. Never had any interest in WDW races. And they are expensive.

    I do love a winter racecation. I always go to Florida. This year for the first time its Bermuda. I am worried whether my foot will let me run.

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    1. I think you need to visit Disney! There are a ton if things for adults to do. You may even enjoy it better being kid free!

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  10. I love to run races and marathons all over the country but there's only so much time and $$. I've gotten into the habit of making races annual traditions which takes up a lot of weekends - LOL!

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    1. Very true! We did SO many Racecations back in 2014 and 2015 I think I burnt myself out and became a home body..lol

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  11. You should do a post on what all the fees are to do a weekend like that - I've heard a few stories on the cost & I always wonder what the cost involves - just the race - the race & the park - hotel?
    yeah, the beginning of January is a tough time of year... & who is keeping up with training during the holidays - that's dedication.

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    1. Very Good Idea! Although there are so many options for people to chose from the pricing would be very different. Looking for this in an upcoming post!

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  12. I feel the same way about the race this year! I've been loving seeing everyone's photos and the fun they're having but I'm happy being home. Like you said, that doesn't mean I won't do it again another year but I'm happy watching from afar this year.

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  13. A big January race sounds tough, in my case I came off a half marathon in November and just needed a few months of lower mileage. But I know a few folks who love the Disney races, and if my schedule ever worked out, I'd be interested. I'd definitely have to get a tutu for the race;-)

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  14. I'm feeling the same way about running the New York Marathon! It hadn't really been on my radar until I hit the qualifying standard in 2019... so I thought, maybe this would be my year for a big trip. Then I looked into the price of just registering - and haven't even contemplated flights yet! - and the stress of traveling is making me think I should just sit it out. I'm with you on driving to races - I always feel better driving there!

    Disney seems awesome but the chaos of it all is kind of a turn off for me! I'm a small town kinda gal :)

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