The Magic of Disney World

People migrate to Disneyworld for many reasons: Rides, Ambiance, Food, Entertainment…. and Running. Okay, so running wouldn’t be top on my list of reasons to visit Disneyworld, but it is for many. Every year, Disneyworld hosts a marathon and a half marathon. Running a marathon anywhere isn’t exactly my style, but I have to admit…. if I were to run one, this would be the place! You can’t beat the atmosphere, at any rate.

The Disneyworld Marathone begins just east of Epcot and circles through all four parks before ending up back at Spaceship Earth. Anyone can enter, but you have to be able to finish the race in under 7 hours (that would be 16 minute miles) to receive your award for completing the race. If you’re still running after 7 hours, they’ll consider you psychotic and drive you to the finish line. Okay, so they might not think you’re psychotic. I would, but they might not

If you want to be among the first to begin the race, you’ll need to prove that you can finish the race in under 5 hours. Proof meaning you’ll need a certificate with your finish time from another race, either a marathon, half marathon, or 10 K. If you can’t prove your time, you’ll be in the last group to begin. The race costs $100 to enter, it’s non-refundable, and you can’t enter the day of the race. Awards will be given out in a ceremony at Pleasure Island.
Oh…. and you have to be 18 years old to enter.

The half marathon begins just northeast of Epcot. You’ll run to and through The Magic Kingdom and end up back at Epcot, at Spaceship Earth. So you only get to see two parks, but hey… you only have to run half as long. Again, you’ll have to finish the race in 16 minute miles (3 1/2 hours) or they’ll give up on you and drive you to the finish line. You only have to be 14 years old to enter this one. Just like the marathon, the awards ceremony will be held at Pleasure Island.

If you want to learn more about the Walt Disney World Marathon or Half Marathon, or if you actually want to register, just visit their site:

disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/marathon/listing?name=Marathon2005EventListingPage