As a veteran of all 19 WDW Marathons I have had the privilage of watching this race grow into a great event over the years. Disney Sports and EMMI (course management and race director) continue to improve the experience for everyone by listening to participant feedback and implementing the best suggestions.

I have finished with times of 3:34 at my best, 6:06 at my worst and everything in between. It really depends on the weather conditions which can range from very cold and dry to very hot and humid.

I have read a good cross section of comments on this board and would like to address a few items that standout the most:

COURSE LAYOUT - Many people have commented that the course layout uses alot of lonely service roads and lacks spectators over a large portion. Well, it is 26.2 miles after all, and it would be difficult to run that far inside of a single park. Since the parks are spread out across Disney's vast property there is no other way to tour all of them. The race director has tweaked the course over the years but one section has remained what I call the death stretch. It starts at mile 17 after emerging from the Animal Kingdom and follows the Osceola Parkway to World Drive. The route becomes very exposed at this point to the rising sun. Fortunately for 2013 the course has been altered and this stretch comes several miles earlier, meaning less exposure and more energy. As for spectators, I prefer the open spots for one big reason, anyone that comes to the line well hydrated will likely need a stop or two to take care of business. This is not a problem since there are numerous open areas off the side. If you have ever run a big city race like New York or Chicago it is wall to wall people for the entire course and any porta-potties have long lines (not so good if you are looking for a fast race time). The last few miles have plenty of spectators to bring you home. Lastly, if you need the encouragement of a crowd to finish then I suggest you train harder.

START TIME - Many have complained about the 5:35 am start. If you are new to the race you probably don't appreciate the real reason for this start time. It's not about the parks being crowded or the traffic, it's about the temperatures. The last few years have been downright freezing by Florida standards, but there have been years when the temps were in the mid 60s with high humidity at the start with peaks over 80 by 9am. Brutal even for acclimated individuals such as myself.

DISTANCE FROM STAGING TO START CORRALS - It is about a half mile from the staging area to the starting corrals. I treat it as a good warmup walk, especially in cold years. It also beats having to get on a schoolbus and slog many miles without a bathroom (ever run Boston?, you know what I'm talking about). If you cant handle the extra half mile then you probably need to consider doing the half or 5k. At least after finishing you dont have to go far at all to get to your car or Disney transportation. Try catching a cab within 3 miles of the NYC finish.

ENTRY FEE - Compared to any other large race the entry fee is about the same.

In summary I would say that this is by far the best organized race I have ever participated in. There is always plenty of water/poweraid on the course, the volunteers are numerous and friendly and the flat layout generally makes for an comfortable run. If your considering participating I would recommend it 100%.

I've never been a fan of Disney parks even as a kid. However running through it in a marathon was a hoot! We started off quite early with the sun not even cracking the horizon. To see the silhouette of the runners against the early street and station lights as vapors of their breaths curl into the air had a serene quality to it that I haven't experienced in my past races. Then going through the various parks when the xmas displays were still lit was a real treat that conjured childhood nostalgia. My only gripe was that in many parts of the race, we were funneled into a running path that had a width of a sidewalk. This surely affected many people's pace and time (although I did still manage a PR). Other than that, this is a superb race with a great medal and a quality tech shirt. The expo is at the ESPN zone, although I'm not quite sure why they segregated the bib pickup from the stores when it really wasn't that big a crowd. The food at the end ranged from salty snacks, to sweet energy bars, to broths for the spent runners. If I ever have kids and need to take them to Disney, you can bet I'll be timing the trip to coincide with this race.

The Walt Disney World Marathon weekend is a four day event in Orlando, FL from Thursday to Sunday consisting of four separate races: a 5k, half marathon, marathon relay and marathon. The 5k course on Friday is limited to the Epcot Center, the half marathon course on Saturday covers the Epcot Center and Magic Kingdom Park, and the marathon course on Sunday passes through all four of Disney's parks: Epcot, Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Each one of these races start very early in the morning so as not to interrupt the activities in the park for visitors not associated with the marathon. In addition, Disney organizes several kids races throughout the day on Friday and Saturday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Track and Field Complex.

The marathon weekend experience actually begins at the expo organized at the ESPN Complex. No registration packets can be picked up on the day of the race, so participants must arrive at the Complex at least the day before. All participants are first directed toward an indoor arena to pick up their bib numbers, receive race information, and purchase race souvenir items. Then they are all herded to another building housing the expo for the race and the location to pick up the race goodie bag and T-shirt (the long sleeve T-shirt was excellent!). This expo included mostly independent booths selling running equipment as well as a small handful of booths promoting other marathons. After the expo, some runners participate in the Pasta Party on Thursday night, but most of them return to their accommodations to get acclimatized over the next few nights to the super early start on race day.

For the sake of convenience, participants try to stay in one of the several Disney resorts during the marathon weekend. However, those that didn't have the fortune to reserve their accommodation early have to arrive at the start meeting point at 4 am. Originally I thought that arriving at 4:00 for a race that starts at 5:35 was absurd until I realized that the meeting point is about 45 minutes - one hour away from the actual start line. Runners walked from the meeting point (which is actually the finish line) to the start line through dark service roads. Upon arrival to the start line, runners were then herded into several corrals according to their expected finishing time. The corrals were required to reduce crowding during the race. While awaiting the start, all participants were provided with race instructions and also a rendition of the US national anthem.

On the 8th of January, 2012 at 5:35 in the morning, Walt Disney World Marathon officially began with marathon and marathon relay participants starting side by side. As each group left their corral and crossed the starting line (a few minutes apart), fireworks were released above the runners.

The marathon itself was excellent. Although most of the course was spent running through service roads from one park to the other, there was still plenty to see and do along the race. My biggest surprise was seeing all the Disney characters along the race. The 20+ characters were stationed almost at every mile to allow picture taking with runners. Professional photographers were even present to take a quick picture before the runners had to dash off again. There was never a wait of more than a few seconds for each picture and it was fantastic being able to take pictures with Winnie the Pooh, Woody (from Toy Story), Mickey, Peter Pan, etc. The only place that the Disney characters greeting the runners were slightly different was in the Animal Kingdom park where it was possible to see live eagles, owls, goats, pigs, etc. (at least 10 different animals each with a trainer) right alongside the course. The highlight of the marathon course was running through each of the four Disney parks (the course actually passed through Epcot twice!). My favorite part of the race was running right through the archway of the enchanted palace in the Magical Kingdom. It was also interesting to pass through the backlots of the parks were we could see the floats used during the Disney parades, costume shops, executive entrances, etc.

No spectators were present at the beginning of the marathon, but along the course there were several specific spectator areas where people could watch the race. The first couple miles of the marathon were bleak because it was cold and dark alongside a service road. Things improved considerably after the first spectator area and the course organizers tried to put some marching bands, DJs, musicians, and even comedians along the course to animate the runners. Once the park opened at 9:00, there were a lot more spectators along the course as well in each park. It should also be mentioned that all park staff throughout the race encouraged the runners.

13,522 marathon runners completed the race along with 419 marathon relay teams. Very few of the runners dressed up in Disney costumes - I was one of the small minority of runners that ran with Disney paraphernalia. My biggest complaint was the fact that the race registration was very expensive ($135). In addition, Disney did not provide any discounts on any of its parks for marathon participants. My other complaint with the race was the fact that it began so early, but nothing can really be done about this factor. I also didn't like running through the service roads connecting each park, but Disney organizers did a great job to keep runners entertained with characters, bands, etc.

INTRODUCTION: I am a race-walker with a median marathon completion time of 5:14:49. This edition of the Walt Disney World Marathon was my twenty-third 26.2-miler accomplished.

COURSE: It was a great day for a marathon, at least at the beginning: temperature at 6:50 am was 48 degrees with 100 percent relative humidity (decreasing rapidly), calm, and clear. The sun had yet to rise as we departed from the start line on Epcot Center Drive and headed on our way to the first of the four theme parks: Epcot. Entering Future World, we passed by the illuminated Spaceship Earth as we headed toward the Mexico and Norway Pavilions of the World Showcase and proceeded offstage toward the Magic Kingdom, seven miles down the road by way of Epcot Center Drive and World Drive. And while the diversions were significantly reduced during this stretch, we did benefit from more than one lane width during much of this portion of the course, which was a rarity for much of this race.

Entering the Magic Kingdom from adjacent to Tony's Town Square Restaurant, we cruised on Main Street, U.S.A.; and ran or walked through Tomorrowland, Fantasyland (including through Cinderella's Castle), Liberty Square, and Frontierland before leaving the park. It was another five miles or so to our next park by way of Floridian Way and Bear Island Road, including passing by the notorious waste treatment facility near mile 15. As a diversion, some Disney characters were on hand for photo opportunities.

Upon entering the backstage of Animal Kingdom, some animals were on hand to greet us as we approached Africa, followed by Asia, where we were warned about the presence of the Yeti at Expedition Everest, and finally DinoLand U.S.A at mile 17.

It had started getting warm by now, the sponges handed out just as we were leaving Animal Kingdom was a great relief as we were embarking on the most mentally difficult part of the race: Osceola Parkway. There was very little diversion and cover, tree and cloud, on this stretch of road between miles 18 and 21, and the mile on World Drive was equally void of distraction. The difficulty ended at mile 23 as we arrived on stage at the Streets of America New York set in Hollywood Studios. By way of Commissary Lane, we traveled down Hollywood Boulevard before leaving the park and approached the narrowest part of the course.

The Epcot Resort Area connected Hollywood Studios and the World Showcase of Epcot, and we ran or walked parallel to the ferry boats that serviced the parks and the resorts in between: Boardwalk at mile 24, Swan and Dolphin, Yacht and Beach Club.

We entered Epcot from the backstage of the United Kingdom Pavilion at the 40 kilometer mark, and traveling clockwise around the World Showcase Lagoon, we were able to see all eleven pavilions but one. Traveling through Future World once again, but in daylight, we finished our race in the Imagine section of the Epcot parking lot. Finish time weather at 11:20 am: 73 degrees with 46 percent relative humidity, SE wind of 6 mph and clear sky.

ORGANIZATION: An event typical of Disney hospitality and efficiency. The size of the Health and Fitness Expo was fitting for a race of this size. Located in two buildings, we picked up our bibs and checked our B-tags in the HP Field House; then we went to the Jostens Center to pick up our long sleeve tech tee, purchased race souvenirs, and visited the exhibitors.

It took us twenty minutes to walk from the Epcot parking lot to the starting area. The field was divided into eight corrals based on estimated completion time. Volunteers were on hand to check our bibs upon entering the correct corral. Most participants arrived on time and were staged in the corrals before the start fireworks.

PowerAde and Water was served at the beverage stations, no difficulty in retrieving the drinks. Bananas were served near mile 14; Clif Shots were available before miles 16 and 20. And throughout the marathon, cast members were present to take photographs of us with our favorite Disney characters, if we wanted to take the extra time to do so.

FANS: Their presence was like a light switch: either on or off. Fans were largely on hand on Epcot Center Drive at the start and mile 5; at the Epcot entrance on the third mile; before the Transportation and Ticket Center at mile 9; on Main Street, U.S.A. past mile 10; Floridian Way between miles 12 and 13; on Osceola Parkway before mile 20; on Hollywood Boulevard a little beyond mile 23; and at the finish line. Otherwise, we were on our own.

CONCLUSION: Judging by the many costumes worn and cameras in hand, this was a race where participants wanted to have a good time rather than get a good time, fitting for a Mickey Mouse Marathon.

The Good Stuff:

I picked up my bib, thee shirts and my bag at the expo on Friday and spent the rest of the afternoon icing my legs. I met for the first time a lot of my online friends at Di Napoli, including Jill, Jerry, Michael, Joan, Chris and Carol to name but a few. It was nice to finally see you all in person versus a status update, a like or a comment, even though I did eventually lose a bet to Michael the next day.

I finally got on the 4th bus at 4:30 am, after waiting 30 minutes, and we experienced brutal traffic all the way to Epcot. Had to speed walk to the corrals and stood by the front of H as I was hoping for an extra cushion of time to avoid being swept. My plan to run to each mile marker and walk for 4 minutes lasted until mile 6.5 when I was reduced to simply walking as it was too crowded to even jog and I had sharp pain in my left ITB. I tried running in the traffic lane, but was asked to move over by Disney security. I walked the last 6 miles with a fellow Marathon Maniac and Goofy participant. Finished 3:13 chip time. I paid for a twenty minute massage and then soaked in ice twice in the tub and once while at the pool the rest of the day.

Missed the first bus at 4 am on Sunday, but promptly got on the second bus and it was breeze to Epcot on Sunday. Stood by the front of Corral H again and did 5 minute run/walk intervals until mile 18 where I was reduced to walking after cramping in my calves and quads. The section by the water treatment plant was particularly eye watering this year. Saw a bunch of ROTErs and Maniacs out on the brutally hot course. I also slathered myself with Biofreeze at almost every medical tent and the Hersheys dark chocolate mini bars at DHS tasted so good. In fact, neither the knee or my ITB acted up on Sunday. I was powered to the finish by having a sip of beer at mile 25.5. I finished with a 6:16 chip time.

I ran the Goofy challenge and I agree with previous comments that this is a race to go and have fun. Leave the PR for other courses, this one is a bit too congested to race anyways. Had it not been for the congestion I would've given the course a 5 rating.
- The best on-course entertainment you'll ever see. BRING A CAMERA.
- Great post race food and drinks
- Lots of water stations, gel stations, on-course bananas, sponges, etc...
- Ample porta-potties
- Well marked miles
- Great medals and nice shirts
I stayed at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and they catered to runners; free breakfast both mornings and free shuttle to/from the race. Made race day logistics much easier.

This was my first marathon. I have to say what a great time it was; I'm so glad I chose this to be my first. I came with a large group of people- just 1 other runner for the half- the rest were spectators. We stayed off site at a rented condo about 10 minutes away- completely recommend if going with a large group and looking to keep costs low. Getting to Epcot was no problem for either the full or half, just a little traffic. But remember where you park!! Lots of port o potties so no wait was a huge plus. Overall, a spectacular experience. Only two downsides- the stretch between Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom is long, boring, and actually really smells in one spot(sewage treatment nearby?). Second, the road is often tilted, which was murder on my injured left foot. But... as soon as I got home, I wanted to start planning for the 2013 race :)

It was an early start to the day, but since my training has been done in sub-zero temps and snow, I was happy to go early and beat the heat. Pretty much the only negative part of the day was not the fault of the race but of my hotel; Nobody told me I had to pay for the shuttle ride to the race, and since they offer free rides to the parks all day, I assumed it was free. I had to run back to my room to get some money while everyone waited for me. The run was great!! It was so fun going through the parks, and yes there were some highway stretches, but how else do you get from point A to point B? The aid stations were well organized and CLEAN!!! People raking up cups and other garbage as soon as it hit the ground.
I was in corral B and other than the first mile, had no problem with crowding. Would love to do this course again, it was so much fun, and I ran a personal best time :)

This was my first marathon. I had done research in advance and knew about all the lonely back roads, the photo ops, etc. I went with a first-timer's goal of Finish Upright. (And be able to walk around the parks the next day!) My knee crapped out very early in the race, the finish time I thought I'd have was off by an hour. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I had to limp/walk two entire miles, and then a shuffle run/walk the last few.

I have no experience with marathons so I was very happy with the number of water stops. I had a fuel belt and just refilled it when needed instead of guzzling water. Tons of first aid stops. And the photo ops, for those who don't care about a PR, were incredible!

Yes, the sewage plant smell was gross, but it was quickly forgotten. Yes, the walk to the corrals was long, slow, and shoulder to shoulder people, but I knew about that in advance, too. While the medals (and the long-sleeve tech shirts) were really great, with all the money I spent on a week at Disney with 7 people in my family, (including another marathoner, and a Goofy runner) some kind of perk for us would've been nice. Discounted lodging rate, meal plan, or room. Maybe some coupons? SOMETHING!

However, the wonder of the whole marathon experience for a first-timer was only enhanced by the Disney Magic. One of the best days of my life.

This was my first Disney marathon and 26th marathon overall. I had heard some people whine in the past that there is too much of the marathon run on boring highway type roads but having run the Disney Princess Half 2 years ago I was prepared for this. Yes there is a lot of running on roads outside the parks, BUT Disney does a great job lining up characters and entertainment along the way. There were high school bands, antique cars and their owners, many many characters to see and you could get your picture taken with them (which would later be displayed on Brightroom.com for purchase) and the photgraphers were super nice taking photos with personal cameras as well. Running through the parks there were employees all along the way waving at you. Yes we did run by a sewage treatment plant (in Epcot I believe) but it was for a minute or so and then you are past it. If you are looking for the perfect marathon you are out of luck because there is no such thing. This one comes very close and was so well organized but as others have stated in their reviews, there will always be ups & downs in every race you run. I was sick with an infection during this race and my feet were hurting a lot but I still had a great time. The volunteers were very helpful and friendly. Yes it takes time to walk to the start from the staging area (where you park or get off the bus() but it's a nice chance to warm up your legs. There are thousands of other runners there so you need to allow yourelf enough time to get to the start. I have run 25 marathons before Disney and I have never seen so many port a potties. I hope no one complained about that. The medals were great, the shirts were great, the post race food was awesome. I would do this race again in a heartbeat.