Town of Celebration Marathon & Half Marathon - Race Reviews

This is only the second marathon I have ever given 5s to across the board (Honolulu 2024). Course: This beautiful course through the new community of Celebration is truly worth celebrating. This course is flat, flatter, flattest; and includes two trips on a boardwalk through an older growth forested natural area, and two trips around the High School track. Though just next to Orlando, there was absolutely no insane traffic or anything even close. The town and course are distinct and removed from all the hubbub of big city. Beautiful. Organization: Absolutely top-notch. Packet pickup was a breeze with plenty of bling, plenty of parking, and plenty of smiles. Plenty of very friendly race volunteers, before, during, and after the event. Plenty of port-a-potties. Aid stations were very very well stocked. Once again, traffic control and other law enforcement was outstanding. Pleasant, friendly, and encouraging officers reinforced a true small town feel. Great job. Great food and beverage after the race. The finishers' medal was massive, and one that would turn Flav-O-Flav green with envy. Spectators: Spectators dotted the course and were loud and encouraging. Many provided mini-aid stations of their own -- very much appreciated by this yankee unacclimated to the sun and warmth. High School cheerleaders did their thing with gusto as runners entered and exited the short track portions. These beautiful and generous people made this an amazing community event. Wonderful. What must also be mentioned is that all the proceeds from this event go to charities. A volunteer informed me that since its' inception, this event provided more than 800,000 dollars to those in need. If there are runners out there who crave a January marathon to start the year, these beautiful and soulful people make this my first choice by far. Happy trails everyone. GO STORM!

My 4th run at Celebration was celebrated with much better weather than the past two years, so the cool temps was an added bonus to this great run. Organization is well done, swag is better ever year, loved the changes on the course this year and as always, the finish line announcer efforts to greet every individual...most impressive is how the High School kids are all involved and motivating all over the course and and at the aid stations and the finish line food is the best of any race I've done anywhere and yesterday was # 174 for me...even with a 4:54 finish time, the great food was hot, large portions and congratulatory servers AND a mimosa and 2 Ultras! most helpful this year for me was our superb Pacer Lisa - for the 4:50 group..one of the best ever! WIll be back next year.

This is a two loop marathon course thru the town. Lots of turns, and every one had volunteers to guide you. They were enthusiastic and cheerful, even tho the weather was cold, wet, windy and miserable for the entire race (much more miserable for volunteers than runners). As a 5 hour finisher I cannot thank them enough! They all hung in there. Of my 80 marathons, this race is in the top 5. Pro's - started on time, great aid stations, interesting course (love the wooden trail bridges), and after race food. Too bad it was pouring rain by then. Hats off to the race director. Con's - None. Given the rain, it couldn't have been done better.

Please do read the reviews below about the course and the locale and the timing and yes, the weather (today was 50 degrees - windy and cold rain)...but my intent here is to draw intention to 3 factors which make for a Best race: 1) Volunteers: from registration to cold lonely spots on the race - everyone is supportive and lively and attentive and yes, Disney-esque..and huge cheers for alllllllllll the kids - High Schoolers, many of whom were there from 3am setting up and there all through 6 hours of cold windy rain and all cheering us on; 2) The Swag: love the blanket from last year, the cooler this year would make Martha Stewart proud and then you have a choice between a hat or a visor and sooooooo many were wearing the hat during the run; 3) The Food Finish Zone - kudos to all on the quality and the quantity (though no mimosas or beer for us at 5 hours???) and I had a chance to speak to one of the sponsors - Columbia - and let him know its the best of all my 154...well done all - see you next year.

Putting on a marathon just a short jog from Disney World and only two weeks after Disney is risky, but a sign on the course said it best, 'it's not Disney, but we don't make you get up at 2 AM either.' For a relatively small race, Celebration was a great way to complete a marathon in Central Florida without the cost and hassle of Disney. The course is two loops through the town of Celebration. You run with the half-marathoners until about mile 12.5, before they head for the finish & you turn for another spin through town. It also means the faster runners start catching up with the half-marathoners around mile 18. That never proved to be a problem on the course, though - even in the narrow parts on the boardwalk through the trees. Walkers moved to the right & cheered for the runners (and we cheered for them). Even though there are a lot of turns to the course, I was never worried about losing my way - course was very well-marked, and there were plenty of volunteers at key points to make sure you knew where to turn. Water stops were very plentiful. I think there must have been at least 10 over the main 12 mile loop. All had Gatorade and water, and two or three offered Cliff Shots. One tip to the folks at the water stops - please make sure you have enough people/enough cups ready to go as the runners come by. There was one stop toward the end where I had to go back and forth a couple of times calling for water before someone gave me a cup - they had plenty of Gatorade ready but not much water. Race swag was great - the race shirt is a nice, amazingly soft, 'Raw Threads' cotton shirt. I have enough tech shirts from other races, so it was nice to get something a little different for a change. They also gave fleecy Sherpa throw-blankets, which are great for napping on the couch after a run. Fan support was decent. People who lived in houses along the course generally cheered as we ran past. Ironically, it was some of the friends & family of people in the race who were less supportive in general. (Hint: It's OK to cheer even if you don't know who the runner is.) Weather is the biggest wild card. This year it was warm - in the mid-60s at the start, climbing into the mid-70s later in the morning. Fortunately, there was a decent cloud cover for most of the race, but the humidity hit me a little harder than I had expected. Nevertheless, it was a good race, and I was happy to use it to check Florida off of my 50-states list.

I have run this marathon 3 years now and it continues to be my favorite race every year. Flawless organization and execution in a beautiful setting with fabulous volunteers and spectators. Even with the cold drizzle, the race was enjoyable because of all the great features. Thank you to staff, volunteers and spectators!

I had read up on the boardwalk issue and was VERY nervous when I woke up and it was raining but I did not find them to be slippery and I was running pretty fast. I did not like how many turns there were, especially during the second half of the race, but it was flat. It would have been nice if they had clocks to tell you how much time had lapsed at each mile marker. It's a small race (which I like) but you run with the half for the first 12.5. I will say there were a TON of pace group options which was nice and why I ended up running this one. I'd think about doing it again but didn't love all the sharp turns.

This is 2017 and this marathon is using the old school timing chip shoe attachment, really. Parking was a challenge but that was expected, it was outlined. The big issue I had was the boardwalks. People these are not straight boardwalks, a lot of cutting left and right. Someone is going to get hurt, these need to be eliminated. Point being this course needs to be restructured to eliminate the boardwalks. I won't be coming back until they are.

Celebration is a wonderful town with very friendly people. The race director is awesome and helped me obtain a transfer bib. The course is flat and super fast. Great experience!

One of the easiest courses-flat as a pancake. A whole lot of turns since this course is confined to a small suburban community, however, each turn well marked and monitored by volunteers.. Beautiful town, which gave interest to the course as well as a considerable segment run on a boardwalk running through a forested area. Great organization throughout the event. Parking very convenient. Weather absolutely perfect. Shirt and medal real nice but also added quite a nice bath towel. Nice post race party with beer, and a couple of local restaurants gave out nice snacks. Some of the local restaurant sponsors were weak in what they gave out. Great volunteers in numbers and excitement. The event is only a few minutes from Disney World so is a great opportunity for a vacation as well as a run. I stayed on the Disney properties and rented a car for the one day for the marathon and it was really convenient to rent from the Disney rental car location and cheap $37 total cost and they pick you up and return you anywhere you want. While there were enthusiastic spectators, I would have thought there would have been more considering the perfect day and the type of community this one is. I would recommend this one for sure.

This was my second year running the marathon and it was even better than last year - which was spectacular. I didn't think it was possible to improve on the overall experience but improve they did. Everything a runner hopes for was handled flawlessly - expo, organization, parking, course, aid stations and porta-potties, volunteers and spectators. The course is a treat and the spectators/volunteers are a delight. The weather has been perfect for both years. If I could only run one race a year, this would be the one. Once again, can't wait for next year!!! The Celebration Marathon does not disappoint!

Great organization and fantastic course. The town was beautiful and was a great way to keep your attention occupied. Plenty of hydration stops and the local radio station was a PLUS at various locations throughout. The Police and volunteers were amazing as was the town to host such an event. No problems with parking, regardless of when you show up (though, the later you show, the further you walk). I would certainly recommend this small town marathon to anyone. KUDOs to the organizers.

Such an enjoyable marathon in a special town. Management is outstanding. Pace team is great. One of my favorite early year runs.

My running partner chose this race and it is nicely located close to Orlando and the theme parks. The course is pancake flat and there are water stops about every 1.5 miles. Plenty of porta-potties at the start and tons of food at the finish. Out of nearly 30 marathons, this was a top 5 for the food available at the finish. We arrived 45 minutes before the start of the race and parked within a 3 minute walk to the start. The shirt and medal design were above average. The only con is that the expo should have been larger.

I ran this as a convenient local marathon, but as a veteran marathon runner, I was very impressed by the organization and experience. The race director was helpful and responsive with requests, the course was very nice with great water and nutrition. Good energy at the start and finish. A little thin on cheering along the course, but they clearly made an effort to have some support out there. The only complaint that I might have is that there wasn't much food left when I finished the full marathon - and I ran a 3:45, so I can only imagine what was available for those who were slower.

Many great things to say about this race. Pros: 1. Course - although I find Celebration generally a bit Stepford Wives-esque, it was a pretty scenic course. The boardwalk section was great and really broke things up mentally. This is a completely flat, very fast course, although it does have a lot of turns. 2. Entertainment - The DJs and band at various points really lifted my spirits and were well placed in the one stretch that gets a bit lonely. 3. Race shirt - Gender specific shirts that are wearable both as street wear and for running/gym. (As an aside, I can't believe many race directors still only offer men's shirts even though half or more of the participants are women. It's not unisex, it's a man's shirt) 4. After race party. Lots of varied food from local vendors. 5. Great energy from volunteers and spectators 6. Size - perfect size race. Lots of people the first half but not so many it was ever too crowded. Much more sparse on second loop but never lonely. 7. Transfers - the race director allows transfers between half and full and between participants. i can't understand why other races won't do this. 8. Organization - Lots of nice small touches. Separate medals for half and full, race specific disposable 'jackets' at the finish line instead of generic space blankets. A running cap in the reusable race bag. 9. Very reasonable entry fee with above mentioned transfer policy. Cons: Not really any 1. Course - not a big deal but the mile after the split from the half is a bit confusing and feels like a lot of random turns. It was well signed but I still started going down the wrong side of the street (volunteer placed there to steer me back). It's kind of a slow section with a lot of sharp turns for several miles which slow you down feel pointless right after a sudden loss of energy from leaving the half marathoners. 2015 had absolutely perfect marathon weather (mid 40s to low 50s, clear, no wind) and I also ran a pretty big PR. I'll definitely be back.

I have only run 3 marathons but this was by far the most enjoyable course with the best organization. Everyone involved was extremely friendly, polite and pleasant - organizers, volunteers, spectators and other runners. The Town is simply beautiful and spotless. The course was flat, interesting, well-marked and fun. The post-race experience was very good with lots of food in market area of Celebration. I really have no complaints and would have given 5 stars except that I am reserving 5 stars for some truly remarkable natural settings. (A few more porta-potties would have avoided lines during the race.) When can we register for next year?!

I am an RD & a marathoner.In only it's 2nd year this marathon is fantastic. One of the most beautiful courses I have run (85 marathons). Very well organized, run like a finely tuned machine. You won't be sorry you signed up for this one. Almost flat & pretty fast. Nice size (2500 both races 1/2 and full), nice finish area. GREAT job RD & volunteers! Rated 1/2 star down because spectators were sparse in many areas, but where they were, they were great, especially at the finish. GREAT finish area Band! I 'danced in' when I heard them :)

I chose this race to get Florida for my 50 states, and I was happily rewarded! This is a great small-but-not-too-small race. We were lucky with the weather, with a cool morning, warming up to the high-50s by finish, which allowed me to get my 2nd fastest time! The small touches made all the difference: Good small expo with massages, Great bamboo shirts, tons of spirited volunteers and all aid stations were well-stocked for the marathoners, even though it was a 2-loop course. The boardwalk section was a nice alternative to roads, although they were slightly slick, and with lots of quick turns, you had to watch your step. My only recommendation for the RD would be to work on a way to better identify the split where the half and the full go separate ways...it kind of caught me off guard, and several people seemed a bit confused. Otherwise, great post-race party, thankful for the numerous and helpful pace groups, and overall a great experience!

I ran Celebration today. Kudos to the organizers. They lived up to their claims! Post race food was awesome. All water stations were manned and organized. The race started on time. The course was safe and highlighted the cute little town of celebration. I am a tough critic. I value my money, and don't like parting with it.. But the celebration marathon was well worth the entry fee.

I really don't like inaugural races but took a chance as the RD was veteran marathoner, and I am happy I did. The biggest compliment I can give was the entire process (from the expo to the finish) felt like this was the all volunteer committee 5th year organizing the race. The second biggest compliment is I would give is I would run this race next year. While all races have issues, it really wasnt any more or less serious than the other 16 marathons I have run. There is a nice vibe to the race with energetic volunteers at all the aid stations and there was some support from the residents, though it appears that many escaped to avoid all the road closures, but there was a nice family to put out a bottle of Makers Mark and whiskey along the course. The two loop course was very flat, with one tiny ascent early to go over a small bridge, and was on road and wooden boardwalks. The best part was running through on the boardwalk through a small woodsy area, even with the many turns. Be warned that there are residents who use the course. Lots of porta johns at the start, parking was easy if you got to the lot by the expo before 5:30 am. Nice medal. The only major negative was the lack of sufficient signage or guidance at the first half mile at the start of the second loop. We had to run in the street against traffic and for a bit I thought I missed a turn. The only other issue was the beer guy at the finish said I had to obtain a postcard before serving me, so why did they issue blue bracelets at the expo for food and beer? I heard reports the sponsors ran out of food so the RD bought pizzas for the 5-6 hour finishers, which was a nice touch. Nothing like pizza and beer at the finish at a low key, next vibe race organized by runners for runners.

I enjoyed the Celebration course, but was greatly disappointed in the lack of food at the finish. The race was touted as having more than bananas, bagels and Gatorade at the finish, but I would have LOVED to have these items there when I finished in 5:24:39! I ran with another runner that was experiencing cramping that would have benefitted from a banana around 16 miles (something that many marathons provide at this point in the race). When I finished, I received my medal and walked by empty food tents to a table with a drink I assumed to be OJ. The drinks were actually Mimosas, BUT I was told I could not have one because I did not have the card that I needed to get post race food. When I did receive my card (that I had to walk past the empty food tents to find), I returned to get an empty bun and a garlic knot. I learned that the bun did have a lobster salad inside for earlier runners. Cold pizza was eventually brought in for the runners. The finishers after me would not have food as the table with pizza and food cards was disassembled before the 7 hours finishers arrived. I know new races have growing pains, but this race was touted as having food for 7 hours and those that finished in 2:40 could see that there would not be food left for the later runners.

Great course, well organized. No first aid advertised, found out at mile 22 that every water stop had first aid kit, needed a band aid at mile 7. I missed water stop at mile 15 because a mini van drove thru the water stop. Seemed like locals were frustrated with street closures. Last 2 miles were congested, locals were walking 3 abreast on course, had to go into grass to avoid them, I would run it again, hope they work out some issues

BOTTOM LINE: Can hardly wait until next year to have this special marathon be my '100'th! I'll be '70' and plan to place in my age group!

I completed the Celebration Marathon on January 26, and was very pleased. It was an inaugural event and I had some apprehension. The race was well managed and coordinated and I have no negatives to report. There were plenty of 'Port-O-Johns' and water. The volunteers were great and lively. Fan support was sparse but strong at the finish, with plenty of food and massages. It was a two lap course and the half-marathoners ran for the first 12.5 miles with the marathon runners. The course is flat and runs through town, upscale neighborhoods, parks, and wetlands. The Town of Celebration is charming with a great hotel near the start and finished and good restaurants. This is a more economical alternative to the Disney Marathon and it is highly recommended. I stayed about 20 minutes away on the interstate. I regret not staying in the town.

This was the first Marathon in Celebration Florida. I absolutely loved it. The only negative experience I had was finding a porta-potty after the full marathoners split off from the halfers. It seemed to be 4-5 miles away from the previous one. Other's complained about the lack of food at the end of the race. It was advertised that even the last runners would have food. But all the food was donated by local restaurants and eventually they stopped serving. The positives.... Beautiful town to run in. The two loops did not get boring since it was so pretty. You also run through the woods along boardwalks. They were fantastic and made me even run faster. If I could have signed up for next years after the race I would have!

My husband and I ran this particular marathon because it fell on our anniversary. I'm not a big fan of running through neighborhoods but this course pleasantly surprised me! Race was very organized, especially for an inaugural race. No apparent glitches. Expo was small but very nice and had good choices for 'shopping'. Water stops along the course seemed to be almost every mile which was great. There were a lot of turns but none were very sharp so it was always nice to do a turn and wonder what you'd see next. There was some running on wood boardwalks which was great and while there you ran through beautiful conservation. While there were not a ton of spectators, the town residents were friendly and enthusiastic! I hadn't trained well for this race due to injury and illness but still did much better than I expected. Weather was great, high 50s to low 60s most of the time which also helped. Loved the post-race food/drink set up. You received a card and took it to the food tents, got a plate, they punched your card and you went to the next one. Tents were from the local restaurants downtown so there were some excellent food choices, from Thai to Italian to Mimosas to Starbucks. Just an overall great race!

Well done for an inaugural event. Residents of the town were very nice and helpful. Course had a variety of surfaces and views. Pace team outstanding. Only addition would be to put ramps on the areas where going over curbs is needed.

Celebration should be proud of the inaugural marathon! Very well done! The course had many turns, but it was well marked and well staffed. I never felt confused or lost. The police were great with traffic control. Volunteers were helpful and encouraging. Aid stations were well stocked...and porta potties were well stationed! Great medal! I am slow, but I had support for the entire event! I will be back next year! Thanks to all...and congrats!

Celebration did a fine job with their first marathon. For me, it was just about the perfect size, around 2000 people, I believe. The expo was small, but if one needed a basic item, they could find it there. The t-shirt is something that I won't be embarrassed wearing to the gym or on a run. The course was a 13.1 mile loop that half marathoners did once, full marathoners twice. It took us past many of the beautiful homes and some lakes in Celebration, as well as several scenic sections on good quality boardwalks through wetlands. I gave the course 4 stars instead of 5 because of the countless turns involved. In fact, we were warned in the racers' information that our Garmins would show more than 26.2 if we didn't cut each corner close to the curb and follow the tangents. I was unable to do so on the first half due to the number of people sharing the course, and I actually added half a mile to the first half. On the second half, I was alone most of the time (I'm a racewalker with a 6 hour finish time), so I was able to follow the correct line, adding no extra distance. I never trust a marathon to have enough water at their stations, but no problem at all here. There weren't a lot of spectators, but the ones that were there, as well as the enthusiastic folks at the water stations, made up for it. I don't need cheering, except at the end, which the volunteers did in a fine manner. In fact, the volunteers were plentiful and enthusiastic, as a whole. If you want a good marathon during the winter months while the folks 'back home' are shoveling snow, but you don't care about PRing, this is the one for you. The course isn't particularly fast, but it's varied and lovely, taking you through a town where Ward Cleaver or Truman (Jim Carey)could walk out a front door at any time. Nice job, Celebration!