Marathon Weekend 2025

[GuinnessRunner]

SAFD: My favorite would be the half marathon. Enough distance that anything can happen and I know I have to put in the traning to make it happen, but unlike the marathon it doesn't get to the point where I am questioning my sanity either during the training or the race itself. I also vote for the 5-K as my least favorite. I was told one time that the best way to race the 5-K is to run the first mile to the point where you think you are might throw up and then hang onto that for another 2.1 miles. While obviously not quite true, it really does feel that way for me and I dread when it comes up as a fitness test.

 

[princesspirateandrunner]

SAFD: My favorite distance is the half marathon. It feels like a long enough distance to get in everything you need about running, without the training taking over your life. My least favorite is the marathon, because as a slower runner, the long training runs just take so much time!

 

[Naomeri]

SAFD: I like a good 10K. Long enough that you get to spend some time on course, but not so long that you start to wonder if you’re ever going to finish. 5K is too short to be worth driving anywhere for (since I live in the middle of nowhere and there aren’t many races near me.

 

[RuntheMouse]

SAFD: My favorite race distance is 15k/10 mile. It’s a good challenge but never hitting that fatigue level of a half. Unfortunately it’s not so easy to find them!

My least favorite is 5k. I feel like every one I enter, there is a huge pack of teenage cc/track kids that zoom off giving me a painful reminder of my stage in life

 

[WillRunForPizza]

SAFD: I feel like I don't race enough to have a favorite distance, but I'm leaning towards HM/10 mile. It's kind of the perfect blend of training that doesn't take over your life and racing where you don't feel like throwing up

Least favorite, definitely the shorter ones. I don't actually like running fast (for me), lol.

 

[DHSsenior007]

SAFD: My favorite is probably a 10 miler or half. Long enough to have to train, put in a solid effort, etc., but not long enough that you're absolutely trashed the rest of the day.

Least: Definitely the 5K. The first 1-2 miles of any run is my least favorite in general, so that making up half of the race just isn't worth it...

 

[Disney at Heart]

SAFD: Loved accomplishing my first marathon, but think Goofy 2025 will be the last as I am getting so slow that the training is just too much. The 10 mile or 1/2 marathon is challenging enough, so these mid distances are my new favorites! Agree that 5k is too short to make a trip for. By the time I am warmed up, it is over.

 

[DisneyParrothead]

SAFD: my favorite distance is definitely the 10k. Something I need to train for but doesn’t take up all my time. I can push the pace a little and not regret it.

 

[Barca33Runner]

SAFD: I chose to skip Dopey this year to run the distances I enjoy most, the 10k and Half Marathon. The 5k is just so short as an event, particularly at Disney when it requires a 2 am wake up call. It’s probably my favorite training distance, but I don’t particularly feel like paying to run them. I would love for the marathon distance to be my favorite. Currently, it’s just a little long and I’m not in the shape to truly enjoy 26.2 miles. Probably goes without saying, but I always enjoy finishing a marathon most.

The 10k and Half fall right in the sweet spot. Not sure there’s anything specific about them, but I always feel good finishing and the early wake ups feel justified.

 

[disneyrunnergrl]

SAFD: My favorite distance is the marathon. The sense of accomplishment not just at the distance but the training leading up to it. I really enjoy the consistency and high mileage of a marathon training cycle. My least favorite is the half marathon. I just don’t like pushing at half marathon pace for that distance.

 

[Cabius]

SAFD:

My favorite is the half-marathon, because training is still very rigorous but not all-consuming. Like, I'll still run 5-6 days/week, but for only about 70% of the distance of my M plans, which means more like 8 hours a week vs 12. Related, I've not injured myself (yet) in a HM cycle!

My least favorite is the 5k, because I'm not very fast, but it's so short it feels more like a warm-up distance.

 

[DisneyParrothead]

SAFD: I chose to skip Dopey this year to run the distances I enjoy most, the 10k and Half Marathon. The 5k is just so short as an event, particularly at Disney when it requires a 2 am wake up call. It’s probably my favorite training distance, but I don’t particularly feel like paying to run them. I would love for the marathon distance to be my favorite. Currently, it’s just a little long and I’m not in the shape to truly enjoy 26.2 miles. Probably goes without saying, but I always enjoy finishing a marathon most.

The 10k and Half fall right in the sweet spot. Not sure there’s anything specific about them, but I always feel good finishing and the early wake ups feel justified.

All of this with the 5k. I’ve done the Princess 5k the last two years and while it was fun, I won’t be signing up for more unless they add in a lot more characters. The lines are SO long for the ones they do have.

 

[The Expert]

They need a connection to AK park like yesterday, but what other park should the skyliner connect AKL with? Which would be the most beneficial?

Studios would be the next closest geographically, and that would also make an easy hop to Epcot. MK/TTC might be easier due to less on-stage area between the two.

 

[The Expert]

SAFD: I'd have to say 10K. As a slower runner, I get a decent amount of time on the course, but don't get bored. I still have to train, but not too seriously. The WDW 5Ks are my least favorite. Too much course crowding and not enough character stops.

 

[Herding_Cats]

SAFD: because I run to finish the distance (as opposed to outright racing) I'd have to say a marathon. I get the most excited about signing up for the longer distance, and honestly, the price is usually really close to the same as a half; and if I'm going to spend $100+ on a race, I want the most out of my money. Also, because I'm a slower runner with no time goals, there isn't a tremendous difference in training commitment for a half vs full aside from 2-3 weeks at the peak of training. I also feel the most accomplished after a full, and I secretly love how trashed my body feels when I'm done....like I've really pushed myself and worked super hard.

 

[DisnEElove]

Studios would be the next closest geographically, and that would also make an easy hop to Epcot. MK/TTC might be easier due to less on-stage area between the two.

Infrastructure already there at HS and Epcot, so that might be their choice if they took the leap. But AKL to MK would be a game changer for many.

 

[DHSsenior007]

Random question - can anyone recommend a website for planning running routes? I've been using MapMyRun but would like to try something different. My ideal is some website where I can tell it my distance, the place I'm starting, and then it will create a route for me (ideally including a loop with some park trails). I realize that may not exist but would be a lot easier than clicking on the map a lot... Lol.

 

[marty3d]

SAFD:
Favourite Non-Disney: 100% 10K. It's the only distance that I feel I can truly race without killing myself. And it's my POT race for non-Dopey runDisney events.

Favourite Disney: Marathon - Because I'm slow and I NEVER race the marathon I can take my time and truly enjoy everything about it - all 4 parks, Everest, beer to finish. For me it's the ultimate rD experience. With the exception of the BB parking lot!!

Least favourite Distance: I think Im joining the majority with the 5k. 5k is my absolute favourite training distance but least favourite race distance. I can't use it for a POT and if I really try to race it I'll feel like crap for 2 days after. It's too short to enjoy and at Disney it simply isn't worth getting up at 2am for. (The one exception is I will absolutely try a DL 5k - have never done it but reading the Halloween recaps I wish I had flown out for the w/e).

 

[Herding_Cats]

Random question - can anyone recommend a website for planning running routes? I've been using MapMyRun but would like to try something different. My ideal is some website where I can tell it my distance, the place I'm starting, and then it will create a route for me (ideally including a loop with some park trails). I realize that may not exist but would be a lot easier than clicking on the map a lot... Lol.

I think Strava premium has this feature, or something like it? Don’t hold me to it though, because I do NOT have premium, but sometimes it shows me things that I’m “missing out on” and there was definitely some sort of route-y thing a few weeks ago

 

[matt and beth]

SAFD: Marathon or longer because the pride and self esteem boost is amazing after finishing