Marathon Weekend 2025

[The Expert]

However, how much will 30 minutes really change things?

I question this as well, but they've sped up the corral releases a few times in the last couple of years due to anticipated heat late in the course. Those starts saved even less time than this, but the impact must be more than it appears on paper. As a Not-So-Fast runner, I'll take all the banked pre-sunrise time I can get. And this is a far better way to do it than rushing corrals as that just leads to more folks getting swept without that buffer.

 

[MissLiss279]

I probably shouldn’t put this in writing (but maybe putting it in writing will mean it won’t happen)…

But what do you think we will get 30 degree weather with 20 mph winds since we are starting at 4:30 this year, and everyone will be wishing for more sun??!!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

And, could we not run through Blizzard Beach instead of around in the parking lot? I don't know what time that park opens or how wide the sidewalks are

FWIW, the last few years BB has been completely closed the day of the marathon. I think they eventually realized having shortened hours that day all but made no sense from a practical guest (and likely, profitability) perspective.

But yeah, I love the water parks and BB is a fav - running into the parking lot and seeing the top of Summit Plummet framed in view (especially at a time in the course where I was starting to get hot/tired) is such a tease!

 

[The Expert]

I probably shouldn’t put this in writing (but maybe putting it in writing will mean it won’t happen)…

But what do you think we will get 30 degree weather with 20 mph winds since we are starting at 4:30 this year, and everyone will be wishing for more sun??!!

I'm a Vermonter. BRING IT ON!!!

 

[lukemorenus]

I probably shouldn’t put this in writing (but maybe putting it in writing will mean it won’t happen)…

But what do you think we will get 30 degree weather with 20 mph winds since we are starting at 4:30 this year, and everyone will be wishing for more sun??!!

I hope so!

 

[MissLiss279]

I'm a Vermonter. BRING IT ON!!!

I hope so!

Haha! Yeah, this would be typical winter running for me too. But I would preferably have the temps in the 40s and 50s with not much wind.

 

[fatmanatee]

I don't have anything to say that hasn't already been said but I'm excited for the earlier start time and disappointed that for my first (and only? probably only) marathon I won't be ending in World Showcase... assuming I even make it that far. But I'll also have a husband on hand for drink requests if anyone wants one.

And, could we not run through Blizzard Beach instead of around in the parking lot? I don't know what time that park opens or how wide the sidewalks are. More miles in DHS would have been welcome too, we barely touch it.

I think they did a short run in BB once. Not sure why they stopped.

Last year or the year before they were running teacups and let some runners on. I don't think it'll be entirely out of the question and could even be a bonus perk they are planning for.

I think it was the 2023 half for the teacups (and not the full, IIRC?). I can see them doing that again but I don’t have any expectations that they’ll open a bigger ride before park open.

 

[Zutroy]

I guess I’m in the clear minority in that I don’t hate the course. I’ve done essentially the same course each year for several years, and I’m looking forward to mixing it up. Also, by the time I hit World Showcase in the marathon, I’m usually so deep in the suffering that I’m not even aware of my surroundings. I went walking around Epcot after one marathon, and I couldn’t remember running through large chunks of WS.

 

[Jason Bryer]

I already got a response from rD:

We pride ourselves on the quality of our races and want every mile to be absolutely magical. I’m truly sorry to hear of the disappointment with course changes during Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and appreciate you taking some time to share your thoughts. I’ll be sure to share your comments with runDisney Leaders, as we are always looking for ways to make our race experiences better.​

​

We sure hope to see you at another finish line real soon.​

​

Kind Regards,​

I think they must've known we'd riot and had some staff on hand to deal with us.

I got the same response word-for-word.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I do have to wonder how crowded this will be that early in the race. I have visions of the DHS to Boardwalk sidewalk...

Upon thinking about this some more and using a few blogs to jog my memory (here and here), you’re right, definitely some pinch points. One being that first bridge when leaving GF which is relatively narrrow. And then when you get to the boat dock close to the MK entrance - they’re going to have to remove those queue lanes under the awning to allow more room there.

Also maybe it’s just me and my heavy feet but when I run that path both of those metal bridges are somewhat noisy (eg, metal board clanking/squeaking). Going to sound like an elephant herd in those spots!

 

[Jason Bryer]

At this point, I am reluctant to defend Disney because of all of the changes that they have made to nickel and dime the customers (formerly guests), but I am giving them the benefit of the doubt regarding the start time change. There is certainly the reasonable expectation that runDisney is starting the marathon earlier to minimize the impact on Epcot. However, how much will 30 minutes really change things? Rather, I believe that the death of the runner at the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon has them spooked (pun truly not intended) into trying to minimize runners being out in the sun and potentially the heat depending upon race day.

I have no issue with the earlier start time. I have two issues with this change: 1. Removing world showcase at the end (I think this is more about crowd control than the earlier start) and 2. To frame this as something the runners wanted. My rough estimate is that the added somewhere between 0.5 to 0.75 miles of park time only in MK.

 

[jrsharp21]

Terrible course change. I also sent rD an email letting them know that the change is not a positive one.

 

[morgsmagic]

2. To frame this as something the runners wanted.

THIS. We are all smart enough to know why things change logistically, for example, the course being re-routed because of construction or an earlier start time to reduce the impact for day guests, and maybe possibly the heat, but framing it as something we wanted and claiming it is more park time when clearly there is not a major change in distance as someone mentioned makes it seem like gaslighting. I mean, I am sure plenty of us during the D23 Parks Panel were already spinning gears on how certain changes would affect future runDisney courses.

 

[nancipants]

I have no issue with the earlier start time. I have two issues with this change: 1. Removing world showcase at the end (I think this is more about crowd control than the earlier start) and 2. To frame this as something the runners wanted. My rough estimate is that the added somewhere between 0.5 to 0.75 miles of park time only in MK.

THIS. We are all smart enough to know why things change logistically, for example, the course being re-routed because of construction or an earlier start time to reduce the impact for day guests, and maybe possibly the heat, but framing it as something we wanted and claiming it is more park time when clearly there is not a major change in distance as someone mentioned makes it seem like gaslighting. I mean, I am sure plenty of us during the D23 Parks Panel were already spinning gears on how certain changes would affect future runDisney courses.

Exactly this. The fact they sent out the course map now, and not December, indicates they knew the reaction would not be positive. Although I'm glad I now have 3+ months to get used to the change.

 

[jrsharp21]

Terrible course change. I also sent rD an email letting them know that the change is not a positive one.

And I already received the same response that everyone else has.

 

[The Expert]

The more I think about it, the more it bothers me we aren't getting more DHS time in tradeoff for BB parking lot or road/parking lot out-and-backs. They could easily open the park an hour or two later if crowds are an issue. They could also add a SECOND loop of WS at the end and give us both views of it. It's one day a year and mid-January at that.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

C’mon Disney - park those Electrical Water Pageant barges out on the Seven Seas Lagoon facing the shore and run the show as we pass. Easy win there.

 

[The Expert]

C’mon Disney - park those Electrical Water Pageant barges out on the Seven Seas Lagoon facing the shore and run the show as we pass. Easy win there.

BEST IDEA EVER!!!

 

[Herding_Cats]

Things I'm not excited about:
-possible early crowding before going into MK. Are we not using the road to get in the "back door" or MK? Using the GF walkway sounds like a nightmare, and I can only assume there will be a poorly placed aid station in there somewhere.
-no WS victory lap
-not running under the MK toll gates
-"more park time" is a poor spin on this--just call it what is is!
-all those random out-and-backs and we are STILL going through BB? and last year they didn't even have a nice big bank of portas in the BB parking lot where it makes soooooo much sense to have them.

Things I'm OK with:
-We still run up Main St in MK
-the earlier start
-significantly less backstage time in Epcot
-it's something different I guess?
-SIGNIFICANTLY more options for "real" bathrooms in MK.



Re: will Tron be open? I seriously doubt it. It wasn't open this year, and we are going to be hitting it at about the same time. I honestly don't remember if they even had the lights on for it since it was raining when I went through there. Could be a decent PP spot though running through there the opposite direction.

 

[dobball23]

Just read a comment on FaceBook that made sense. With construction set to start on draining Rivers of America in MK to bring in Not Cars Land, having us avoid the backstage area behind Tiana and Big Thunder as a result of construction staging may be the reason for the changes in MK.

Exactly what I was thinking!