Marathon Weekend 2025

[DisneyParrothead]

You don't have to go full costume, you can go as simple as Disney-bounding in normal running clothes, like a black top and red bottoms for Mickey Mouse, maybe adding some cheap ears to really sell it.

I Disney bound more than anything. Every piece of clothing touching my skin is tech material to limit the chance of chafing.

SAFD: I’m doing the Fairytale Challenge and I have both my costumes. I have sparkle skirts for each one, and I’m using shirts I have already. For the half, I have matching Sparkle Athletic skirt and visor for some pop.

 

[runwithperseverence7]

SAFD: I’ve never run in costume before but I’m excited to try it for ME. Generally the only time I dress up is Halloween during our church’s trunk-or-treat. I’m not 100% sure yet which costume for which race. For the 5k, my family will be with me so I was thinking of a family outfit. Right now I have some skeleton pjs from Walmart for us to wear to represent the dancing skeletons from silly symphony. They don’t really seem to care so they haven’t given me any suggestions. I was also thinking of the Incredibles. My other options are an athletic light green dress and be tinkerbell. Waiting on my light up wings. And I’m waiting on 2 Dottie skirts, Cinderella and Dopey. I have some items I can wear that are my normal running attire but I can still represent if I need to make a plan change. Will be doing some test runs soon to see how it all feels.

 

[gosalyn_mallard]

SAFD: The % of people running in costumes is one of my favorite things about RunDisney races compared to other big races! It's a must-do for us. With a little creativity, you can do a lot with normal athletic clothing! It helps that we don't run for time at Disney, so carrying a frying pan or Scrooge cane for 26 miles just adds to the fun! plus, it's a great conversation starter with people when waiting in character lines!

 

[Naomeri]

Thats actually an awesome idea and I'm all over that. Look out for said costume on the 5k!

Is it mainly the 5k that people dress up for? Its what my research tells me.

Some people go all out for all distances. I don't know how they do it. 10K is my limit for running with handheld props.

 

[camaker]

Thats actually an awesome idea and I'm all over that. Look out for said costume on the 5k!

Is it mainly the 5k that people dress up for? Its what my research tells me.

Look up Jogging Jack Sparrow on Instagram...

 

[Kerry1957]

SAFD: I'm also not a big costume person, but for the HM I'm going as a member of the Swedish Band from Small World. Regular yellow running shorts and white running shirt with a decorated vest and toque(?) hat.

 

[nancipants]

Once again, I have to wonder what Jack’s “normal” paces and/or PRs are.

 

[matt and beth]

SAFD:

We’ve run in some fun 5k or 10k costumes. Half and full it’s usually a sublimated tee. This year? We have yet to picked our theme. People are so clever. Hard to pick

 

[The Expert]

SAFD: Being 100% honest, wearing costumes was a giant part of what made me want to try runDisney in the first place! So yes, I will always take the opportunity to dress up.

The longer the race, the more strict I am about tech materials and being close to running clothes. But for a 5K or even a 10K, I'll go full out with a costume, including wigs, props, etc. I also lean toward things that look good in the dark or that I can light up, since those are mostly run in the dark.

I've moved away from super elaborate themes as I find most people just don't get it, and then I'm disappointed. My last Dopey, I did a series of Inside Out characters mashed up with the race theme character (ie Anger/Donald for the Half) and I even switched costumes mid-marathon (Disgust to Joy). It was really fun to plan and do, but even with my custom shirts that explained it, I'm not sure most people got it.

For this Dopey I'm going much simpler. Not sure yet what the 5K will be, but I'll reuse something I've run in before. I'll join in the group costumes for the 10K (CM Flag shirt) and Half (working on the rainforest floral-spotted panther, with simple color-blocked running skirt and tshirt).

I know I JUST said simpler, but my marathon costume requires a bit of context. I was born in KC and am a HUGE Chiefs fan, so we're usually in the playoffs during MW. I've always wanted to do a Chiefs costume, so I'm finally doing one, but as a nod to the haters I'm mashing up a Patrick Mahomes tech material lightweight jersey with a Kermit green running skirt. I'll add a Kermit green visor with some patches representing Muppets and Chiefs, and add some felt Kermit eyeballs. (Mahomes sounds a lot like Kermit, and rival teams like to poke fun, but he takes it in stride.) So while this may still be a bit of an inside joke, at the very least I can rep my team.

I second all advice to TEST RUN everything! I have most of my costume pieces but am still waiting for a few to arrive. I tend to order from the same stores or Etsy shops so I know what to expect with materials. I tend to assume/buy for hot weather, and I have lots of generic leggings, arm sleeves, gloves and headbands for potential cold weather.

Waiting on my light up wings.

A couple of tips from someone who has run in Tink wings a few times:
1. Be aware the width or depth the wings may add to your body and be VERY aware of people around you. I'm a short, small person and it was tough to keep my wings out of people's way in the corrals.
2. Even if they attach with straps, pin them to your shirt or sports bra. Definitely do a test run with them secured different ways. I found the straps would slide at the adjustment point during my run, making them loose and causing the straps to move and chafe. I pinned them to the back of my shirt but also pinned the straps to themselves so they couldn't slide.

 

[runwithperseverence7]

A couple of tips from someone who has run in Tink wings a few times:
1. Be aware the width or depth the wings may add to your body and be VERY aware of people around you. I'm a short, small person and it was tough to keep my wings out of people's way in the corrals.
2. Even if they attach with straps, pin them to your shirt or sports bra. Definitely do a test run with them secured different ways. I found the straps would slide at the adjustment point during my run, making them loose and causing the straps to move and chafe. I pinned them to the back of my shirt but also pinned the straps to themselves so they couldn't slide.

Thanks for the tips!

 

[Baloo in MI]

Hi.. have you gone to Artist Point after the marathon? Is it worth the tag price?

(I have a reservation, but double thinking as we are a party of 10, just me doing the races)

Thanks!

We have done it twice. Both times as Dopey finish celebrations. We normally stay in Wilderness Lodge so it makes for a great (read short) walk after 4 days of races and park time! The food is ok, for the price it could be better, but our character experiences, and the overall ambiance have been great. Nothing as great as the contemptuous side eye the Evil Queen gives and we got to get a picture running (in place) with Dopey. Still 10 people is going to make for a large bill!

 

[Naomeri]

A couple of tips from someone who has run in Tink wings a few times:
1. Be aware the width or depth the wings may add to your body and be VERY aware of people around you. I'm a short, small person and it was tough to keep my wings out of people's way in the corrals.
2. Even if they attach with straps, pin them to your shirt or sports bra. Definitely do a test run with them secured different ways. I found the straps would slide at the adjustment point during my run, making them loose and causing the straps to move and chafe. I pinned them to the back of my shirt but also pinned the straps to themselves so they couldn't slide.

Also, there's a good chance the wings will set off the security scanners and cause you to be pulled aside (there were SO MANY Tinks getting hand-scanned at the Springtime 5K this year, myself included) so I recommend you don't put on your wings until after security so you can hold them out in front of you through the scanner, you'll save yourself some time and hassle.

 

[DianaMB333]

We have done it twice. Both times as Dopey finish celebrations. We normally stay in Wilderness Lodge so it makes for a great (read short) walk after 4 days of races and park time! The food is ok, for the price it could be better, but our character experiences, and the overall ambiance have been great. Nothing as great as the contemptuous side eye the Evil Queen gives and we got to get a picture running (in place) with Dopey. Still 10 people is going to bake for a large bill!

Thanks for sharing.. We are staying there too.. …

do you have tips pls for spectating at MK? How can they get there early? Will there be ferries at the TTC? Or Uber to BayLake maybe?
Thanks!!

 

[DisneyParrothead]

SAFD: Being 100% honest, wearing costumes was a giant part of what made me want to try runDisney in the first place! So yes, I will always take the opportunity to dress up.

The longer the race, the more strict I am about tech materials and being close to running clothes. But for a 5K or even a 10K, I'll go full out with a costume, including wigs, props, etc. I also lean toward things that look good in the dark or that I can light up, since those are mostly run in the dark.

I've moved away from super elaborate themes as I find most people just don't get it, and then I'm disappointed. My last Dopey, I did a series of Inside Out characters mashed up with the race theme character (ie Anger/Donald for the Half) and I even switched costumes mid-marathon (Disgust to Joy). It was really fun to plan and do, but even with my custom shirts that explained it, I'm not sure most people got it.

For this Dopey I'm going much simpler. Not sure yet what the 5K will be, but I'll reuse something I've run in before. I'll join in the group costumes for the 10K (CM Flag shirt) and Half (working on the rainforest floral-spotted panther, with simple color-blocked running skirt and tshirt).

I know I JUST said simpler, but my marathon costume requires a bit of context. I was born in KC and am a HUGE Chiefs fan, so we're usually in the playoffs during MW. I've always wanted to do a Chiefs costume, so I'm finally doing one, but as a nod to the haters I'm mashing up a Patrick Mahomes tech material lightweight jersey with a Kermit green running skirt. I'll add a Kermit green visor with some patches representing Muppets and Chiefs, and add some felt Kermit eyeballs. (Mahomes sounds a lot like Kermit, and rival teams like to poke fun, but he takes it in stride.) So while this may still be a bit of an inside joke, at the very least I can rep my team.

I second all advice to TEST RUN everything! I have most of my costume pieces but am still waiting for a few to arrive. I tend to order from the same stores or Etsy shops so I know what to expect with materials. I tend to assume/buy for hot weather, and I have lots of generic leggings, arm sleeves, gloves and headbands for potential cold weather.


A couple of tips from someone who has run in Tink wings a few times:
1. Be aware the width or depth the wings may add to your body and be VERY aware of people around you. I'm a short, small person and it was tough to keep my wings out of people's way in the corrals.
2. Even if they attach with straps, pin them to your shirt or sports bra. Definitely do a test run with them secured different ways. I found the straps would slide at the adjustment point during my run, making them loose and causing the straps to move and chafe. I pinned them to the back of my shirt but also pinned the straps to themselves so they couldn't slide.

I spent 12 years in Boston, and when my parents started doing rD races in 2004, we were always at Disney when the Pats were in the playoffs (I was on semester break). My favorite memory was getting to Orlando a couple days before a Nor’easter. The Pats sent out an SOS to fans in the area to help shovel out Gillette for the Pats/Colts game. Meanwhile my parents and I were wearing jeans and sweatshirts around the Boardwalk and all the Floridians were asking us if we were cold, because it was Florida cold. We were right outside the ESPN club and pointed to the big screen. “We live there!”

 

[Baloo in MI]

Thanks for sharing.. We are staying there too.. …

do you have tips pls for spectating at MK? How can they get there early? Will there be ferries at the TTC? Or Uber to BayLake maybe?
Thanks!!

Others might be able to provide better feedback, my family has only spectated once in MK. They had to take a runners bus to Epcot and then take the monorail back to MK and were then let onto Main Street, WL was not running boats from the resort over to MK (as we had hoped). Was a long way to go to get to Main Street. They said it was worth it.

 

[The Expert]

Also, there's a good chance the wings will set off the security scanners and cause you to be pulled aside (there were SO MANY Tinks getting hand-scanned at the Springtime 5K this year, myself included) so I recommend you don't put on your wings until after security so you can hold them out in front of you through the scanner, you'll save yourself some time and hassle.

Interestingly, mine did NOT set off the scanners at the 5K, so ymmv. But definitely be prepared for this, and have the supplies you need to get them fitted and on properly. The folks at the info tent are usually pretty willing to help with costume issues AND they have extra safety pins.

 

[The Expert]

Thanks for sharing.. We are staying there too.. …

do you have tips pls for spectating at MK? How can they get there early? Will there be ferries at the TTC? Or Uber to BayLake maybe?
Thanks!!

You will have to get yourself to TTC (likely runner bus to the start area, then Epcot monorail to TTC) to get to MK. We stay at Bay Lake and because of where the course goes, you can NOT walk to MK to spectate. You also would not be able to Uber there due to road closures. When the weekend guide comes out it will have times for spectators, which will probably be earlier this year with the earlier start of the marathon. Give yourself AT LEAST an hour to get there and expect crowds.

If you want to just spectate and don't have to be on Main Street, the TTC is usually a good location, or you could take the monorail around to Bay Lake where the runners go by on the road. I spectated the marathon from there last year and it was thin enough to actually greet people I knew, hand off or take items from them. When the balloon ladies went by, I had plenty of time to check my luggage for my resort move, pop over to an EMPTY MK for a few medal photos, then grab the monorail to Epcot. I made my way to Norway and spectated for a few more hours with @superchime . It was really fun!

 

[MissLiss279]

SAFD:
Usually, I just do a little Disney bounding, but this year (still not elaborate) I’m going to join Rise and Run and be a Dalmatian puppy for the 5k and then join the DIS with the Epcot CM shirt for the 10k. I’ll wear my Team Beef shirt for the half or full and then probably just normal running clothes for the other.

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

To be fair, you are quite easy to spot when you do things such as wear your Deadpool costume for the day.

My first runs were with strictly utilitarian attire. But I like clever, and all around me were clever costumes that I really enjoyed seeing. So, like a local parade that I enjoy, I could either be a spectator or a participant, and it's much more fun to be a participant and be part of the show. (Cue: "I just want to be a part of it allllllll")
That led me to trying to find Dis characters that were suitable for me and for running. As I've mentioned earlier, Mr Incredible suited me in many ways and has been fun to do both at WDW and one year at Dragoncon. Capt America because again, the costume works for running, suits my hero complex, and is wholesome. Deadpool, um, not so wholesome, but fun and funny and so many people love Deadpool. Now I need to find some new characters to be, which won't be until 13 months from now, so I have a bit of time.
As I've mentioned, if I do a character, I want to do fairly high fidelity (Jogging Jack Sparrow is a benchmark), but without a costume that is too hot or unwieldy (back to JJS). I saw a guy in an Ursula costume doing the half or the full and my hat's off to him, but that's a lot of costume to drag around for a lot of miles. And nothing in my hands. Any prop would need to be strapped to my arm, if at all. Fun fact, I have gloves for all three characters I've done, and they are great early in the race for keeping my hands warm, but after temps start rising, they have to go on the belt or they get soaked with sweat.
So I'll keep noodling on what else/who else to be. The new prohibitions on capes, props, masks, etc limit some some fun options like Darth Vader or Jedis, unless one does a bounding, which may still be an option. Or maybe I look into clever mashups. Hmmmm.
Again, from someone who was all-business at first, enjoy the rD atmosphere and a chance to get outside your usual boundaries for cutting up and have fun with it. The costuming adds to the fun of the race for you and provides entertainment for others as well.

 

[lukemorenus]

As my avatar suggests, it's full costumes for each and every race, LOL