Marathon Weekend 2025

[The Expert]

SAFD: Echoing most of what's already been said, I'm grateful for rD for inspiring me to start running at 45 and discovering a whole new side of Disney I never knew.

As I write this from my room at AK Kidani, I'm grateful for DVC and the ability to book a room with plenty of space to spread out, for DH to join me for races without having to keep my schedule, and the kitchen, laundry and tub to do everything I need for a race weekend.

But mostly I'm grateful for this community. I'm honestly not sure I'd still be doing this if it weren't for all of you. Sure, I love the race experience, but it is made so much better because of this connection we all have before, during and after those races.

 

[fatmanatee]

I’m thankful that I got through NYC and a subsequent trip to Japan without any injuries or illnesses. Had a VERY close call about two weeks before the marathon that made me wonder if I might have to postpone NYC, but in retrospect I wonder if I got a head start to the pneumonia mess happening right now.

Anyway, I've been worried that all of this too much in a short period of time but there is a sense of relief that I'm two thirds of the way through and I’m not going to be pushing myself as hard as I did for NY. I have a Higdon plan specifically designed for training for two marathons right weeks apart, in this case I’m technically 10 weeks between but I wasn’t able to get in any runs during my trip so it sorta just worked itself out. Now back to the big climb to 20 mile training runs again.

 

[PrincessV]

Marathon course/road closures question: surely there must be a way in and out of CSR during the marathon, right?! I’m currently booked offsite and looking at maybe switching to CSR, but need to be able to get to DHS the morning of the marathon. Looking at this year’s road closures map, it says Buena Vista was “Modified” and “Resort Access Only” for CSR… anyone know what that meant? One lane open each direction, maybe? There must be some way to leave!

 

[Naomeri]

Marathon course/road closures question: surely there must be a way in and out of CSR during the marathon, right?! I’m currently booked offsite and looking at maybe switching to CSR, but need to be able to get to DHS the morning of the marathon. Looking at this year’s road closures map, it says Buena Vista was “Modified” and “Resort Access Only” for CSR… anyone know what that meant? One lane open each direction, maybe? There must be some way to leave!

I would think one lane in each direction, I mean, they want non-runners to be able to go to the parks and spend money Also, there would need to be unimpeded access for emergency vehicles.

Edited to add: looking at my map from W&D, which also went right past CSR, we were confined to one side of the road

 

[PrincessV]

I would think one lane in each direction, I mean, they want non-runners to be able to go to the parks and spend money Also, there would need to be unimpeded access for emergency vehicles.

Edited to add: looking at my map from W&D, which also went right past CSR, we were confined to one side of the road

That’s my thought, too - they’re not going to lock down access and keep people from going to the parks or the airport. The 2025 course is a little different, with only one direction of BV in use for the marathon, but I have to assume there’s a plan.

Funny aside: I have NO memory of going by CSR in W&D at all lol! That race was such a mess for me, I’ve apparently blocked it out entirely.

 

[GuinnessRunner]

Ok my Marathon Weekend gambling friends, what's the over/under on when the Event Guide drops? We know they like to do it on Tuesday's. With today being DL registration day, I think it's safe to say that's out (and seems way too early). Looking back at past years, the 17th seems to fit closest to their historical trend, but then you had the earlier release of the guide for W&D this year compared to the historical trend there. So do we think next Tuesday the 10th could be the day? What say you - over or under 12/10 for the release date? As a bonus play, do we think they maybe release the rest of the 2025 RD schedule next Tuesday and then follow up with the event guide on the 17th?

 

[kps7795]

Ok my Marathon Weekend gambling friends, what's the over/under on when the Event Guide drops? We know they like to do it on Tuesday's. With today being DL registration day, I think it's safe to say that's out (and seems way too early). Looking back at past years, the 17th seems to fit closest to their historical trend, but then you had the earlier release of the guide for W&D this year compared to the historical trend there. So do we think next Tuesday the 10th could be the day? What say you - over or under 12/10 for the release date? As a bonus play, do we think they maybe release the rest of the 2025 RD schedule next Tuesday and then follow up with the event guide on the 17th?

Based on past year's trends, I believe that the Event Guide is going to drop on 12/17.

 

[Lemon Head]

Interesting question - I've done plenty of Marathons but is there anything I should be packing for Dopey I wouldnt usually pack for a marathon (apart from extra shoes, t-shirts and a costume)?

 

[Herding_Cats]

Interesting question - I've done plenty of Marathons but is there anything I should be packing for Dopey I wouldnt usually pack for a marathon (apart from extra shoes, t-shirts and a costume)?

"disposable" layers for pre-race depending on the weather. Some people swear by newspaper to put in their shoes to help dry them faster if it's rainy (I just use a hair dryer, or if the forecast is super rainy I have an electric shoe dryer I put in the suitcase because I have space.)

 

[kps7795]

Interesting question - I've done plenty of Marathons but is there anything I should be packing for Dopey I wouldnt usually pack for a marathon (apart from extra shoes, t-shirts and a costume)?

I would bring mylar blankets to stay warm before the race. I got these from Amazon and they worked well. The weather can be beautiful to start or it can be absolutely frigid like last year. It's a crap shoot and you won't know what the temperature will be until once you're at Disney World.

https://a.co/d/6nAYHo9

 

[Herding_Cats]

Ok my Marathon Weekend gambling friends, what's the over/under on when the Event Guide drops? We know they like to do it on Tuesday's. With today being DL registration day, I think it's safe to say that's out (and seems way too early). Looking back at past years, the 17th seems to fit closest to their historical trend, but then you had the earlier release of the guide for W&D this year compared to the historical trend there. So do we think next Tuesday the 10th could be the day? What say you - over or under 12/10 for the release date? As a bonus play, do we think they maybe release the rest of the 2025 RD schedule next Tuesday and then follow up with the event guide on the 17th?

Speaking of event guides (it'll probably be the 17th because we never get it as soon as we want it!)


I'm trying to remember when we "do" the big Dis-List for MW. After expo passes come out? That might be after NY based on last year's release. I'm happy to work on the doc again. @Kerry1957 can you help me with the formatting again? @DopeyBadger we probably need to update some of the mile landmarks with the new marathon course. I can adjust those with a best-guess based on the map they gave us, unless that's something you want to do.

 

[Lemon Head]

"disposable" layers for pre-race depending on the weather. Some people swear by newspaper to put in their shoes to help dry them faster if it's rainy (I just use a hair dryer, or if the forecast is super rainy I have an electric shoe dryer I put in the suitcase because I have space.)

This ones interesting.

Usually I wear a light jacket from a charity shop and toss it at the start of the race (most Marathons collect them for charity).

I've never had a 4am start before though. I've heard if you take your 'waiting layer' off too early, you freeze. If you take it off too late, you sweat in it and will start to get cold.

 

[Herding_Cats]

This ones interesting.

Usually I wear a light jacket from a charity shop and toss it at the start of the race (most Marathons collect them for charity).

Disney does the same.

I've never had a 4am start before though. I've heard if you take your 'waiting layer' off too early, you freeze. If you take it off too late, you sweat in it and will start to get cold.

The weather can be really unpredictable in January. It could be in the 30s (near 0 celsius) or it could be in the 70s (20s celsius.) When to take off your layers is going be a very personal decision, and depend on how your body reacts to different temperatures.

 

[jrsharp21]

I can't recall who suggested it, and it was a few years ago, but someone did suggest getting those $4 throw blankets at Walmart and then use those to stay warm in the corral. This works like a charm. I usually tie it around my neck like a cape and then wrap it around my upper body. It's also an easy toss when it's time to get ready to go.

 

[MissLiss279]

I can't recall who suggested it, and it was a few years ago, but someone did suggest getting those $4 throw blankets at Walmart and then use those to stay warm in the corral. This works like a charm. I usually tie it around my neck like a cape and then wrap it around my upper body. It's also an easy toss when it's time to get ready to go.

This is what I do, and if it is also windy, I add the Mylar blanket on top.
Another suggestion from many years ago on the board that I use for all races now, is I carry a plastic sack so I have something to put all the things in at the end of the race (water, Powerade, food box, banana - except I eat this right away, maybe the Mylar blanket, etc.).
If it is not cold, I still like to have something to sit on, so I may bring the Mylar blanket for that. Nothing makes my feet hurt more than standing around for hours - so I definitely find a spot to sit down in the pre-race area and corral.

 

[Herding_Cats]

I can't recall who suggested it, and it was a few years ago, but someone did suggest getting those $4 throw blankets at Walmart and then use those to stay warm in the corral. This works like a charm. I usually tie it around my neck like a cape and then wrap it around my upper body. It's also an easy toss when it's time to get ready to go.

If you live in the upper midwest and have a Menards near you, those blankets are about $2 right now if they have any leftover from their black friday sale.

 

[GuinnessRunner]

This is what I do, and if it is also windy, I add the Mylar blanket on top.

Pretty sure I got the idea from someone on here, but you can get mylar ponchos on Amazon (like 4 for $15 give or take). Makes it so you don't have to tie them around you and gives you a hood for a little more warmth, especially if it it's windy.

 

[PrincessV]

This ones interesting.

Usually I wear a light jacket from a charity shop and toss it at the start of the race (most Marathons collect them for charity).

I've never had a 4am start before though. I've heard if you take your 'waiting layer' off too early, you freeze. If you take it off too late, you sweat in it and will start to get cold.

Speaking as a Floridian, the thing with January is that the weather can change dramatically, even in a 24-hour period. So my standard (and keep in mind that I am Floridian and easily chilled, and also drive so I’m only limited by the space in my car regarding how much I can pack) is to bring whatever I need for temps ranging from 20-80. I’m a big fan of the cheap fleece blankets + Mylar over it, worn as a sarong around my waist to keep my legs toasty. I have a stash of old fleece sweatshirts and jackets for on top. Those stick-on toe warmers are amazing for both feet AND hands. Cheap knit gloves that can be tossed or pocketed are great - if it’s really cold, I’ll wear two pair and sandwich a hand/foot warmer in between. If it’s only a little cool, I have a stash of old long sleeve race shirts as throwaways.

If it’s really cold and also windy, AND you’re easily chilled, AND aren’t super worried about your pace, I highly recommend waiting until you’re deep into World Dr. before losing too many layers. There is no cold like the cold that is a high headwind with a Wind Chill in the teens on that stretch. I made the mistake of ditching layers too early once and couldn’t feel anything from the waist down for 13 miles.

Pro tip: restrooms in MK are usually heated by the time we get there.

 

[DopeyBadger]

I'm trying to remember when we "do" the big Dis-List for MW. After expo passes come out? That might be after NY based on last year's release. I'm happy to work on the doc again. @Kerry1957 can you help me with the formatting again? @DopeyBadger we probably need to update some of the mile landmarks with the new marathon course. I can adjust those with a best-guess based on the map they gave us, unless that's something you want to do.

Usually once we saw the course maps was enough for me to move forward since these days we don't get advanced official notice of corral information anymore. Typically that would have been early-mid December, but we've already got it. So you could start collecting the information anytime. I already updated the spreadsheet back in September when the new maps came out to adjust some of the calculations. I'll review the spreadsheet today with the knowns, and then make some edits to the powerpoint slides. Then I'll email it to you.

 

[nancipants]

Speaking as a Floridian, the thing with January is that the weather can change dramatically, even in a 24-hour period. So my standard (and keep in mind that I am Floridian and easily chilled, and also drive so I’m only limited by the space in my car regarding how much I can pack) is to bring whatever I need for temps ranging from 20-80. I’m a big fan of the cheap fleece blankets + Mylar over it, worn as a sarong around my waist to keep my legs toasty. I have a stash of old fleece sweatshirts and jackets for on top. Those stick-on toe warmers are amazing for both feet AND hands. Cheap knit gloves that can be tossed or pocketed are great - if it’s really cold, I’ll wear two pair and sandwich a hand/foot warmer in between. If it’s only a little cool, I have a stash of old long sleeve race shirts as throwaways.

If it’s really cold and also windy, AND you’re easily chilled, AND aren’t super worried about your pace, I highly recommend waiting until you’re deep into World Dr. before losing too many layers. There is no cold like the cold that is a high headwind with a Wind Chill in the teens on that stretch. I made the mistake of ditching layers too early once and couldn’t feel anything from the waist down for 13 miles.

Pro tip: restrooms in MK are usually heated by the time we get there.

I'm hoping for chilly weather, but if it's like the past few days (low 40s and high 30s) I'm gonna be in trouble because I have NO warm running clothes.