Marathon Weekend 2025

[Mr. Drauer]

My view of the half course is very jaded by my W&D experience. I’m really hoping they do something differently, because it was pretty awful.

For those who don’t know, the way they did W&D corrals was the standard lettering system… but also each letter was then divided on-site into multiple corrals. So while I was in D, D actually comprised 3 or 4 physical corrals, each named a different color. The deal was that they filled the first of a letter’s corral, then closed it and started loading the next one. Once a corral was closed, there was NO further entry allowed. If you were already in a corral that closed, you were allowed to exit to use the potties or get water, but had a 10-minute return window and had to provide a password to get back in.

I was loaded into the 2nd corral of D and started at the back of it, as I usually do: I have serious issues with feeling trapped in a large crowd, but hanging back in my corral and staying off to one side usually gives me some space and also means having time and room for things to spread out once we actually get moving, before the first wave of the next corral starts behind me and also spreads itself out some. That did not work with the new W&D system. Though they loaded D into 3 or 4 separate corrals, they released them all into one enormous group to walk to the start. And while they seemed to do mini-wave starts, they went FAST: fast enough that things didn’t spread out at all for me. Truly, the entire 13.1 miles was uncomfortably crowded. The BW path was horrendous - we came to a complete stop at the water station. Passing anywhere other than the widest parts of highway was nearly impossible without getting in someone’s way. It was tied with the first Dark Side 10K for the worst race experience I’ve had, only minus anything Star Wars-y to take the edge off.

So, seeing how much of that half course is narrow and how early on it falls is not encouraging from my vantage point. I’m really hoping they don't repeat the W&D system and/or that they take more time between mini-waves.

A source I have inside of rundisney has confirmed that the corrals within corrals are planned for Marathon Weekend. They were still looking for Track Shack feedback, but as far as inside rundisney, that is the plan.

 

[Jason Bryer]

SAFD: Came to check in and see I'm not alone in the training not going great. This has been a hard year for training for me. I did Tokyo in March and managed a decent time. I completed 20 miles yesterday abut the last 7 were absolutely hard. I'm trying to look on the bright side, the first 13 felt great which was relief because I did a half race two weeks ago and it was the first time I considered quitting a race. I almost cut the race short as I was passing my street at mile 18 but found the mental energy to get those last 2 miles. So glad I did. One more 20 miler in 2 weeks.

One thing I forgot to say I am still figure out is shoes. I love my Brooks Ghost 15s EXCEPT they seem to go dead really fast. They're fine for shorter runs (10 miles or less) but for long runs? Forget it! The bottoms of my feet hurt after mile 10 once the shoes hit 100ish miles. I thought it was a fluke on my first two pair as they were the ones I took to Marathon Weekend that got sopping wet. But it happened on my next two pair as well. I got a fresh pair and the cushion was nice and soft and got me through my long runs with no problem. But now I had to order another new pair (so hard to find sizes now, I switched to my size in men's which was a nice discovery) so I can have two for marathon weekend as I'm already over 60 miles on the new pair! I'm used to getting to at least 200 miles before I retire my shoes from long runs (and more like 300-400 miles for regular runs) so I'm disappointed. But so far I haven't found anything that I like as much yet, as the fit of the shoe itself is perfect, no blisters or rubbing or lost toenails.

I tried the Ghosts 16s and they feel so tight. I've never liked an even model Ghost, though. The cushion on the Glycerin 21s is great but the tongue rubs the top of my foot. Tried a few others and just didn't like them, I'll have to go back to the drawing board after Marathon Weekend. I do like my Endorphin speed 3s but don't trust taking those on a long run, I'm on my feet too long. Sometimes those rub my heel randomly too. 1st world probs, right?

In better news, I discovered a new favorite gel. I love Huma gels and today I tried the mango flavor, AMAZING! Tastes like mango lassi, goes down so easy! I like it even better than the apple and cinnamon flavor. Only downside is they are expensive for regular use...

Have you tried the Brooks Adrenaline? I think the fit between the Ghost and Glycerin IMHO. I have been running on them for the last 6+ years and really like them. I tend to wear Ghosts for walking and the Adrenaline for running. I think I saw some deals going around (Brooks direct or Zappos) where the are about $30 off. I tend to get at least 400 miles on a pair, sometimes more.

 

[azrivest]

DD wanted her car over winter break

You're a good dad! What we wouldn't do for our kids...

 

[azrivest]

A source I have inside of rundisney has confirmed that the corrals within corrals are planned for Marathon Weekend. They were still looking for Track Shack feedback, but as far as inside rundisney, that is the plan.

I actually like this system. Shouldn't feel as crazy when they open the barrier to walk us to the starting line

 

[nancipants]

I actually like this system. Shouldn't feel as crazy when they open the barrier to walk us to the starting line

I HATE when the entire corral stands up because they see other corrals walking. SIT. DOWN. DON'T CROWD. It'll benefit everyone in the long run (ha).

 

[jrsharp21]

SAFD: Things took a really good turn last week after posting about the side of my hip really hurting. I woke up the day before my appointment with doctor and the pain was gone. I thought it may be a fluke so went out and did 5 mile run at lunch, pain free. It didn't show up the next day either. So whatever it was, no more.

I did a 15 mile run yesterday morning. Loved the 55 and light sprinkle. Made for a really nice run. I finished 13.1 miles in almost my PR half marathon time. So I was pleased with that. I also tried some new fueling strategies. Besides the normal salted watermelon GU that I use, I mixed in one of the UnTapped syrup packs into the run. While I could not use the UnTapped as the only fuel for a run, too sweet and strong for my licking, it was nice way to break up the GU packets. It definitely wakes you up as you take it down. I also had my wife meet me at mile 10 with an 8 oz can of Coke. I chugged it and went on with the run. After the initial burp or two, loved the energy boost it gave me. So definitely going to try to grab a Coke coming out of Hollywood Studios to try to get last kick in to the finish.

I have a 17 mile run on Saturday and then a 20 mile run on the 21st, then going to taper down for MW. In the past, I usually never went over half marathon length in my training. I home hoping that actually going the longer distances for training will pay off.

 

[disneyrunnergrl]

A source I have inside of rundisney has confirmed that the corrals within corrals are planned for Marathon Weekend. They were still looking for Track Shack feedback, but as far as inside rundisney, that is the plan.

I really don’t understand this. I wasn’t at wine and dine so maybe that’s why. But the podcasts recapping it were telling people to go get the password and then text it to your friends and that seems like it defeats the purpose?

 

[kps7795]

Things took a really good turn last week after posting about the side of my hip really hurting. I woke up the day before my appointment with doctor and the pain was gone.

Isn't that crazy? Then you have the difficult decision to make about whether to still go to the doctor to tell them that you HAD a pain but now you're fine. I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better and are able to enjoy the break in your temperature.

 

[camaker]

Have you tried the Brooks Adrenaline? I think the fit between the Ghost and Glycerin IMHO. I have been running on them for the last 6+ years and really like them. I tend to wear Ghosts for walking and the Adrenaline for running. I think I saw some deals going around (Brooks direct or Zappos) where the are about $30 off. I tend to get at least 400 miles on a pair, sometimes more.

Be careful looking at this change. The Glycerin and Ghost are neutral, high cushion shoes. The Adrenaline is a stability/support shoe.

 

[sandam1]

One thing I forgot to say I am still figure out is shoes. I love my Brooks Ghost 15s EXCEPT they seem to go dead really fast. They're fine for shorter runs (10 miles or less) but for long runs? Forget it! The bottoms of my feet hurt after mile 10 once the shoes hit 100ish miles. I thought it was a fluke on my first two pair as they were the ones I took to Marathon Weekend that got sopping wet. But it happened on my next two pair as well. I got a fresh pair and the cushion was nice and soft and got me through my long runs with no problem. But now I had to order another new pair (so hard to find sizes now, I switched to my size in men's which was a nice discovery) so I can have two for marathon weekend as I'm already over 60 miles on the new pair! I'm used to getting to at least 200 miles before I retire my shoes from long runs (and more like 300-400 miles for regular runs) so I'm disappointed. But so far I haven't found anything that I like as much yet, as the fit of the shoe itself is perfect, no blisters or rubbing or lost toenails.

Have you tried getting a replacement insole (like Superfeet, etc.)? I wonder if that would help lengthen the lifespan.

 

[fatmanatee]

Be careful looking at this change. The Glycerin and Ghost are neutral, high cushion shoes. The Adrenaline is a stability/support shoe.

When I was switching from Glycerin, which had a big redesign I didn't like, running store recommended Hoka Cliftons. They were really good for me for awhile, had to switch to stability shoes due to tendonitis but I'm going to try to switch back once this race season is done and I've worn out the other pairs.

 

[lahobbs4]

SAFD: Training is still in the crapper due to two herniated discs and extensor tendonitis. It is what it is. I will *probably* be smart and forgo Goofy and just walk the half marathon. I have to get over my pride (that's been the hardest part of all this, honestly)

But I'm also one of those crazies that bumped up to the full from the half during the cancelled 2017 race. With only 10 miles of training so we will just see

 

[3princesandaprincess]

SAFD: Training was going great! I missed a couple of short runs in Nov. but got all the important ones in. Did a 23 mi long run this past week that felt easier than my 17 or 20. The next day was rough (super sore), and I am struggling with lingering left quad pain. Going to take the next few days easy and see if it passes. As long as I can get one last good long run in, and some additional mileage hopefully it will be good?
This is my first marathon so I’m already nervous…..

 

[pluto377]

SAFD- training was going really well until i got pneumonia about 2 weeks ago. I didn't do any exercise at all for 16 days unless you count walking to the fridge and bathroom. I started again last Tuesday with an easy 3 mile walk and was able to do 6 miles yesterday with 30/30 intervals and a bit slower than normal. I think I'll be ok since I'm "only" running the half, but I'm more worried than ever about balloon ladies. Hoping I get an early corral and can start near the front of it, but I also loathe standing for more than 20 minutes before the race so I'm not sure how I'll handle the corral situation.

 

[jenljeffers1989]

Question for everyone: Right now on Google maps, it's a 6 minute drive from the Poly to Epcot. Does anyone have experience with this drive on the morning of the 5K? Should I budget for much more time, like a half hour?

 

[sandam1]

Question for everyone: Right now on Google maps, it's a 6 minute drive from the Poly to Epcot. Does anyone have experience with this drive on the morning of the 5K? Should I budget for much more time, like a half hour?

My rule of thumb for every race weekend is to take the normal drive time and double it. Then add a 15-20 minute "oh, fudge" factor.

That being said, I am usually extremely conservative with what time I want to be in the parking lot since it is a long walk from the parking lot, to the security area, to the reunion area and then finally into the corrals. If I get there early, perfect, I can hang out in the car for a little bit and close my eyes (just make sure to set the alarm on your phone). But if something goes wrong (one race I foolishly followed the cars in front of me and took a 5-minute tour of the Epcot resort parking lots), I'm not stressed.

 

[MissLiss279]

Looks like the Brooks partnership begins with Springtime Surprise - so I’m guessing no Brooks race shirts for MW this year (or shoes).

 

[The Expert]

It says in the parks blog post that both shirts and shoes will start with SS:

The epic race weekend news doesn’t stop there! Earlier this year, we shared that Brooks will become the official running shoe of runDisney starting in 2025. Today, we are thrilled to announce that the 2025 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend will be their debut race weekend! Event participants can get excited to gear up with their official race shirts provided by Brooks. Additionally, the first pairs of Disney-themed running shoes will be available starting at the race weekend’s runDisney Health & Fitness Expo. Be sure to stay tuned for more upcoming Brooks news in the future, and sign up here to be notified about new releases coming from Brooks and runDisney.

 

[runwithperseverence7]

Looks like the Brooks partnership begins with Springtime Surprise - so I’m guessing no Brooks race shirts for MW this year (or shoes).

I saw that email. I was hoping we got something for MW. Oh well. I hope at least the shoes will be available outside of the RD expos.

 

[runwithperseverence7]

Forgot to add to my post earlier, I’m dodging my DD because she has a cold. Hoping the rest of us don’t catch it. Ain't nobody got time for that! I’ve been drinking emergen c everyday for the past month.
FYI: I’ve been using this since my 2nd marathon 2 years ago. I read somewhere that marathon runners usually get sick afterwards and that this helps. Hoping we don’t bring anything home this time around. We got Covid after our 2022 trip.