Marathon Weekend 2025

[The Expert]

How much do you RD experts think the baseball jersey will cost? I’m hoping it’s not the same as a real MLB one. That’s the reason I don’t have an Orioles one yet. Although I’m very much considering this one.

And I think this will be a hot seller!

Jerseys are $59.99 on Disney's shop right now, but I'd expect a premium bump for the expo -- maybe $69-$74?

And I just cannot believe that no one ironed a darn thing before they did this photo shoot!!!??? Isn't it somebody's job to think thru these things? Review photos before posting? Am I showing my age?!?

Seriously! That's merchandising 101!

That goofy zip up is adorable!! Too bad I’m not getting to the expo and by then they’ll all be scooped up by the resellers.

DM me. I have Platinum early access and am happy to pick up an item here and there for a fellow DISer. I also really like this, but don't want to be mistaken for an Eagles fan. ::laughs in Chiefs Kingdom::

Maybe a dumb question here but could use some input/ideas. Trying to figure out my fueling plan for the half and full.

For 2023 Dopey I used Huma gels - those were easy enough to pack my pockets and time them along with water stops. Super easy/no thought required/quick.

For training this year I’ve been using Tailwind. Trying to decide my best plan here - I don’t really want to carry water or bottles with me at Disney, but could I guess. I’ve seen people fill their bottles/add their powder of choice at the water stops. That all seems kind of messy/laborious? Curious if you use Tailwind or a similar powder - what’s your race plan? Thank you!

A lot of folks use smaller bottles with a concentrated mix of Tailwind (or the like), then use the water stop cups to dilute to proper strength. It still involves carrying bottles, but not full size ones.

 

[nancipants]

Remember that everybody's experience is different. Anything any of us say will be anecdotal.

I had violent COVID, like high fever and such, about 5 weeks from my first marathon in 2022, and I was fine for my race.

This is very true. I had Covid once (before I started running) and had no long term affects from it. A very good friend of mine had Covid and has had long Covid affecting her GI tract.

Maybe a dumb question here but could use some input/ideas. Trying to figure out my fueling plan for the half and full.

For 2023 Dopey I used Huma gels - those were easy enough to pack my pockets and time them along with water stops. Super easy/no thought required/quick.

For training this year I’ve been using Tailwind. Trying to decide my best plan here - I don’t really want to carry water or bottles with me at Disney, but could I guess. I’ve seen people fill their bottles/add their powder of choice at the water stops. That all seems kind of messy/laborious? Curious if you use Tailwind or a similar powder - what’s your race plan? Thank you!

I use Tailwind and carry a Nathan handheld. I separate my servings into snack size baggies that I get at Dollar Tree, and after rolling them up they come out to about the size of a small gel. Before I get to the stop, I finish the remaining drink in my handheld (if any is left) and pour in the new Tailwind. I put the entire top of the bag into the handheld and kind of shake it to get all the mix inside. Then I either fill up with multiple cups or find someone filling up handhelds. During my last half marathon, I filled up every other water stop and plan on keeping the same strategy for the marathon.

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

SAFD: New for me at MW? Nothing for 2025. I'll be focusing on ramping back up to being able to train. (I'm not whining; this is temporary and will pass, so I'm good).

For those doing their first Dopey, kudos for signing up! It is one of the coolest accomplishments you'll ever do. Be the first on your block and astound your family and friends! (IYKYK, if you are old enough).

A bit of advice as a Dopey expert: <presents credentials, thumb covering where the Race Qty = 1>

1. Unless you are out to "win" the Dopey and set PRs, plan on a relaxed pace. Plus, there are races closer to your house and much cheaper for PRs
2. Pace yourself on the 5K, 10K, and the Half. For me it was walking and jogging and very casual running in order to leave plenty in the tank for Sunday. Use characters stops and photo ops as walk and run breaks. I made myself not worry about the slow race times, and instead focus on taking it all in.
3. Make a sign for your resort door letting them know you are a runner and napping. Many of us are trying to catch a post-race or afternoon nap when house keeping comes by. Since it was just myself, I didn't even need housekeeping. One caveat, after a few days, they will do a "wellness check". In spite of me screaming that I was in there and in the tub, a cast member entered the room to "verify no problems". I reported him and I'm still ticked, and started making the signs after that. I was loud enough that the female runner in the next room came to her door to tell Bunky that she was OK.
4. Take several pairs of shoes, and separate shoes for not-running
5. If you want to go into the parks, have at it, but don't add another 20K steps. I've heard people talk about doing just the races and otherwise hanging around the resort. I can't do that, so I go into the parks, but with moderation. (I did Epcot with the DW after a Princess half and wound up doing enough steps for another half. I slept very soundly that night.
6. Don't go off your feed! Some people bring all their food with them or get Instacart delivered to their room. I bring protein bars and snacks to the room and otherwise eat at the resort or in the parks, but mind what I'm eating so that I don't have any adverse reactions during races. YMMV.
7. In the most recent R&R, Galloway was talking about the importance of post-race fueling within 30 minutes. I am horrible about post-race eating. And that 30-minute window means you probably need to eat on the bus or while waiting for it. So if you don't like the rD snack box, take something. I'm going to start trying the peanut butter and honey Uncrustables. Galloway recommends ~150 calories for the 5k and 10K, 300 calories for the half, and 600 for the full. Uncrustables are ~200 calories, so one of those and a few bites from the snack box should do it.
8. A post-race soak after the half and full is so totally worth it.
9. Again, take it all in and enjoy the experience. It will all go by faster than you think, especially the 5K and 10K.
10. Enjoy wearing that Dopey medal in the park, with all others humbling themselves before you and recognizing you as an apex rD-er. ;-)

As always, YMMV.

 

[cburnett11]

Last offer for sharing my photopass/memory maker for MW! I've done this for 2 previous years, so I've mostly got it figured out at this point. At $10/race distance it's an equal split for all of the races if I can fill all of the spots. I will email you a zip file with all of your pics on Wednesday the 15th (the first full day we are back home) but I'm also happy to grab a few pics during the race weekend and send them to you if you want them to share on your socials. If you're wanting park pics, I can also get those for you, we would just have to add eachother to our friends and family (and you can lock me out of seeing/changing any of your plans, which I absolutely would not do anyway!) Send me a message if you want in!

I still have available:
5k -- 3 spots
10k -- 1 spot (holding to hear back from @pluto377 did you want this?)
HM -- 3 spots
M -- 1 spot

Sent PM

 

[jrsharp21]

SAFD: New for me at MW? Nothing for 2025. I'll be focusing on ramping back up to being able to train. (I'm not whining; this is temporary and will pass, so I'm good).

For those doing their first Dopey, kudos for signing up! It is one of the coolest accomplishments you'll ever do. Be the first on your block and astound your family and friends! (IYKYK, if you are old enough).

A bit of advice as a Dopey expert: <presents credentials, thumb covering where the Race Qty = 1>

1. Unless you are out to "win" the Dopey and set PRs, plan on a relaxed pace. Plus, there are races closer to your house and much cheaper for PRs
2. Pace yourself on the 5K, 10K, and the Half. For me it was walking and jogging and very casual running in order to leave plenty in the tank for Sunday. Use characters stops and photo ops as walk and run breaks. I made myself not worry about the slow race times, and instead focus on taking it all in.
3. Make a sign for your resort door letting them know you are a runner and napping. Many of us are trying to catch a post-race or afternoon nap when house keeping comes by. Since it was just myself, I didn't even need housekeeping. One caveat, after a few days, they will do a "wellness check". In spite of me screaming that I was in there and in the tub, a cast member entered the room to "verify no problems". I reported him and I'm still ticked, and started making the signs after that. I was loud enough that the female runner in the next room came to her door to tell Bunky that she was OK.
4. Take several pairs of shoes, and separate shoes for not-running
5. If you want to go into the parks, have at it, but don't add another 20K steps. I've heard people talk about doing just the races and otherwise hanging around the resort. I can't do that, so I go into the parks, but with moderation. (I did Epcot with the DW after a Princess half and wound up doing enough steps for another half. I slept very soundly that night.
6. Don't go off your feed! Some people bring all their food with them or get Instacart delivered to their room. I bring protein bars and snacks to the room and otherwise eat at the resort or in the parks, but mind what I'm eating so that I don't have any adverse reactions during races. YMMV.
7. In the most recent R&R, Galloway was talking about the importance of post-race fueling within 30 minutes. I am horrible about post-race eating. And that 30-minute window means you probably need to eat on the bus or while waiting for it. So if you don't like the rD snack box, take something. I'm going to start trying the peanut butter and honey Uncrustables. Galloway recommends ~150 calories for the 5k and 10K, 300 calories for the half, and 600 for the full. Uncrustables are ~200 calories, so one of those and a few bites from the snack box should do it.
8. A post-race soak after the half and full is so totally worth it.
9. Again, take it all in and enjoy the experience. It will all go by faster than you think, especially the 5K and 10K.
10. Enjoy wearing that Dopey medal in the park, with all others humbling themselves before you and recognizing you as an apex rD-er. ;-)

As always, YMMV.

#6!!!!! I learned the hard way last year with this. Don't go out and try to be adventurous with your diet before the races. This year I plan on stopping and grabbing a bunch of Uncrustables to eat around the parks. I don't even want to chance the food this year.

 

[Herding_Cats]

#5! Don't book the Epcot fireworks dinner package the night before the 10k (or maybe it was the half?) when you're doing Dopey!

 

[SheHulk]

Maybe a dumb question here but could use some input/ideas. Trying to figure out my fueling plan for the half and full.

For 2023 Dopey I used Huma gels - those were easy enough to pack my pockets and time them along with water stops. Super easy/no thought required/quick.

For training this year I’ve been using Tailwind. Trying to decide my best plan here - I don’t really want to carry water or bottles with me at Disney, but could I guess. I’ve seen people fill their bottles/add their powder of choice at the water stops. That all seems kind of messy/laborious? Curious if you use Tailwind or a similar powder - what’s your race plan? Thank you!

I like tailwind too, and I carry a handheld with it for training runs but DO NOT want to do this in a race. Interested to see the responses.

 

[DHSsenior007]

I'm a little bit more meh about the merch, which I guess works well since I won't be able to get to the expo until Saturday. Does anyone know what other merch is typically offered, or if Disney will post it between now and then?

I was also wondering what time people typically leave their resort for the buses on marathon morning? I'm staying at BWV and while I don't necessarily need to catch the first bus, I certainly don't want to get the last one, either. Just trying to figure out when I should set my alarm for that morning

 

[Disneyhanna]

I use Tailwind and carry a Nathan handheld. I separate my servings into snack size baggies that I get at Dollar Tree, and after rolling them up they come out to about the size of a small gel. Before I get to the stop, I finish the remaining drink in my handheld (if any is left) and pour in the new Tailwind. I put the entire top of the bag into the handheld and kind of shake it to get all the mix inside. Then I either fill up with multiple cups or find someone filling up handhelds. During my last half marathon, I filled up every other water stop and plan on keeping the same strategy for the marathon.

I could have written this myself, this is what I do too! The last two marathons were nice temperature wise so I think I refilled my 18oz Nathan handheld (speeddraw plus) about 3x on the course. I train with it so I'm used to holding it and it bothers me less at WDW since I'm so distracted by all the fun. I get too hot wearing a vest in FL so I prefer the handheld.

 

[PrincessV]

Maybe a dumb question here but could use some input/ideas. Trying to figure out my fueling plan for the half and full.

For 2023 Dopey I used Huma gels - those were easy enough to pack my pockets and time them along with water stops. Super easy/no thought required/quick.

For training this year I’ve been using Tailwind. Trying to decide my best plan here - I don’t really want to carry water or bottles with me at Disney, but could I guess. I’ve seen people fill their bottles/add their powder of choice at the water stops. That all seems kind of messy/laborious? Curious if you use Tailwind or a similar powder - what’s your race plan? Thank you!

I always carry a handheld bottle and refill as needed at water stations - it’s very easy! When I need a refill, I unscrew my bottle’s cap as I approach a water station and hold it between my teeth. Not a fan of having CMs try to pour into my bottle, so I grab a cup: pinch it to make a spout and pour it into my bottle. Repeat if I need another cup. Toss cups, put bottle cap back on, keep going. I walk through the station as I’m doing this to make things easier, but don’t stop.

I start my race with a bottle already mixed with Tailwind. For a half, I don’t need any more than that because I use gels from that point on. But I’ve used Tailwind during marathons and the process is basically the same as above, only I start a little earlier before approaching the water station: unscrew cap and hold between teeth, get baggie of Tailwind open and pour into bottle, proceed as above but shake once cap is back on. One year it was very windy and I pulled over at the end of the tables to get the Tailwind into the bottle. Took maybe 20 extra seconds. The little baggies are key: the entire opening fits into the mouth of the bottle, so it’s just pinch it a little to settle it in and dump.

 

[Herding_Cats]

I'm a little bit more meh about the merch, which I guess works well since I won't be able to get to the expo until Saturday. Does anyone know what other merch is typically offered, or if Disney will post it between now and then?

I was also wondering what time people typically leave their resort for the buses on marathon morning? I'm staying at BWV and while I don't necessarily need to catch the first bus, I certainly don't want to get the last one, either. Just trying to figure out when I should set my alarm for that morning

Merch usually consists of a "core line" which is general rundisney stuff. This year's appears to be blue with neon green (galloway colors) and if you search for videos from W&D you should be able to see what they will have available for that (usually joggers, leggings, jackets, a spf/rashguard fabric spirit jersey, jacket, tees, and hat. Also lug bags like a crossbody and a waterbottle sling.)

Race-specific merch is usually:
-I DID IT shirts for all distances and challenges
-T-shirts and tanks for all distances, and sometimes challenges as well overall race weekend
-Keychains, mugs, waterbottles, shoe ornaments, ears, a hat, pins, magnet, loungefly backpacks
-Jackets for the weekend, for the HM, M, and Challenges
-Some (very cheap imo) novelty cotton T-shirts....for the 90s weekend there was a pluto shirt that said "My Dogs are Barking!" as an example...sometimes there's a "Sleepy Challenge" shirt for non-runners.


Sometimes there are instagram influencers who get in the night before and do a preview (runninginmakeup is a common one for that) and usually some of the early entrants into the expo (club or first few boarding groups) will post pics in the thread.


ETA: Here's a link from youtube where they do a big walkthrough of the merch building, so you can see how they chop it up by distance, the signage, the number of people, etc. Not too much talking which is nice.

 

[DHSsenior007]

Thanks, @Herding_Cats! That is really helpful. I didn't think to look at W&D videos so that's a great tip. Will definitely keep my eye out for those other previews, too.

 

[cburnett11]

Man what a rough year. I’m registered for Dopey but I’m on day 6 of having covid right now. Thankfully I’m very mild but trying to decide if it’s a good idea to run that much in only a few weeks. Everything is paid for so assuming I clear it (it’s my first infection) I’ll be there for at least the easier races and some parks time but I may be walking the marathon I guess

Just go into the weekend knowing you will have a good time. You might get a good feel for how things will be after Thursday morning. You’re still a few weeks away so there’s no reason not to go into MW with a positive attitude.

 

[sandam1]

Tailwind user here - Like a couple others have responded, I have small baggies (got jewelry bags from Michaels - learned that tip here) with individual servings. Make sure that you put the Tailwind in FIRST and then add water. Otherwise it gets to be a mess.

Most water stops (particularly on the longer races and later in the race) will have someone with a full size water bottle to fill your bottle. One thing that I found at W&D was that a lot of the restrooms in the parks now have bottle fillers next to them. It's super easy to fill up on a bathroom stop (or just as you are running by).

 

[Grabnar]

So I am going to be honest. COVID is YMMV but your probably not going to make it even in the under full ones possibly.

I caught Covid back in 2023 so this was my early days of being wheels but I was still in them. But it took me weeks to get back to normal. You need to treat this like you have pneumonia. You might feel normal by the time Dopey rolls around. But it will completely reset your physical form and you will need to rebuild it. You can try Dopey if you want. But come in with realistic expectations. When you've been that sick for that long with something that causes so many issues. Your more then likely not going to be able to do the 48.6.

For reference while my COVID was during a break. I have had two cases of pneumonia before 2016 and last June. Both times reset my physicality almost to ground zero. I was signed up for a full three weeks from my diagnosis back in June. I got 8 miles in before I was swept. London I managed to visit off of one 10k run but that's also because they are lenient with their sweeps if you are willing to navigate things being cleaned up around you. (Though I've heard they've gotten better since 2016. This was just my personal experience.).

Add to that your doing the other miles and your definitely going to have issues very, very quickly in the longer legs of Dopey.

This is not a cold.

You will not be physically ready for this. I would honestly be ready for a possible sweep in the half. I cannot emphasize how much these kind of infections absolutely mess with you.

Edit: realized I had the wrong year. I also want to state for the record my first workout post covid was a 2 miler that took me 45 minutes. This was mid February. I caught COVID right after the new year. That's a month and a half. You have an even shorter window than I did. I was able to be ready for the 10 miler at Springtime but I had four months to recover and train. You have three weeks.

You might be at risk of sweep in the 10k also depending on the corral placement.

If I were you I would go in to the half and full if your going to start them anyway expecting the sweeps. And just embrace the inevitable and do as many characters before the bus gets you. If you can't do the miles might as well enjoy the ones you can.

I am so sorry your going through this. I remember how much it sucked. But luck and timing is not on your side.

Also for the record my worst symptoms were a headache that I needed stronger pain meds for. And a bad fever that dropped after the first 24 into a more normal range. And exhaustion. The last of which was fairly gone after a couple of weeks. So not the worst case. But you don't need a bad case for it to wreck your physical form.

This is what I'm prepped for, hoping for the best though. I got a 10 day course of paxlovid and so far I have had no substantial chest involvement, just some fatigue, a runny nose, and slight joint pain. Fingers crossed I don't lose too much conditioning and can at least walk my way through the whole thing.

Either way I'll be at Disney I guess so there's a floor to how bad the week can be.

 

[PrincessV]

One thing that I found at W&D was that a lot of the restrooms in the parks now have bottle fillers next to them. It's super easy to fill up on a bathroom stop (or just as you are running by).

Yep, I’ve used water fountains and/or restroom sinks to refill, too. I figure if I’m already stopped to use the facilities and washing my hands, I may as well refill my bottle at the same time.

 

[DisneyMountainWoman]

Mountain Woman - heart wrenching that your son is missing you on your runs. But he also sees your dedication to doing incredible things with your body. It's tough to balance things as a mom.

Ahh thanks. That means a lot.

 

[DopeyBadger]

Maybe a dumb question here but could use some input/ideas. Trying to figure out my fueling plan for the half and full.

For 2023 Dopey I used Huma gels - those were easy enough to pack my pockets and time them along with water stops. Super easy/no thought required/quick.

For training this year I’ve been using Tailwind. Trying to decide my best plan here - I don’t really want to carry water or bottles with me at Disney, but could I guess. I’ve seen people fill their bottles/add their powder of choice at the water stops. That all seems kind of messy/laborious? Curious if you use Tailwind or a similar powder - what’s your race plan? Thank you!

Tailwind can be concentrated beyond the recommended amount. I use a Hammer Nutrition 5oz bottle (very small) and get 3-4 scoops in there with water (roughly 1 oz per scoop). This yields about 75-100g carbs. Key is realizing you still need to drink water at the aid stations to properly absorb everything you're taking in. If you don't take in an appropriate amount of water from aid stations, then the body may pull from the muscles to attempt to absorb. In addition to Tailwind, I also use Maurten 320, Egels, and Maurten gels.

Madison 2022 was my last marathon, and this was my routine for carb loading and in-race nutrition (link).

****
Carb loading

On Saturday, I plan to follow my modified Western Australian carb loading procedure. The goal is to take in approximately 11-12 grams of carbs/kilogram body weight. I haven't weighed in yet, but I'm expecting something in the 175-185 pound range.

As I've done for the last couple WA carb loadings, instead of 80% of my carbs being sourced from liquid sources, I will instead get about 50% of my carbs from liquid sources and continue to eat almost normally. The goal is to eat at least 11 g carbs/kg body weight as I did in November/January 2020 and November 2021. I had no ill effects from this strategy prior and felt absolutely great on race day. So early Saturday morning, I will get in my 20-30 min run. I'll drink chocolate milk and Maurten 320. I'll continue to drink Maurten 320 throughout the day aiming for 5-6 total packages. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner I'll eat somewhat normally. I'll drink extra water to thirst and drink 1-2 Liquid IV throughout the day. The 6 Maurten packages would be 480 grams. My dinner is 160 grams per the Hello Fresh recipe (Vegan Street-cart Style Chickpea bowl). My chocolate milk is 60 grams. My Hello Fresh breakfast/lunch is 232g (Zucchini and Corn Queso Blanco Burritos). A few snacks here and there will get me to the 900-950 gram goal.

ETA - I ended up consuming 983g carbs which was 12.2g carbs/kg bw at a body weight of 178 pounds.

Race Morning Nutrition

On Sunday morning, I will drink 16-24oz of Liquid IV around 4:30am (approximately 2 hours before my last opportunity for the bathroom around 6:30am). I will eat my PB bagel and banana around 4:30am as well. I'll drink Maurten 320 about 15 min prior to race start (6:45am).


In-Race Nutrition and Hydration

As for fueling during the race, I'm planning the following:

minus 15 min - Maurten 320
45 min - Tailwind Concentrate
60 min - Maurten Caff gel
75 min - Egel
105 min - Tailwind Concentrate
120 min - Maurten Caff gel
135 min - Egel
165 min - Tailwind Concentrate

That puts me at 93g carb per hour. Depending on how I feel, I may sneak another Maurten non-Caff gel in there late. That would put me at 101g/hr. In total, I carry one 5oz bottle and 4 gels in my pockets.

There are 18 aid stations on the course. So to stay hydrated and assuming 3oz per cup, I'm aiming for two cups per aid station.




This is all something I practiced in training, and not something I tried for the first time on race day. I've been using this routine since the 2020 Disney M.

 

[Jason Bryer]

#6!!!!! I learned the hard way last year with this. Don't go out and try to be adventurous with your diet before the races. This year I plan on stopping and grabbing a bunch of Uncrustables to eat around the parks. I don't even want to chance the food this year.

I need to third this. For my first marathon I had a burger at Beaches and Cream early the day (thinking no big deal, it wasn't dinner) and paid the price during the marathon. My family still laughs as we pass the bathroom in AK where I spent some time. Luckily it passed and had a great second half.

 

[Blue Caterpillar]

I need to third this. For my first marathon I had a burger at Beaches and Cream early the day (thinking no big deal, it wasn't dinner) and paid the price during the marathon. My family still laughs as we pass the bathroom in AK where I spent some time. Luckily it passed and had a great second half.

Fourth-ing this. Tried the curry pizza at Connections in epcot the day before the springtime ten miler. I was very glad it was only a ten! Save the fun exciting stuff till after the races!