Marathon Weekend 2025

[supersnoop]

I only did the half during marathon weekend 2023. I started the race at 49° and finished at 48°. Disney CM's were handing out branded Mylar sheets before and after the race. I'm pretty sure I still have mine; free souvenir! Disney has an interest in keeping you comfortable.

I'm in Texas, and my rule is long sleeves in the 50°s, long pants in the 40°s, and a hoodie with gloves in the 30°s. I ran that race in shorts and a t-shirt and set my PR. Colder is faster.

 

[Ellie_]

Wow these cold temps are crazy. I’ve only done the WDW marathon during hot years (2020 & 2023) so this will be new. Luckily I’m used to cold weather running being from the northeast, but I do tend to run hot.

Any other people who are sensitive to heat planning on running in shorts? I’m nervous I’m going to freeze my butt off in the morning in shorts. But I think I’d rather be cold than hot.

 

[Zutroy]

While I understand that waiting in the cold is miserable (2021 W&D 10k with wind, rain, and cold is up there for most miserable experience), once you get going I’ve found overdressing can be a big problem as well. I’ve bundled up for runs in the teens, only to find myself overheating half way through. I think of all the NCAA XC runners I see during winter in 2” shorts, a singlet, and gloves—and they’re pouring sweat. I love the contrast of clothing in the pic below.

 

[jrsharp21]

While I understand that waiting in the cold is miserable (2021 W&D 10k with wind, rain, and cold is up there for most miserable experience), once you get going I’ve found overdressing can be a big problem as well. I’ve bundled up for runs in the teens, only to find myself overheating half way through. I think of all the NCAA XC runners I see during winter in 2” shorts, a singlet, and gloves—and they’re pouring sweat. I love the contrast of clothing in the pic below.

View attachment 925238

Agree with this. For the 5k and 10k, okay to be bundled up since the distance isn’t too long. But wearing a lot of layers for the full seems like I would also overheat and the accumulated sweat would make it colder. I think I am still going with the running tank and arm sleeves. That way I can ditch the arm sleeves if needed. Now it also gives me extra incentive to not stop and walk any, as that is when it will get cold.

 

[jrsharp21]

The weather here in Houston really doesn’t want me to get any acclimation to cooler temps. 80 degrees here on December 30th.

 

[fatmanatee]

While I understand that waiting in the cold is miserable (2021 W&D 10k with wind, rain, and cold is up there for most miserable experience), once you get going I’ve found overdressing can be a big problem as well. I’ve bundled up for runs in the teens, only to find myself overheating half way through. I think of all the NCAA XC runners I see during winter in 2” shorts, a singlet, and gloves—and they’re pouring sweat. I love the contrast of clothing in the pic below.

View attachment 925238

I can second this. There was a 10k I did last year where the starting temp was lower than what we're projected to get at MW and I decided to go with three layers, including a pretty thick UA base layer. Three miles in and I was sweating pretty badly and ended up removing one layer and rolling up the UA sleeves. I've since adjusted how I run in this sort of weather and would only go with the UA layer if it's below freezing.

 

[PrincessV]

The weather here in Houston really doesn’t want me to get any acclimation to cooler temps. 80 degrees here on December 30th.

Same here in Tampa Bay. If we were looking at race temps in the 80s, I’d be golden.

 

[kps7795]

While I understand that waiting in the cold is miserable (2021 W&D 10k with wind, rain, and cold is up there for most miserable experience), once you get going I’ve found overdressing can be a big problem as well. I’ve bundled up for runs in the teens, only to find myself overheating half way through. I think of all the NCAA XC runners I see during winter in 2” shorts, a singlet, and gloves—and they’re pouring sweat. I love the contrast of clothing in the pic below.

View attachment 925238

During the HM for MW 2023, it was 46 degrees and I wore a PowerCore long sleeve shirt under a running shirt. However, I was running at my daughter's pace which was around 13:30. You make a good point about getting overheated if you're running hard.

 

[cburnett11]

Any other people who are sensitive to heat planning on running in shorts? I’m nervous I’m going to freeze my butt off in the morning in shorts. But I think I’d rather be cold than hot.

I’ve run a 29F start and windy marathon in shorts and a singlet and didn’t regret it one bit. It’s possible I’ll wear a little more (if it’s freezing) in the shorter races, but highly doubt I’ll wear tights in the marathon or half.

 

[garneska]

I am sure we all do this but that is the reason I record the temps and weather conditions as well as what i wear and how i feel, so that i can dress appropriately for the distance. It is one thing to be hot for a few miles but another animal all together if it is a longer run. In fact i did it on my run on Sunday. Christmas week i had to run in NE Ohio. On Sunday i was back in Atlanta. The temp said 59 but i was not believing it. I had on long sleeves over short sleeves and long tights. TOO MUCH. Thankfully it was not a long run and i like to run warm (hi @camaker) would have been better off with tights and short sleeves. Needless to say keep a record.

 

[PrincessV]

I’ve literally never, ever been overheated in a cold weather race. Colder than I’d like? Actually hypothermic? Yep. Too warm, even after removing a layer or two? Nope. I am not built for cold weather, full stop. #teamallthelayers

 

[Psymonds]

I’ve run a 29F start and windy marathon in shorts and a singlet and didn’t regret it one bit. It’s possible I’ll wear a little more (if it’s freezing) in the shorter races, but highly doubt I’ll wear tights in the marathon or half.

always shorts. maybe with gloves and a hat, but always shorts.

 

[kps7795]

I'm in Texas, and my rule is long sleeves in the 50°s, long pants in the 40°s, and a hoodie with gloves in the 30°s.

Are these your guidelines for easy runs or for when you're pushing yourself at home as well?

 

[sandam1]

Any other people who are sensitive to heat planning on running in shorts? I’m nervous I’m going to freeze my butt off in the morning in shorts. But I think I’d rather be cold than hot.

I tend to run "warm" and I'm still thinking about bringing both shorts and capris. I plan on using mylar in the corrals and I know that it is long enough to keep my legs warm while standing around (plus there is a lot of body heat from everyone else - one good thing about crowding). I might go with the capris on the shorter races and shorts on the longer ones.

While I understand that waiting in the cold is miserable (2021 W&D 10k with wind, rain, and cold is up there for most miserable experience), once you get going I’ve found overdressing can be a big problem as well.

I am sure we all do this but that is the reason I record the temps and weather conditions as well as what i wear and how i feel, so that i can dress appropriately for the distance. It is one thing to be hot for a few miles but another animal all together if it is a longer run.

Right now, I'm thankful for my experiences with our annual Turkey Trot's weather. I've experienced cold, very cold, super windy, and rainy and almost every year I wind up with my jacket around my waist at some point during the 5-mile race. Every time I start panicking about it being cold (taper madness increasing my natural tendency to overthink), I remind myself of these experiences. They were fine. The wildcard for me is the wait beforehand. If I can get the start line feeling good, I feel like I will be okay.

I figure that by the time I get to the Magic Kingdom during the marathon, the sun will be up. If I have to carry non-throwaway gear (hat, gloves, maybe a zip-up jacket) until then, I can leave it with my best friend when I see her there. I figure that after that point, the weather will only get warmer. Plus, since the weather looks similar (right now) for all four days, I will have an idea of what Florida cold feels like to me.

 

[camaker]

I’ve literally never, ever been overheated in a cold weather race. Colder than I’d like? Actually hypothermic? Yep. Too warm, even after removing a layer or two? Nope. I am not built for cold weather, full stop. #teamallthelayers

It's not unusual for me to come home from a run in the 30s or even low 40s wearing full length tights, thermal shirt, gloves and fleece headband with a full-blown cold rash covering my torso. Cold and I don't get along.

At least I'm not as bad as my daughter, who has been diagnosed as allergic to the cold. She will literally break out in hives if she gets too cold.

 

[runwithperseverence7]

One of my marathons was a low 30s start and I started out in a cold weather top, light jacket and cold weather tights. I ditched the jacket within the first 3 miles because I was hot. Then about 9 miles in I knew I was too warm and sweating so I ditched the top for a thinner long sleeve. I think it ended up being upper 40s low 50s that day. But the start was also 7:30 not 4:30. I get warm when I run so I don’t want to sweat because I know that will make me cold too.

I also scored some under armour cold gear hoodies at my local thrift store! And at Walmart they had their women’s fleece pajama pants on sale for $5. And while I was grabbing some hot hands, I also picked up the hot hands sticky body heat pads. Never seen those before.

 

[Jason Bryer]

I am currently in Florida and did a 5 mile run today. It was about 80. I'll take the colder weather. I head back to NY for a few days but will be back in a week. Since I drove down and leaving the car here for my quick trip home I was able to pack every possible combination necessary.

On another note, I gave in and ordered Memory Maker since this will be my son's first marathon. I have three spots for each of the race. If interested, PM me. I'm thinking $10 per race. I'll create a Dropbox share and download photos at least once a day.

 

[Baloo in MI]

I fully admit to being a big guy who runs in Michigan weather so all of this with a grain of salt! There are two separate issues with rD races. The super long wait in the corrals/starting chute and then navigating potential congestion in the front end of a race. And nothing I am about to say helps with cold weather in those circumstances. The only way to solve for any of that is to layer with items you are willing to toss as you get hot. Making sure that the items you want at the finish line are under the items you are going to toss along the way.

That said, I regularly run in weather as cold and colder than what we are seeing projected. What works for me is the first mile rule. I except that I will be cold for about the first mile and don’t dress to be immediately warm when I step outside. But as I am running I warm up and settle into a good body temperature. I think head gear and hand gear are the most important to not skimp on, but I often go out in the cold without a running jacket (so financially sound of me to have bought it and hung it in the closet…) and in shorts, long Sleeve shirt and a zipper sweatshirt.

So for races this MW I will wear sweats/sweatshirt I am willing to toss in the starting chute and/or use a space blanket. I expect to be cold for the first bit of the race but know I will warm up as I go.

Lastly, use gear check keep a jacket or hoodie, sweats, fresh socks and gloves. It is surprising how quickly you can get cold after the finish line walking through the medals/drinks/snack box chute and then having to traverse the finishers area to your bus or car. You might end up really glad to take off sweaty/damp and cold items and put on dry stuff!

My biggest fear is never the temp but the wind and rain; those two are ruthless! Cold, hot, windy or raining (so long as no lightning) we all got this!!!

 

[StarGirl11]

The weather here in Houston really doesn’t want me to get any acclimation to cooler temps. 80 degrees here on December 30th.

Oh hey didn’t realize you were in my neck of the woods now. I’m over in Katy.

Also looks like I might actually be around DATW this year. (Though it would be eating more for me.)

Wow these cold temps are crazy. I’ve only done the WDW marathon during hot years (2020 & 2023) so this will be new. Luckily I’m used to cold weather running being from the northeast, but I do tend to run hot.

Any other people who are sensitive to heat planning on running in shorts? I’m nervous I’m going to freeze my butt off in the morning in shorts. But I think I’d rather be cold than hot.

Yeah heat sensitivity for me means extra staring at the weather chart. I’m used more to this being an issue when the weather is on the opposite side of the spectrum.

 

[nancipants]

Also, if it’s sunny, that can be a big factor in the real feel. There’s been many times I’m at the parks in 50-60 degree weather but the sun still feels scorching. Combine that with running, and if could feel a lot warmer. But of course, the opposite is true - if it’s humid and windy, it’ll feel way colder.