Marathon Weekend 2025

[FFigawi]

Now that the race is well over with and we've all had time to reflect on the experience, I'm curious everyone's opinions on the highly controversial new marathon route? Which route do you prefer?

Of all the Disney marathons I've run, this course is by far my least favorite. I enjoyed the new route into, through, and out of MK, but that doesn't make up for the MK parking lot, the BB parking lot, and the removal of the finishing loop through World Showcase.

 

[LorrieAnn5]

This was my first runDisney event at WDW so I have nothing to compare it to, and I hesitate to look up too many previous courses because there is no point in getting upset that I missed something better.....but with that being said....
I really enjoyed running around WS in the dark and was very happy that part was at the beginning. I thought the Poly to GF road was too dark, but that's not really a complaint about the course, more the execution of it.
I thought TTC parking lot running was worse than BB parking lot. I would much prefer running *in* BB, but at least they offered Sports Beans & water, and the loop of the parking lot didn't seem too big/long. In the TTC parking lot I was looking for a porta-potty which I didn't find, and just in general I couldn't see where we were going so it felt like endless running with no destination.

 

[Disneyhanna]

This was my first runDisney event at WDW so I have nothing to compare it to, and I hesitate to look up too many previous courses because there is no point in getting upset that I missed something better.....but with that being said....
I really enjoyed running around WS in the dark and was very happy that part was at the beginning. I thought the Poly to GF road was too dark, but that's not really a complaint about the course, more the execution of it.
I thought TTC parking lot running was worse than BB parking lot. I would much prefer running *in* BB, but at least they offered Sports Beans & water, and the loop of the parking lot didn't seem too big/long. In the TTC parking lot I was looking for a porta-potty which I didn't find, and just in general I couldn't see where we were going so it felt like endless running with no destination.

The MK parking lot was awful this year, I thought it would be never end! I've never had much issue with the BB parking lot, getting to BB is far worse for me

 

[nancipants]

The MK parking lot was awful this year, I thought it would be never end! I've never had much issue with the BB parking lot, getting to BB is far worse for me

This - BB was a respite after Western Way.

 

[Herding_Cats]

I have to really think and *try* to remember the MK/TTC parking lot section. It was very surreal to be running the "wrong" way through that part, and I think The Expert and I were so busy trying to look for other runners from the boards that it was all kind of a blur. They could definitely add more entertainment in that section. I didn't mind that we didn't have the WS loop at the end, even though that was peak people-watching time, because I was ready to be done at that point.

Things I didn't like:
-you couldn't go off-course to use the Pinocchio bathrooms, but you could go off-course to use the bathrooms to the left just before Astro Orbiter?
-needed more Photopass in MK
-surely there must be a way for them to lessen the out-and-backs in the parking lots
-better lighting from Poly to GF...maybe don't have us run through a construction zone?

 

[marty3d]

-needed more Photopass in MK

I completely forgot about this. This was visibly lacking during the marathon compared to the half. I have a lot more photopass shots from MK in the half. Not too bad if you were doing Dopey or Goofy but for anyone doing “just” the marathon I’d be getting flashbacks of the 2024 DL half.

 

[fatmanatee]

I didn't think the MK lot was that bad, but my point of reference is how bad the BB parking lot was three years ago, so anything else seems better than that was (and the BB lot was pretty good this year, thanks to the cooler weather). MK also had Aladdin IIRC and that helped break things up, would be nice if they had a character in the BB lot.

Other thoughts:

- Prefer the Epcot victory lap but what they did was fine
- Also prefer the old way into MK. Like going by the toll booth, the cheering section, and I believe they used to have the drum group on the way there too, seeing Space Mountain coming up. It's all a neat buildup to entering MK
- That said, I definitely enjoyed more time in MK, it was very noticeable
- Would REALLY like a full loop of HS but I can't see them ever agreeing to do that during park hours and I don't know if there's a way to pull if off before park opening

 

[GuinnessRunner]

My thoughts on the course are essentially the same, although I admit I didn't mind the MK/TTC parking lot loop. Not sure if it was because I will stil riding the high of running through MK or what, but it seemed to go faster for me than the BB parking lot loop of death.

- I agree that the lighting around GF has to be improved although, at least in my head, I thought they did bring in some protable lights marathon morning as it seemed better than when we went through there for the HM. That could have also been me just being more comfortable on that stretch since we did it the day before.
- Really liked the reverse run through MK. Whether that was because it was new and felt different or really did give more park time will be determined next year if they keep the same path.
- Loved the elctrical water pagent being out more than I thought I would. Was a nice touch especially since it was still dark (ish).
- Star Wars addition was a big plus!
- Disappointed that they seem to be trying to discourage riding Everest now compared to past years.
- BB parking lot still sucks. Running through BB itself the first year was slightly better, but was very narrow and winding. If they would just put a few more characters or entertainment there it would make a big difference. As someone else mentioned, even fake snow or something to lean into the theme would be a nice addition.
- Have given up hope that HS ever goes back to anything close to what it once was.
- I was ok with the Epcot flip. Since I didn't do the 5-K, I love the run around World Showcase in the dark with the torches lit. Now they could go back to the old days and give us that and the vicotry lap at the end, but I'm ok with this one.

Will be interesting to see how the massive construction in MK and AK next year impact the courses. I fear we may get even more parking lot maddness as a result. Soon it will go from running through all 4 parks to being a tour of the parking lot at each of the parks.

 

[Herding_Cats]

Will be interesting to see how the massive construction in MK and AK next year impact the courses. I fear we may get even more parking lot maddness as a result. Soon it will go from running through all 4 parks to being a tour of the parking lot at each of the parks.

I feel like there's definitely going to be a change to AK. There's no real reason for them to have guests walking around that far back section of dinoland with everything but the bathrooms closed (although they are still on the AK map.) Will probably depend on what phase of construction they are in at that point. I think that we could still get a similar/same loop through MK, and if they need to cut something out, they'll cut out the run through Adventureland and just send us through the corridor that has the bathrooms and directly into Liberty Square.

 

[marty3d]

I feel like there's definitely going to be a change to AK. There's no real reason for them to have guests walking around that far back section of dinoland with everything but the bathrooms closed (although they are still on the AK map.) Will probably depend on what phase of construction they are in at that point. I think that we could still get a similar/same loop through MK, and if they need to cut something out, they'll cut out the run through Adventureland and just send us through the corridor that has the bathrooms and directly into Liberty Square.

Would be nice if they published the course map before registration- it could sway people one way or the other on the full.

 

[Psymonds]

This - BB was a respite after Western Way.

second this... Western Way was the location where I saw the most literal blood sweat and tears... lady on a push scooter fell, dude I was running with was wobbling (I tried to get him some gels from my pack but he insisted it was his knees and after two miles I believed him that he wasn't going to pass out in front of me). And I saw several people who had fallen or couldn't continue being attended to by medical and bicycle volunteers. Many tears when you can't proceed at mile 20.

 

[The Expert]

The Dopey charm is available on the Pandora site! There's also a promo with a poison apple bag if you purchase four charms from the Snow White collection. I got an "early access" email but I think you just have to be on their email list.

 

[The Expert]

aaannnnnd now the Dopey Pandora charm is on the Disney site! Yay for discounts! (I plan to take my chances on it being in the park when I'm there for SS.)

https://www.disneystore.com/dopey-charm-by-pandora-snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs-443058870520.html

 

[Herding_Cats]

aaannnnnd now the Dopey Pandora charm is on the Disney site! Yay for discounts! (I plan to take my chances on it being in the park when I'm there for SS.)

https://www.disneystore.com/dopey-charm-by-pandora-snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs-443058870520.html

can you mobile check-out at WofD in DS with pandora stuff? because that's the only way i can get a discount.

 

[jmasgat]

can you mobile check-out at WofD in DS with pandora stuff? because that's the only way i can get a discount.

If you really want to know, I can do a trial run when I'm down there next week.

 

[Herding_Cats]

If you really want to know, I can do a trial run when I'm down there next week.

I'm about 99% sure that you can't do mobile checkout for pandora stuff at world of disney because they have their own little display case there with a register. Pandora stuff is to $$ and easy to pocket that it would be a massive risk for shoplifting. It's just me wanting dvc perks without having to pay direct contract pricing.

 

[The Expert]

I'm about 99% sure that you can't do mobile checkout for pandora stuff at world of disney because they have their own little display case there with a register. Pandora stuff is to $$ and easy to pocket that it would be a massive risk for shoplifting. It's just me wanting dvc perks without having to pay direct contract pricing.

I've always had to do the Pandora as a separate transaction, so I'm pretty sure this is right.

 

[dancingtodisney]

I never did get around to doing a full race recap from my two races but I did post a youtube video for both! MASSIVE thank you to @DopeyBadger for his support during the Marathon with updates - this was my FAVOURITE marathon solo. I'm so grateful for this forum and all of the lovely supportive people on here that help me each race.

10K -

Marathon -

 

[nancipants]

I never did get around to doing a full race recap from my two races but I did post a youtube video for both! MASSIVE thank you to @DopeyBadger for his support during the Marathon with updates - this was my FAVOURITE marathon solo. I'm so grateful for this forum and all of the lovely supportive people on here that help me each race.

10K -

Marathon -

Oh hey! I just watched your marathon video yesterday while I was on the treadmill! I had no idea that was you - will subscribe now!