Marathon Weekend 2025

First, the 10k medal features the castle. Does that mean that the course goes through MK this time?!
Anything is possible but I would say it's extremely unlikely. I know at one point they would sometimes hold 5ks that went through MK (as opposed to Epcot) but I think it's been at least ten years since the last time they did that and I don't think I've ever heard of them running a 10k that ran through MK. On top of that, IIRC there was some speculation around some race maps changing in the past due to the park icons being included in the race art and then the race weekend came around and there weren't any surprises.

Best bet is the same maps they've been going with for the last couple of years, all starting and ending at Epcot, with some adjustments for the Test Track refurb. I'd be thrilled if they changed the 5k or 10k and ran it through MK though.

FWIW I found a map of a 5k from 2010, not sure how they pulled this off with respect to transportation logistics.

2010_5k-course.jpg
 

Anything is possible but I would say it's extremely unlikely. I know at one point they would sometimes hold 5ks that went through MK (as opposed to Epcot) but I think it's been at least ten years since the last time they did that and I don't think I've ever heard of them running a 10k that ran through MK. On top of that, IIRC there was some speculation around some race maps changing in the past due to the park icons being included in the race art and then the race weekend came around and there weren't any surprises.

Best bet is the same maps they've been going with for the last couple of years, all starting and ending at Epcot, with some adjustments for the Test Track refurb. I'd be thrilled if they changed the 5k or 10k and ran it through MK though.

FWIW I found a map of a 5k from 2010, not sure how they pulled this off with respect to transportation logistics.

View attachment 888015
I did this race! It was my first rD race and SO FUN!! I really wish they would mix things up and do the 5K in MK on occasion. We started and ended at the TTC.
 
Medals - at first I was like meh, cute but meh. The more I notice details on the medals though I like them more - like the half medal is Spaceship Earth and the full has the retro WDW logo. Goofy is probably my favorite of the bunch.
I really like how the HM medal incorporates both parks that you run through by having Spaceship Earth and Cinderella's Castle featured on the medal. Moreover, I really like having the pennant on each of the medals.
 
Question(s) for the thread:

  1. Is dining on Marathon weekend easier or harder than normal to get (or just normal?)
  2. Marathon day is DW's birthday. We'll be at MK (I'll join them after showering, and maybe grabbing a beer on the way out the door) but she's requested one meal for her birthday. Anyone have any special celebrations they do for their BDay in MK? (we're west coasters so nothing is inherently more nostalgic or special to us in MK) we did the fireworks package for July 4th last year, so that's an idea, but I'm crowdsourcing other fun things.
did I lead with "I'm running a marathon on your birthday? no, I led with "I'm taking to Disneyworld on your birthday!"
 
  1. Is dining on Marathon weekend easier or harder than normal to get (or just normal?)
  2. Marathon day is DW's birthday. We'll be at MK (I'll join them after showering, and maybe grabbing a beer on the way out the door) but she's requested one meal for her birthday. Anyone have any special celebrations they do for their BDay in MK? (we're west coasters so nothing is inherently more nostalgic or special to us in MK) we did the fireworks package for July 4th last year, so that's an idea, but I'm crowdsourcing other fun things.
1. When it doesn't overlap with NY's crowds, it's not that bad
2. Jump on the monorail and go to California Grill at the Contemporary, or go to the GF and eat at Narcoosee's
 
Question(s) for the thread:

  1. Is dining on Marathon weekend easier or harder than normal to get (or just normal?)
  2. Marathon day is DW's birthday. We'll be at MK (I'll join them after showering, and maybe grabbing a beer on the way out the door) but she's requested one meal for her birthday. Anyone have any special celebrations they do for their BDay in MK? (we're west coasters so nothing is inherently more nostalgic or special to us in MK) we did the fireworks package for July 4th last year, so that's an idea, but I'm crowdsourcing other fun things.
1. This year shouldn’t be too bad as it doesn’t directly compete with Holiday crowds, but MW does bring in a pretty big influx of people on its own. Some of the usual suspects (California Grill, Ohana, Story Book Dining at Artists Point (Dopey), etc.) might still be a little tough to book for Sunday.

2. Despite my birthday often falling in the lead up to or during MW I never tell, or let my family tell, restaurants it’s my birthday (they're nice enough to know how bad my social anxiety is and respect my wishes not to say anything). So I’m not sure if/what any of the Disney restaurants do special for birthday celebrations, if that’s something you’d be looking for.

I think mileage can vary for many people on Disney restaurants and the experience desired so nothing is one size fits all. If you find a place or experience she’s excited about (or you’re excited about if it’s a quasi-surprise), I wouldn’t worry about finding something that has a universally high approval rating (such things are hard to find at Disney).
 
Question(s) for the thread:

  1. Is dining on Marathon weekend easier or harder than normal to get (or just normal?)
  2. Marathon day is DW's birthday. We'll be at MK (I'll join them after showering, and maybe grabbing a beer on the way out the door) but she's requested one meal for her birthday. Anyone have any special celebrations they do for their BDay in MK? (we're west coasters so nothing is inherently more nostalgic or special to us in MK) we did the fireworks package for July 4th last year, so that's an idea, but I'm crowdsourcing other fun things.
When I went for my bday back in 2021, I got a custom cake sent to my dinner at Beaches & Cream, and it was delicious.

This thread has details of how to order.
 
Question(s) for the thread:

  1. Is dining on Marathon weekend easier or harder than normal to get (or just normal?)
  2. Marathon day is DW's birthday. We'll be at MK (I'll join them after showering, and maybe grabbing a beer on the way out the door) but she's requested one meal for her birthday. Anyone have any special celebrations they do for their BDay in MK? (we're west coasters so nothing is inherently more nostalgic or special to us in MK) we did the fireworks package for July 4th last year, so that's an idea, but I'm crowdsourcing other fun things.
Something small is to stop by Town Hall and get a button that says it's my birthday. Cast members will see it and wish her a happy birthday all day. You could also book a Capture Your Moment, if your family likes photo opportunities like that.
 
Question(s) for the thread:

  1. Is dining on Marathon weekend easier or harder than normal to get (or just normal?)
  2. Marathon day is DW's birthday. We'll be at MK (I'll join them after showering, and maybe grabbing a beer on the way out the door) but she's requested one meal for her birthday. Anyone have any special celebrations they do for their BDay in MK? (we're west coasters so nothing is inherently more nostalgic or special to us in MK) we did the fireworks package for July 4th last year, so that's an idea, but I'm crowdsourcing other fun things.
MW doesn't bring in enough folks to have a big impact on dining. However, there are specific ressies that may be more difficult than usual. Artist Point is popular among the Dopey finishers on Sunday & Monday. You'll also find that Italian/pasta restaurants will be popular on the days preceding the races.

Regarding dining in MK, it's literally the worst park for eating (at least in the USA). Luckily, the monorail & boats make it easy to get to the nearby resorts. Hoop Dee Doo would be a unique experience for her birthday. You should look over the restaurant options in the MK resorts and pick whichever one appeals the most.
 
it's literally the worst park for eating (at least in the USA).
I am aware... DW wants to be there for her birthday.

She's also requested Be our guest for a meal, which she enjoys. so I'm working with that. After 19 years of marriage I've learned to roll with what she wants for her birthday rather than trying to get her something *I* think is better :)

realistically this is a short trip and she probably won't want to leave the park (the concept of sit down dining is a bit foreign to us Disneylanders... "why would you do that, there are rides to ride"), although we have enjoyed California Grill in the past. We are staying at the poly, so I think we'll definitely get some Trader Sam's in. I'll look to see if we have time for hoop de doo, because I think she'd really enjoy it.
 
I am aware... DW wants to be there for her birthday.

She's also requested Be our guest for a meal, which she enjoys. so I'm working with that. After 19 years of marriage I've learned to roll with what she wants for her birthday rather than trying to get her something *I* think is better :)

realistically this is a short trip and she probably won't want to leave the park (the concept of sit down dining is a bit foreign to us Disneylanders... "why would you do that, there are rides to ride"), although we have enjoyed California Grill in the past. We are staying at the poly, so I think we'll definitely get some Trader Sam's in. I'll look to see if we have time for hoop de doo, because I think she'd really enjoy it.
If she wants to stay in the park, I was going to suggest Be Our Guest. I will offer a disclaimer that it is not the best food ever, but the ambience and immersive feel of the restaurant cannot be beat. And I just recently read that they are re-instituting the option to meet the Beast (he had only been making appearances and taking pics at random tables and you were not allowed to approach him), which to me would be a huge plus. I think it would make for a nice birthday meal. It is a prix fixe menu, which is also worth mentioning.
 
After 19 years of marriage I've learned to roll with what she wants for her birthday rather than trying to get her something *I* think is better :)
a man in a helmet with the words  this is the way  behind him
 
Haven't been on in a while but needed to catch up with the medal announcement. I love them. I am a bit worried about the Dopey medal not staying closed, but we'll see. The Goofy is the best in years which is great because my son is doing his first marathon and Dopey challenge and Goofy is his favorite character.

SAFD: I consistently chafe my nips. Tried all kinds of things but they tend to fall off. I do have two UA shirts that minimize the chafing and now have become my race day shirts which is funny because nearly all my photos at the finish line for the last few years I'm wearing the same thing. The only time I have other issues is if it rains (looking at you MW 2024) which means I'm generally not prepared and just deal with the soreness afterward.
 
I'll look to see if we have time for hoop de doo, because I think she'd really enjoy it.
We were at WDW for MW & my birthday last year. Had reservations at Toledo for birthday dinner (a favorite of mine) but when I woke up that day, all I wanted was to go to Hoop Dee Do! Was able to grab a tier 3 for that evening and had the best time!
 
Ok. Someone explain hoop dee doo to me. It’s dinner. And a show?? We are looking for some not-park things to do for this trip
 












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