Marathon Weekend 2025

[smileyanna]

PSA!!!!!!

Thanks for this - now I'm considering renting a car.

Thoughts about renting a car vs using Disney transportation? Staying at WL. I just assumed I would use the busses on race/expo days, and Lyft to and from the airport.

 

[The Expert]

For those looking for rental car deals, check AARP. You can join (for cheap) at any age, and I've found some really great bargains through them with Avis.

 

[jrsharp21]

let's see

extra shoes: check
different layers: check
hat, sunglasses: check, check
running belt with pockets: check
gels: check
tylenol: check
sunscreen: check

oh yes, need to add band-aids to the shopping list this week. Got a bad case of nip chafe from our long run on Monday in the cold and rain. I completely forgot to prepare them.

For the nip chafe, tryout NipGuard or NipEAZE. These are life savers. My wife originally got them for me for a stocking stuffer kind of gag gift a few years ago. I use them on all runs 10 miles or longer. Well worth the money.

 

[Herding_Cats]

Thanks for this - now I'm considering renting a car.

Thoughts about renting a car vs using Disney transportation? Staying at WL. I just assumed I would use the busses on race/expo days, and Lyft to and from the airport.

It's going to depend on what you're used to, your presonal preferences, and cost.

As a cost breakdown for myself and DH, with 2 potential room changes using only ride-shares and Disney transportation costs would look like this:
-Ubers to/from the airport: $100-120 (including tip, this is for both arrival and departure)
-Bell Services luggage handling x 4: $40-80 ($10-20 per time since we would have to get luggage picked up/dropped off and transferred to a different resort, and then held on the final day)
-Grocery delivery: $30 (including tip...this is not the cost of the groceries, we would do a curbside order with a rental car)

So on the high end, I'm looking at $230+ and using busses for everything else. For another $20 I can have a rental car and be able to get to the expo when I want, hang out in the car on race morning if it's cold or rainy, not have to walk ~0.4mi to and from the race bus at my resort (Saratoga, and we stay at the far end), and can just put our luggage in the car when we are between rooms. We have a few dining reservations at other resorts and we won't have to walk through DS to get on the appropriate bus OR get on a park bus and then get on a resort bus. If you add in Ubers for those 2 at $20/each roundtrip, I'm now $20 ahead. Plus, DH hates being completely dependent on busses and we live in a rural area and are used to driving ourselves everywhere.

 

[Psymonds]

If you had posted this on January 1, I would have still told you that it's too soon to be certain of race day temperatures. I feel for those who have to fly here because you need to be prepared for any and all weather possibilities.

10-14 days is really the furthest you can reliably tell any deviation from seasonal averages; that doesn't stop websites from posting 45 day advance forecasts

 

[cburnett11]

I’ve seen the “Heattech” section of Disney Spring’s Uniqlo absolutely destroyed MW because of last minute weather surprises and/or unprepared runners and spectators. .

 

[kps7795]

Depends on how you plan on pacing each of the four races, and what your goals are for the weekend.

Hard racing for all - Wednesday of the week prior
Hard racing just for the M or No hard racing - Thursday/Fri of the week prior

The 5k and sort of 10k from a load management standpoint are vastly less than typical training when doing a marathon training cycle. For instance, a hard 30 min 5k is roughly equivalent to the same load as a 60 min easy run. That doesn't mean you reap the benefits the same if you were to do a hard 30 min 5k in replacement of a 60 min very easy run, as training load is just one piece. But helps paint a picture. So when it comes to the necessity to start the taper sooner, it really isn't justified. But you won't hurt anything if you did it a few days earlier, just might hamper the sharpness on race day.

Thank you, Billy. I'm not planning on hard racing for all of them, but your first taper falls in line with my schedule nonetheless. I was leaning toward doing my last 10M Tempo on New Year's Day. I follow a Monday, Thursday, Saturday schedule for my SOS workouts, so I would only be moving the Tempo run over by one day which I have done previously in this training block without a problem.

At this point, my plan is to do the 5K at my HM pace, the 10K at MP, the HM at long-run pace until MK and then slowing down to easy pace and the marathon at MP all with stopping at as many characters (and rides during the marathon) as I can.

 

[catsrgr8]

Thoughts on rides during the Marathon…

This is my first Marathon (I’ve run many half’s including 2 at Disneyland) and first RunDisney event at WDW. I’ve been contemplating riding the rides during the race, and based on my estimated pace should hit Everest and Rock n Roller Coaster at an appropriate time if I’d like to ride them.

I’m curious for those of you who’ve ridden rides during the race, did it impact the rest of your run when you chose to stop running, sit etc? I usually run continuously during my training runs and am curious how this has felt mentally and physically for those of you who’ve stopped to ride the rides.

I really like the idea of enjoying a ride and taking in everything RunDisney has to offer but also don’t want to regret it for the final 5-10 miles of the race.

 

[kps7795]

For the nip chafe, tryout NipGuard or NipEAZE. These are life savers. My wife originally got them for me for a stocking stuffer kind of gag gift a few years ago. I use them on all runs 10 miles or longer. Well worth the money.

I never had any nipple chaffing until the weather got really cold here and I wore one of my runDisney long sleeve shirts for a long run. Following that experience, I have been using BodyGlide on my nipples and have not had a repeat of that miserable experience.

 

[Psymonds]

As we are getting closer I'm also realizing that my wife is going on a vacation with the kids and I'm going on a trip to run... and we are spending the night in the same hotel room and having some meals together.

In fairness on a good day she doesn't want to drag the kids to a finish line and spectate, let alone when there's a Disney park to visit.

edit: to be clear we are each getting exactly what we want and are totally ok with this situation...

 

[kps7795]

Thoughts on rides during the Marathon…

This is my first Marathon (I’ve run many half’s including 2 at Disneyland) and first RunDisney event at WDW. I’ve been contemplating riding the rides during the race, and based on my estimated pace should hit Everest and Rock n Roller Coaster at an appropriate time if I’d like to ride them.

I’m curious for those of you who’ve ridden rides during the race, did it impact the rest of your run when you chose to stop running, sit etc? I usually run continuously during my training runs and am curious how this has felt mentally and physically for those of you who’ve stopped to ride the rides.

I really like the idea of enjoying a ride and taking in everything RunDisney has to offer but also don’t want to regret it for the final 5-10 miles of the race.

I look at going on rides in the same way as stopping for a long character stop. I don't believe that it's a problem to get running again after a break, especially after the adrenaline rush that you experience from a roller coaster.

 

[GuinnessRunner]

I’m curious for those of you who’ve ridden rides during the race, did it impact the rest of your run when you chose to stop running, sit etc? I usually run continuously during my training runs and am curious how this has felt mentally and physically for those of you who’ve stopped to ride the rides.

I was very worried that I wouldn't be able to get back up the first time I stopped to ride Everest or would significantly tighten up, but had zero issues and frankly felt better when I started running because of the short break it provided.

 

[Fischstick]

Thoughts on rides during the Marathon…

This is my first Marathon (I’ve run many half’s including 2 at Disneyland) and first RunDisney event at WDW. I’ve been contemplating riding the rides during the race, and based on my estimated pace should hit Everest and Rock n Roller Coaster at an appropriate time if I’d like to ride them.

I’m curious for those of you who’ve ridden rides during the race, did it impact the rest of your run when you chose to stop running, sit etc? I usually run continuously during my training runs and am curious how this has felt mentally and physically for those of you who’ve stopped to ride the rides.

I really like the idea of enjoying a ride and taking in everything RunDisney has to offer but also don’t want to regret it for the final 5-10 miles of the race.

I'm going to say the same......the first two times I did Dopey, my daughter was afraid to stop so we didn't. For my third, I was solo and absolutely LOVED EE in the middle of AK. Great adrenaline boost for the next several miles. Plus, where else can you ride a coaster (or two) in the middle of a race?! Can't speak to RnR or TOT because those have longer queues and pre-shows (so more waiting), so YMMV.

 

[Naomeri]

I'll add some "lesser known" tips -

- If you are carrying your ID/money/credit card (which you should be), secure it to your clothes. I put everything in a bundle with a hair tie and then pin in to the pocket in my running belt or my shorts. On my first Dopey, I just put them in the pocket of my shorts for the 5K (I wasn't wearing the running belt because it was "just" a 5K) and I managed to lose my license in the first mile. Thankfully, someone picked it up and I got it back from Lost and Found, but it could have been a mess.

This is why I love my phone case with a nice wallet space on the back. It's got room for 2-3 cards and a little bit of cash. And it's all part of the case, not some stick-on thing. I don't just use it for running, it's my normal, day-to-day wallet.

 

[Disneyhanna]

I just bought a new pair of Shokz openrun, they are currently $40 off at Sam's club! I almost bought them a couple weeks ago and put them back when I saw the checkout line, I'm glad I did as I saved myself $40. Did curbside pick up to avoid the holiday shoppers which was nice. They use a different charger than my old pair which used a micro USB so I'm just thrilled to add another charger to my packing list...

If you had posted this on January 1, I would have still told you that it's too soon to be certain of race day temperatures. I feel for those who have to fly here because you need to be prepared for any and all weather possibilities.

I am arriving on Jan 3rd but I work that day so I really have to pack by Jan 2nd. I will have to pack for anything and everything! I decided this year I will just take two check bags since I can check three for free. And split stuff across both bags to lower my risk...usually I am paranoid and have a carry on with my must-haves, but I don't want to have to wrangle three rolling bags. Somehow I packed for two weeks of Dopey to Dumbo in one checked bag and a carry on but that was miserable and required a lot of laundry and I'd rather not this time. I need to leave room for all the shirts and merch I buy after all!

 

[Stitch&Co.]

And Marathon tip #42: tuck a couple of Tylenols into your pocket or race belt to use halfway through the marathon for aches and pains. Tylenol; not aspirin or Motrin, because they both thin the blood. The medical tents usually have some, but you have to sign paperwork and it takes a few minutes. Better to just have them with you and be able to gulp and go.

I plan on carrying some this year. My feet were killing me last year, I'm hoping the Tylenol will help.

 

[runwithperseverence7]

I've heard a lot of people prefer the OpenRun Pro over the Pro 2 model. I picked up some that are sitting in the closet for my wife to wrap up and put under the tree.

I tried them both on in the store and the open pro made my ears tickle when I cut the volume way up. Didn’t get that vibration from the pro 2.

 

[runwithperseverence7]

As we are getting closer I'm also realizing that my wife is going on a vacation with the kids and I'm going on a trip to run... and we are spending the night in the same hotel room and having some meals together.

In fairness on a good day she doesn't want to drag the kids to a finish line and spectate, let alone when there's a Disney park to visit.

Same except my DH and kids really aren’t crazy about the parks either. I have us at Disney park Thursday and Sunday. That leaves us 2 days for whatever they want to do and my kids want to go to universal one or two days. I’ll vote for universal on Friday and maybe something close by on Saturday so not walking around a park.

 

[StarGirl11]

Admittedly keep in mind this is pre-wheels for me so my experience might be different when I try it this year.

Thoughts on rides during the Marathon…

This is my first Marathon (I’ve run many half’s including 2 at Disneyland) and first RunDisney event at WDW. I’ve been contemplating riding the rides during the race, and based on my estimated pace should hit Everest and Rock n Roller Coaster at an appropriate time if I’d like to ride them.

I’m curious for those of you who’ve ridden rides during the race, did it impact the rest of your run when you chose to stop running, sit etc? I usually run continuously during my training runs and am curious how this has felt mentally and physically for those of you who’ve stopped to ride the rides.

I really like the idea of enjoying a ride and taking in everything RunDisney has to offer but also don’t want to regret it for the final 5-10 miles of the race.

But I honestly didn't find it caused to many problems. I found character stops and rides honestly are a good time to fuel up on hydration and food. And by the time your moving again you're usually feeling better if you do it right.

Keep in mind with Everest (I don't have experience with Rock N Roller but will trying it this year.) so I can't speak of how fast their line moves. But Everest line moves pretty damn fast. They get you through and on quickly. Everest is a quick loader normally but they know the runners are coming through so they are making sure to get us through quick. So you won't be standing for long periods of time.

If you're really worried maybe do some stretches and just general movement to keep yourself loose and limber while your stopped.

 

[Zutroy]

- If you are carrying your ID/money/credit card (which you should be), secure it to your clothes. I put everything in a bundle with a hair tie and then pin in to the pocket in my

Why do I need to bring cash, a credit card, and a driver’s license with me while I run a marathon? Am I going to swing by the bank to open up a checking account? Maybe rent a car to speed through the Blizzard Beach parking lot faster?

My bib has my name on it and the rest of the information can be found through my number in case of emergencies. They give out free food and drink on the course. Anything I’d want to buy I can do post-marathon after picking up my stuff from gear check. I’ve run with my Magicband before, and can also use that to charge things.