A belated SAFD re: Medals:
I like medals that are simple with visible metal — not over-painted. Good graphic design is key (and has been really lacking on Disney medals lately). And I like to be able to read "Walt Disney World," the event distance, and year, very clearly on the medal.
I prefer keeping the focus on just the iconic characters for Marathon Weekend medals (and the weekend overall), and not overlaying an additional race theme, but that ship has sailed for 2026. (I'm doing the half and I find the romance novel theme kinda odd!)
Finally, I think the full marathon medal should ALWAYS have Mickey ears or a classic Mickey ear/head silhouette. It's iconic and can only be Disney. Every time they use the "running Mickey" or some other non-iconic design for the marathon, I am sad.
My favorite medals are the 2013 and 2017 marathon. 2013 is just perfectly designed (clearly says Walt Disney World, clearly says Marathon, clear dates, clear Mickey, super high quality design!), and 2017 is so classic with the big Mickey ears.
I did the full in 2013 and it is my favorite of all my medals. (I did not do 2017, sadly!)
