Marathon Weekend 2026

[WDW 4 ME]

I don't actually mind the earlier start. As a slower runner, it gives me more time in cooler temps before the sun comes up, and a better chance at going through the castle in the dark with it all lit up. It's not like I'm getting a ton of sleep that night anyway.

THIS

 

[WDW 4 ME]

Does anyone hang out in Epcot after the marathon? We are staying at the Swan and planning on coming back to the park after the race for some light active recovery. I think I remember some of you saying you do Epcot the day after the marathon.

 

[cburnett11]

I was staying at Pop and decided to run the 13.1 anyway on Saturday after the storm had passed. I stepped outside to begin running around and around and around the lake. I figured I would be alone, but there were hundreds I of runners. Many had on their bibs or costumes and as the morning progressed people set up water tables and even spontaneous character greeting spots that were mostly kids dressed up in costumes - was so cute! The spirit and positivity was so inspiring. Truly everything runDisney is about. Pace, PR’s, etc just did not matter anymore to me. It is still one of my favorite Half’s. It was a great morning!

I was only doing the Full, but I stayed at Pop. I woke up that morning to the pitter-patter of feet moving all around the resort. I was just heading out to do a 3-4 mile shakeout run and was shocked at the activity. It was overwhelming (emotionally) to see hundreds of runners circling hourglass lake and/or running between buildings. Many with their bibs on. I teared up a bit because it was just amazing how everyone made the best of it. I wasn't doing the Half, but still felt like I got to inadvertently experience a little part of it. It remains one of my top running experiences.

Later on, we headed over to the boardwalk to screw around. We were not doing parks this trip. We, again, got to experience runners as they were circling crescent lake. It was really windy and raining, but just fantastic. A few people were using toilet paper rolls and making a finish line tape for anyone that was coming through and let them know they were completing their "race". We probably stood there an hour or so and just cheered.

 

[Herding_Cats]

Give Kids The World has bibs:

"Give Kids The World has just posted additional 2026 WDW Marathon... no required fundraising.

Here is the website - www.gktw.org/run

5K – 5 available / $400 registration fee
10K – 7 available / $500 registration fee
Half – 1 available / $600 registration fee
Marathon – 3 available / $700 registration fee"

 

[cburnett11]

There are also people who will run the 5k fast enough to finish and run it again with the last corral. It’s a fun challenge to kick off the weekend.

I didn't even know this was an "option"!

 

[Herding_Cats]

Does anyone hang out in Epcot after the marathon? We are staying at the Swan and planning on coming back to the park after the race for some light active recovery. I think I remember some of you saying you do Epcot the day after the marathon.

Yes. People do go to the parks after the marathon. By the time it's finished, none of the parks are overly difficult to get to as the roads have re-opened (the only asterisk to that may be MK if you are an early finisher.) Some people are fast enough that they run, to back to their resort to clean up and change, and come back to Epcot to cheer on those of us who maximize our time-on-course.

Personally, I'm physically spent after the marathon and prefer to use the epsom salt, maybe the resort hot tub, and move-as-little-as-possible method of recovery.

 

[Smooth_Whiskey]

Does anyone hang out in Epcot after the marathon? We are staying at the Swan and planning on coming back to the park after the race for some light active recovery. I think I remember some of you saying you do Epcot the day after the marathon.

Yup for sure, we came back out after a nap, got pictures with medals rode some rides and had dinner at California Grill, phenomenal day really despite getting food poisoning that night haha.

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

Does anyone hang out in Epcot after the marathon? We are staying at the Swan and planning on coming back to the park after the race for some light active recovery. I think I remember some of you saying you do Epcot the day after the marathon.

I went to Epcot post-marathon one year, after shower and nap. I was definitely a Slow Moving Object, so not really getting my money's worth from a park ticket. I went to the England restaurant as a walk-up, and being a single individual, was seated in maybe 15 minutes. I had the Scotch eggs appetizer, a full entree, plus the toffee dessert. I probably ate 3,000+ calories...
Walked around (slowly) a bit more and then back to the resort. I think this year I'll head over to Dis Springs to walk around and find food.

I was really looking at DAWT this year, but I have a doctor appt Tue morning, so I need to be driving back on Monday.

 

[Zutroy]

I didn't even know this was an "option"!

When I finish 10ks at Disney, they’re still sending off the last corrals. I’ve thought about running again because they let you drop back and don’t check anything except your bib letter. My only concern is if the second run would erase the first one, or if RD would flag your bib.

 

[RuntheMouse]

Does anyone hang out in Epcot after the marathon? We are staying at the Swan and planning on coming back to the park after the race for some light active recovery. I think I remember some of you saying you do Epcot the day after the marathon.

We do! Staying at RIV so DH will meet me after I finish and we’ll mosey back through EPCOT to the skyliner. I’ll stretch, shower and grab a snack then back to EPCOT. I like to move after races, helps with my recovery.

 

[lookingforsunshine]

This was us waiting in the corrals for the HM in January this year.

I have apparently completely blocked this out of my memory lol

Edit: I have now located a video of me lip syncing to Umbrella while standing in the corral in the rain

 

[camaker]

These are the mylar ponchos I bought.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRRK79GK?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

I absolutely loved the Mylar ponchos I tried out last year. No more fighting to keep Mylar in place against the wind and a hood, to boot! I bought another set to bring this year. Here are the ones I've gotten:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0863KMVJH?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

 

[camaker]

My C-section scar thanks you! hahaha

My screen name is boring - just my initials and birthday. I created it to lurk after finding the board googling rundisney advice after signing up for wine and dine 2024. I would change it to something more fun but now I feel like it's too late. I need to actually add an avatar one of these days.

I find it quite depressing that your birthday is essentially my high school graduation date.

 

[dobball23]

Some people are fast enough that they run, to back to their resort to clean up and change, and come back to Epcot to cheer on those of us who maximize our time-on-course.

I tend to be one of the faster finishers, and my last marathon (2024), I did exactly this. It was very fun to be a spectator for a change. And it was inspiring to see everyone getting close to the finish (I watched near the Skyliner, outside of DHS). We are planning to do it again this year.

 

[The Expert]

I find it quite depressing that your birthday is essentially my high school graduation date.

Class of '89 here! LOL

 

[WDW 4 ME]

We do! Staying at RIV so DH will meet me after I finish and we’ll mosey back through EPCOT to the skyliner. I’ll stretch, shower and grab a snack then back to EPCOT. I like to move after races, helps with my recovery.

I think this is pretty much my plan as well! Epcot seems like a good park for that active recovery. I can 100% be in that park without rushing around to rides, standing in lines. And it gives my DH something to do while he is waiting on me to finish.

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

When I finish 10ks at Disney, they’re still sending off the last corrals. I’ve thought about running again because they let you drop back and don’t check anything except your bib letter. My only concern is if the second run would erase the first one, or if RD would flag your bib.

Re-running the 5K or 10K?!!! Now I'll be mulling doing that in the future.
I can just see finishing, starting again and finishing almost last with the balloon ladies to see the confetti and fireworks. Hmmm.....
(Not dead last. That doesn't seem quite right, IYKWIM)

>>Class of '89 here!

That was when I graduated with my bachelor's degree. I don't see an (almost) 60 year old in the mirror, but the calendar says otherwise.... Just dang.

 

[jmasgat]

Give Kids The World has bibs:

I was so close to snagging that half bib. But accommodations are not easy/reasonably priced at this point. Not to mention I’m doing DL at the end of the month….and going to Dublin and Belgium for Christmas. So yeah.

 

[Disneyhanna]

When I finish 10ks at Disney, they’re still sending off the last corrals. I’ve thought about running again because they let you drop back and don’t check anything except your bib letter. My only concern is if the second run would erase the first one, or if RD would flag your bib.

You don't have to worry about the results if the chip happens to...fall off your bib...though I guess you wouldn't want it to fall off until after you run the 10k

 

[Baloo in MI]

@The Expert and @Mr_Incr3dible I see your Class of 89 and raise you my Class of 88!