Marathon Weekend 2026

[WDW 4 ME]

Congrats on scoring a bib for the marathon! You will crush it!

There's a lot of great advice on here and I'll share a couple things that I think are helpful:
1) I highly recommend the "Fuel for the Sole" podcast and following Featherstone Nutrition on Instagram. Meghann Featherstunn is a registered sports dietitian and a super fast runner. She is so knowledgeable and relatable in the fueling advice she provides through both the podcast and her Instagram account. My family rolls their eyes at how often I say, "well Meghann says..."!
2) There are a couple sites like The Feed and Fuel Goods that let you sample all kinds of different pre- during- and post-fueling options to see what you like and what works best for you. Fuel Goods even has a Featherstone sample pack

As far as where to store all this stuff, I did a combo of my shorts (Lululemon Wunder Train with pockets) and a soft Nathan handheld water bottle when I ran the WDW marathon in 2024. I plan on shifting some of the gels from my shorts to a pocketed running bra I got from Bandit for the 2026 Dopey.

To my DH dismay, you just gave me several more things to add to my running wish list! Thank you!!!!

 

[Naomeri]

@Naomeri thanks for the recommendation! No bouncing at all? The bounce is so distracting for me. Have experienced that with a vest, and a couple of belts and it just ruins my experience!

Not that I've noticed. It just fits right over your shorts/leggings/whatever and has strong magnets holding it in place.

 

[scrowl]

I love Fuel for the Sole! Just got some of the salty carbs from RNWY they were talking about recently. So good!

I just ordered the melon salty carbs and can't wait to try them!

 

[The Expert]

My DH (not a runner), has said he will meet me along the course with anything I need. I’m nervous we will miss each other! How hard is this to pull off? Where do you recommend is a good spot? I’m thinking around halfway, so I can easily carry what I need for the first half and then reload for the second half.

It depends. I've had DH (dear husband) meet me on course for hand-offs a few times, but it's when we've stayed at hotels that are already on the course: Boardwalk and Bay Lake Tower. Traveling around during the marathon can get really tricky and takes a LOT of extra time, but once you've determined the start and end points and where you want to meet, it's not too difficult if you plan ahead.

There are spots where spectators can't get right up to the course and you may not be guaranteed a hand-off. Even though DH and I have been able to previously exchange things outside Bay Lake Tower, last year they had closed the area where he normally stands. I had to cross over half of a backstage road (that was open to limited traffic) to get to him and BOY did the cast members not like that! I made sure to go to him and made it super fast, tossing him my sleeves and grabbing a couple of mini Cokes, but it was a risk and I was warned. There are spots where it's a little easier (Boardwalk, Epcot, TTC, outside Studios) but again, it depends on the course and how they block things off day-of.

A couple of us here will build a big spreadsheet that comes out a week or two before the races that will help you know where on the course you may be at any given time, so be sure and fill out that information when the time comes. We can all give advice on transportation once we know the course and timing.

 

[camaker]

My DH (not a runner), has said he will meet me along the course with anything I need. I’m nervous we will miss each other! How hard is this to pull off? Where do you recommend is a good spot? I’m thinking around halfway, so I can easily carry what I need for the first half and then reload for the second half.

I would caution against this, especially for a first marathon, unless absolutely necessary. There are so many moving parts associated with getting two parties to the same point on the course at the same time, it can be a challenge. Couple that with the fact that this is your first marathon, where something is almost guaranteed not to go to plan, and I'm afraid it could well be a recipe for disaster. The last thing you want, especially in a first marathon, is the worry of making a meet-up along with the panic that will be associated with "what do I do now?" if you miss your connection. The risk isn't worth the benefit, in my opinion.

IIRC, we saw an instance of a meeting like this being delayed/not happening with a fellow board member and it had a very negative impact on their race. You want as few complications as possible during a first marathon.

TL;DR: Can it be done? Yes. Should you try it during your 1st? I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[WDW 4 ME]

@The Expert and @camaker thank you so much for these perspectives. Definitely see both the pros and cons. I can tell you that depending on the day, my current mental state about this whole thing swings from overjoyed to sheer panic! I’m a planner by nature and the idea of spreadsheets to lay it all out makes my heart happy and calms my anxiety. I will most likely create additional rows/buckets for worst case scenarios for those back up plans! So many scenarios to plug in!! My preference is to not rely on anyone for my fueling needs just in case. And use my DH for an extra boost. So if we can make it happen…awesome. If not, then I won’t crash out because I still have what I need.

 

[Disney at Heart]

@WDW 4 ME Definitely join the spreadsheet group. You will get information from morning meetups, pacing to get to different places on the course at certain times, sunrise time, whose will be near you, where the real bathrooms are, and other great info!

 

[sandam1]

My DH (not a runner), has said he will meet me along the course with anything I need. I’m nervous we will miss each other! How hard is this to pull off? Where do you recommend is a good spot? I’m thinking around halfway, so I can easily carry what I need for the first half and then reload for the second half.

The Magic Kingdom is usually around Mile 9ish so not quite halfway, but it is a great place to coordinate a hand-off. Spectators are allowed/encouraged on Main Street and it is pretty easy to get from the start at Epcot to the MK via monorail. My best friend usually lets me know via text where she is standing (remind him to be very, very, VERY specific - halfway down Main Street isn't a good description) and then I let her know as I get close. If your watch has a tracking feature, that also can help your husband know where you are. Also, if you and your husband have distinctive clothing (think bright & bold), that helps too.

One good thing that I've found about doing the MK refuel is that it forces me to refuel early in the race because the pockets have to have room for the stuff I'm going to be picking up at the MK. Another trick that I've learned is to have two bags - one of things that I know that I'm going to want and one for things that I might need. Then I can take Bag 1 easily and I let my friend know in advance what I want out of Bag 2 so she can have it ready for me.

On the back half of the course, I lean a little more into what runDisney gives out, but know that they can run out of things (on my first marathon, there were no bananas at the first stop) and have Plan B, C, & D in mind.

One thing that has worked for me as fuel is Coke. My thought was that it was something that I should be able to pick up as we go through the parks (note that usually Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are open by the time most people get to them). It didn't quite go as planned (I didn't know that they don't sell bottles of Coke in AK, just cups), but it is a good fuel.

 

[The Expert]

One thing that has worked for me as fuel is Coke. My thought was that it was something that I should be able to pick up as we go through the parks (note that usually Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are open by the time most people get to them). It didn't quite go as planned (I didn't know that they don't sell bottles of Coke in AK, just cups), but it is a good fuel.

FYI there are vending machines with bottled Coke in the Blizzard Beach parking lot loop and outside the entrance to Studios. Assuming the course continues to pass these two things.

 

[sandam1]

FYI there are vending machines with bottled Coke in the Blizzard Beach parking lot loop and outside the entrance to Studios. Assuming the course continues to pass these two things.

I didn't see them near Blizzard Beach (and trust me, I was desperately looking), but the ones outside HS is where I finally got my Coke. About 5+ miles after I wanted it, but the cold/sugar/caffeine was nice kick to the finish.

 

[The Expert]

I didn't see them near Blizzard Beach (and trust me, I was desperately looking), but the ones outside HS is where I finally got my Coke. About 5+ miles after I wanted it, but the cold/sugar/caffeine was nice kick to the finish.

There are two (or more) machines near the bus stop canopies iirc. We stopped there briefly to dig out some Tylenol.

 

[sandam1]

There are two (or more) machines near the bus stop canopies iirc. We stopped there briefly to dig out some Tylenol.

Ugh, I wish I had known that! That, and remembering that the first aid stations also have some, could have made things A LOT easier for me.

 

[WDW 4 ME]

Not that I've noticed. It just fits right over your shorts/leggings/whatever and has strong magnets holding it in place.

My hubby reminded me we have one of these that we used while traveling. I set it out to test on my run tomorrow. I will report back!!!

 

[WDW 4 ME]

@WDW 4 ME Definitely join the spreadsheet group. You will get information from morning meetups, pacing to get to different places on the course at certain times, sunrise time, whose will be near you, where the real bathrooms are, and other great info!

Is the spreadsheet group a different board item or will it be in this thread?

 

[WDW 4 ME]

The Magic Kingdom is usually around Mile 9ish so not quite halfway, but it is a great place to coordinate a hand-off. Spectators are allowed/encouraged on Main Street and it is pretty easy to get from the start at Epcot to the MK via monorail. My best friend usually lets me know via text where she is standing (remind him to be very, very, VERY specific - halfway down Main Street isn't a good description) and then I let her know as I get close. If your watch has a tracking feature, that also can help your husband know where you are. Also, if you and your husband have distinctive clothing (think bright & bold), that helps too.

One good thing that I've found about doing the MK refuel is that it forces me to refuel early in the race because the pockets have to have room for the stuff I'm going to be picking up at the MK. Another trick that I've learned is to have two bags - one of things that I know that I'm going to want and one for things that I might need. Then I can take Bag 1 easily and I let my friend know in advance what I want out of Bag 2 so she can have it ready for me.

On the back half of the course, I lean a little more into what runDisney gives out, but know that they can run out of things (on my first marathon, there were no bananas at the first stop) and have Plan B, C, & D in mind.

One thing that has worked for me as fuel is Coke. My thought was that it was something that I should be able to pick up as we go through the parks (note that usually Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are open by the time most people get to them). It didn't quite go as planned (I didn't know that they don't sell bottles of Coke in AK, just cups), but it is a good fuel.

selfishly, I want him on Main Street. Even if it’s miserable weather wise. I think there will be something super special about seeing each other there! Good to know on the coke tips. I’ve never done cokes while running so I think I need to test it out. I can see where it would give me that extra burst of energy. I do tend to bloat from them though, so there’s that…

 

[The Expert]

Is the spreadsheet group a different board item or will it be in this thread?

It'll be posted here toward middle to end of December. We'll ask for a set of information to enter into the primary spreadsheet, giving everyone plenty of time to respond if they want to participate. Then we'll do our compilations and share a big packet of info back with everyone here.

Edit to add a link to last year's packet so you know what to expect: https://www.disboards.com/attachments/mw-2025-dis-reduced-pdf.925827/

We're also planning to add a marathon spectating guide/tips page to this for 2026.

 

[GuinnessRunner]

selfishly, I want him on Main Street. Even if it’s miserable weather wise. I think there will be something super special about seeing each other there! Good to know on the coke tips. I’ve never done cokes while running so I think I need to test it out. I can see where it would give me that extra burst of energy. I do tend to bloat from them though, so there’s that…

It is very cool but remember that it is also the most crowded place for spectators. Often times it can be 5-6 people deep along main street so it increases the chance of missing each other (you can go to YouTube and see some of the videos from past marathons to get an idea). When my DW would come we would use the TTC as one point where we could meet. It was easy for her to get there (all things relative getting around marathon morning), less crowded and more space to see one another and pull off for a hello. Also gave her easy access to then get to a spot later in the course.

Stick with the boards and you will meet lots of great people with info and ideas to share! It's a great resource and many on here share your need to plan in advance so you are in good company.

 

[nancipants]

My DH (not a runner), has said he will meet me along the course with anything I need. I’m nervous we will miss each other! How hard is this to pull off? Where do you recommend is a good spot? I’m thinking around halfway, so I can easily carry what I need for the first half and then reload for the second half.

My husband and son met me at Animal Kingdom, which is a little more than halfway. By the time I got there, the park was already open and they were able to get right up to the course near Dinoland.

@sandam1 - They do sell bottles of coke at AK, but they're hard to find along the course! I had given my husband instructions to get me a FOUNTAIN coke, and even told him WHERE to get one that early (at the coffee/pastry window next to Flame Tree), but the line was too long (because they were also selling hot chocolate and as we all remember, it was COLD that day). So he got me a bottled coke from a snack cart closer to Dinoland, but still off the main course. I was a bit annoyed, but at that moment I also didn't really care, I just wanted the coke.

 

[PrincessV]

@The Expert and @camaker thank you so much for these perspectives. Definitely see both the pros and cons. I can tell you that depending on the day, my current mental state about this whole thing swings from overjoyed to sheer panic! I’m a planner by nature and the idea of spreadsheets to lay it all out makes my heart happy and calms my anxiety. I will most likely create additional rows/buckets for worst case scenarios for those back up plans! So many scenarios to plug in!! My preference is to not rely on anyone for my fueling needs just in case. And use my DH for an extra boost. So if we can make it happen…awesome. If not, then I won’t crash out because I still have what I need.

A few thoughts from personal experience…

1. Race Brain is a thing. You may have experienced it a bit running halfs, but I’m here to say the Marathon Race Brain is another beast altogether. I imagine not everyone experiences it, but enough people I know have that I feel safe saying it’s common. Race Brain can make high (or even basic) mental functioning in the late miles very difficult… plans/contingency plans/extra contingency plans you had locked in your brain for weeks can just go POOF! as your body diverts all energy toward keeping you moving. I find the less thinking I need to do in the last 1/4 of a marathon, the better. This x1,000 if it’s also hot - and this marathon has a history of sometimes being very hot. The less my brain needs to store and access, the better, I find. Run, fuel, drink repeat. That’s all I want to keep track of after about mile 17.

2. There are a number of good spots to attempt a quick hello with spectators, but as others have said, getting around as a spectator is a challenge. I’ve asked friends to be at the Boardwalk or outside DHS for support and that’s when seeing a friendly face gave me a much needed boost. Be aware that technically, spectators handing anything to runners is prohibited. Disney generally looks the other way if it’s a one-time friend or family member, but just something to know.

3. There are opportunities to quickly and easily buy yourself a treat along the way, from AK on. Between vending machines, food carts/booths, and QS restaurants in and around the parks and resorts, you can access snacks, soda, and alcoholic beverages galore!

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

Even though DH and I have been able to previously exchange things outside Bay Lake Tower, last year they had closed the area where he normally stands. I had to cross over half of a backstage road (that was open to limited traffic) to get to him and BOY did the cast members not like that!

Narrator: Kim is quite the WDW scofflaw....