Marathon Weekend 2026

[sandam1]

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.

This is soooooo true! That's why I try to "idiot-proof" things on race day. I have everything that I might need on race day in one place in the hotel room. Then the night before I put EVERYTHING together. Clothes are laid out, breakfast and race fuel is prepped, other things are placed in one bag (we have a rental car so I leave my bib in the car, but some people will actually attached it in advance), and there is a list of what needs to come out of the frig. If I feel that I could get ready in the dark and not miss anything, then I've done my job.

With this mind, I also make plans in advance and then put other people in charge of executing them. If I need to remember something (i.e. fuel/hydration), I have alarms on my watch or phone to remind me. My best friend has been my "supply sherpa" on enough of my races that she knows to be extremely clear in her communications (my first marathon, she had me panicking for two miles because I thought that she was just leaving Epcot as I approached the Magic Kingdom) to me and I've gone over with her what I'm going to want/need and what to do. At the end of the race, she's responsible for finding me in the reunion area, not the other way around. Did I mention that she's the bestest best friend EVER?

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!

I totally understand this! It might be crowded. It might be crazy. But seeing your loved one on Main Street is a core memory IMHO. (And yeah, I might be tearing up thinking about the memories as I type this)

 

[The Expert]

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

I'm pretty sure I nearly ended up in Disney Jail. @Herding_Cats can attest!

 

[mmm_texas]

This is soooooo true! That's why I try to "idiot-proof" things on race day. I have everything that I might need on race day in one place in the hotel room. Then the night before I put EVERYTHING together. Clothes are laid out, breakfast and race fuel is prepped, other things are placed in one bag (we have a rental car so I leave my bib in the car, but some people will actually attached it in advance), and there is a list of what needs to come out of the frig. If I feel that I could get ready in the dark and not miss anything, then I've done my job.

For sure! I'm one who has my bib on my shirt the night before. I also have a checklist on my phone (I use the Notes app on iOS) with sections for "every run", ">5K", ">10 miles", "night before race", and "race morning". (And that note I posted earlier regarding my fueling schedule was also on my phone so I could refer to it along the route, or else I would have never been able to remember it!)

 

[matt and beth]

So many wonderful suggestions for fueling on course! My only mistake ever was using course fuel without trying before. Sports beans, Bananas, Powerade, and a Snickers (or some chocolate at 24ish?) are on course. Train with it some.

Spouse meetups… Castle is super special. Running alongside my daughter is a favorite memory (pic attached). Can also look at GF or Poly. Both are pretty easy and very little crowds if fuel is super important

 

[RuntheMouse]

So many wonderful suggestions for fueling on course! My only mistake ever was using course fuel without trying before. Sports beans, Bananas, Powerade, and a Snickers (or some chocolate at 24ish?) are on course. Train with it some.

Just don’t eat the chocolate until after the photo pass spot past ToT. That’s all I have to say on the matter.

 

[MissLiss279]

Just don’t eat the chocolate until after the photo pass spot past ToT. That’s all I have to say on the matter.

Ha! I’ve done this a couple of times.

 

[nancipants]

Last marathon they gave out some biscuits, not chocolate. I forgot the name of the brand, but they usually give out samples at the expo. I stock up because my kid loves them.

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

For sure! I'm one who has my bib on my shirt the night before. I also have a checklist on my phone (I use the Notes app on iOS) with sections for "every run", ">5K", ">10 miles", "night before race", and "race morning". (And that note I posted earlier regarding my fueling schedule was also on my phone so I could refer to it along the route, or else I would have never been able to remember it!)

This!!!
I also have my bib attached the night before, all my clothes laid out on the other bed or on the countertop in the order that I need to put them on (this is especially important with certain costumes), and other items are stacked in front of the door so that I literally can’t leave the room without seeing / tripping over them.
I do not try to consult my phone for fueling, I just put the stuff in my belt in the order It is to be consumed. I have been known to write my fueling notes on a small piece of paper and stick it in my pocket. That’s usually good for about 10 miles before the ink starts to smudge.
I tried to do a minimal amount of thinking before I get on the bus. I tend to wake up about the time we get close to Epcot. Or about the time we miss the exit and go driving right past it….
IYKYK

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

Spouse meetups… Castle is super special. Running alongside my daughter is a favorite memory (pic attached).

Great photo! Now, if I can only get my own DS2 to do a rD race with me so that I can get a race photo with him.

 

[WDW 4 ME]

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!

Race brain?! Oh no!!! New fear! How do I work THAT into my excel?!

Ugh on Disney rules for spectators handing items to us. I’m a rule follower. The thought of being kicked off the course will probably close this down as an option for me. I’m glad you said something!

I’m guessing all the vending machines take cards at this point?

 

[WDW 4 ME]

I totally understand this! It might be crowded. It might be crazy. But seeing your loved one on Main Street is a core memory IMHO. (And yeah, I might be tearing up thinking about the memories as I type this)

I got teary, just reading this! I love that you have this special memory!

 

[nancipants]

Race brain?! Oh no!!! New fear! How do I work THAT into my excel?!

Ugh on Disney rules for spectators handing items to us. I’m a rule follower. The thought of being kicked off the course will probably close this down as an option for me. I’m glad you said something!

I’m guessing all the vending machines take cards at this point?

Cards, tap to pay, etc.

I wouldn’t worry about your spouse handing you something - people literally do it all the time on Main Street. They just don’t want people handing out stuff to lots of people, like an unofficial aid station. But grabbing gels from friends/SO is fine - as long as you don’t try to cross the road.

 

[WDW 4 ME]

So many wonderful suggestions for fueling on course! My only mistake ever was using course fuel without trying before. Sports beans, Bananas, Powerade, and a Snickers (or some chocolate at 24ish?) are on course. Train with it some.

Spouse meetups… Castle is super special. Running alongside my daughter is a favorite memory (pic attached). Can also look at GF or Poly. Both are pretty easy and very little crowds if fuel is super important

Snickers?! What?! Love it!!! I definitely need to pick up some sports beans. I’ve had them before but need to do some more testing. Same with bananas. I eat them before I run but not during a run. As a general rule, I find that anything I chew while I run, gives me reflux. I try to take an antacid before I run, if I’m going to do nerds clusters or some type of gummy. I feel like the honey stinger chews bother me the most. Not sure what a banana would do for me mid run! Anyone else have this issue?

 

[WDW 4 ME]

Just don’t eat the chocolate until after the photo pass spot past ToT. That’s all I have to say on the matter.

I feel like we need to see this fun photo!!!

 

[WDW 4 ME]

Last marathon they gave out some biscuits, not chocolate. I forgot the name of the brand, but they usually give out samples at the expo. I stock up because my kid loves them.

Oh my gosh! For the SS this year, my husband and youngest son came with me. I would come into the room and go get cleaned up. Come out and POOF! All my fun treats gone! I know it was super taxing sleeping while I was running a challenge. So sure, by all means. Eat my magic rundisney cheese and skittles!!

 

[WDW 4 ME]

Cards, tap to pay, etc.

I wouldn’t worry about your spouse handing you something - people literally do it all the time on Main Street. They just don’t want people handing out stuff to lots of people, like an unofficial aid station. But grabbing gels from friends/SO is fine - as long as you don’t try to cross the road.

Great to know!!! I think after what happened last year, they might have their eye on @The Expert though!

 

[RuntheMouse]

I feel like we need to see this fun photo!!!

Oh no, that won’t be happening. The internet is forever

 

[Herding_Cats]

I'm pretty sure I nearly ended up in Disney Jail. @Herding_Cats can attest!

There were many "Ma'am"s and a lot of gesturing and "You can't be over here"s

 

[WDW 4 ME]

There were many "Ma'am"s and a lot of gesturing and "You can't be over here"s

So, I have a story. We were trying to be one of the first in line one day at Gideons. Was irritated because the morning was going all haywire. Later getting there than we wanted. Forgetting about the minor detail of having to go through security at Disney springs, my husband says hey, I’ll drop you off here (entrance of one of the garages where we could see a clear path to springs), and you can run to get a spot and I’ll park the car. Great idea babe! Hopped out of the car and started that direction and security guard informed me I could not go that way. Except I don’t remember there being any “ma’am’s” in there. In fact, there might have been some strong and loud yelling. And instead of gesturing, it was the officers hand moving to his side hip. Ummm…yeah. My mistake. Gotta go through security. It was legit awful!!! Dang those cookies! I lose all of common sense, apparently, when it comes to processed sugars!

 

[mcd2745]

We get off a cruise on Jan 8 and are considering a few days at WDW.

Do the races really interfere with the parks, and/or getting to them? Or should they have minimal to no effect on our days?