Marathon Weekend 2026

[Herding_Cats]

Speaking of....

QCP Development has discounted bibs as well for single races, 5k-M 450/540/720/900 inclusive of both the bib and the fundraising/doantion.
Link

 

[WDW 4 ME]

brunch at Summer House on the Lake for Saturday before the Marathon. That will be our big meal for the day. First time trying that restaurant, but I’ve seen good things about their brunch

I haven’t had their lunch but we finally tried last time we were in town and very much enjoyed our meal! I cannot imagine brunch would not be good!

 

[BigEeyore]

SAFD: I went vegan in 2018 in part because of my GI upset on long runs and it has helped tremendously! I try to stick to some combo of rice/veggies/tofu the night before a long run. We will be eating at the Skipper Canteen the night before the marathon.
Race morning is a Clif bar and some coffee.
I don't carb load per say, as too much gluten is no bueno for me, but I try to eat rice and starchy veggies the day before a long run.

 

[JediKnightXan]

SAFD: I really appreciate reading what every one else's plan is because I have no clue.... Doing the Marathon, with Magic Kingdom the day before. Current thoughts that are changing daily are... Harbor House for lunch thinking the salmon and rice should be a good/safe bet the day before. No idea on dinner, hoping for something around 5/6ish. Probably in the park but depending on how the kid is doing may be at the resort.

Last big meal will be Lunch on Saturday with character dining at EPCOT, then probably share a pizza.

Day of current plan is do some yogurt, and probably a banana, then a stroopwaffel about 10/15 min before the start. No idea how I'm gonna do my coffee, my goal is to not wake everyone else up when I get up to go to the race, so I would like to just buy some once I get there (my understanding is there is at least one vendor?), but worried that may be to late to fully use the porta johns....

I'm still working on exactly what I'm gonna carry with me for food during the race, I have been using pumpkin oreos and that has been working so far, but carrying enough is problematic... I can carry enough for about 8 with the pockets I have which works out to about 16 miles. Fortunately Aldi still has stroopwaffels right now so I may try that on my next long run, they are a little more compact.

 

[The Expert]

SAFD: I went vegan in 2018 in part because of my GI upset on long runs and it has helped tremendously! I try to stick to some combo of rice/veggies/tofu the night before a long run. We will be eating at the Skipper Canteen the night before the marathon.
Race morning is a Clif bar and some coffee.
I don't carb load per say, as too much gluten is no bueno for me, but I try to eat rice and starchy veggies the day before a long run.

I have a dear friend who is a vegan and nutritionist who wrote a book on plant-based fueling that you might want to check out: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/...utrition-handbook-by-nichole-dandrea-russert/

I'm not vegan, but she does a great job of explaining the science behind it all, and I have used SO many recipes from this book!

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

I'm still working on exactly what I'm gonna carry with me for food during the race, I have been using pumpkin oreos and that has been working so far, but carrying enough is problematic... I can carry enough for about 8 with the pockets I have which works out to about 16 miles. Fortunately Aldi still has stroopwaffels right now so I may try that on my next long run, they are a little more compact.

Two responses come to mind:
1. "He's going to need bigger pockets"
2. I like the idea, but trying to open and close a tray of Oreos for 26 miles.... ;-)

And, yes, there is a coffee truck in the pre-race area. Hopefully you like or can tolerate Joffree's coffee (I'm not a fan).
Many of the resorts have started having coffee available before you get on the bus. You might check where you are staying and ask if they'll have anything available.

 

[marty3d]

Two responses come to mind:
1. "He's going to need bigger pockets"
2. I like the idea, but trying to open and close a tray of Oreos for 26 miles.... ;-)

And, yes, there is a coffee truck in the pre-race area. Hopefully you like or can tolerate Joffree's coffee (I'm not a fan).
Many of the resorts have started having coffee available before you get on the bus. You might check where you are staying and ask if they'll have anything available.

There’s also coffee in the food tent. It’s not good coffee (I prefer Joffreys) but it doesn’t have the massive line Joffreys has. If my resort doesn’t have coffee that’s where I grab mine because I desperately need a caffeine infusion on race mornings.

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

There’s also coffee in the food tent. It’s not good coffee (I prefer Joffreys) but it doesn’t have the massive line Joffreys has. If my resort doesn’t have coffee that’s where I grab mine because I desperately need a caffeine infusion on race mornings.

Agreed, which is why one of my favorite screen names was/is runs_on_coffee (not sure if I got it quite right).

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

Adding to the fuel mix (so to speak) are some lessons learned on my part. Out of respect for privacy, I prefer not to publicly name people without their permission, but within the threads of the this forum,I can’t thank @DopeyBadger enough for his research and insights and the knowledge he has shared with all of us.

So my 2-cents worth on race fueling:

 

[lookingforsunshine]

I went vegan in 2018 in part because of my GI upset on long runs and it has helped tremendously! I try to stick to some combo of rice/veggies/tofu the night before a long run. We will be eating at the Skipper Canteen the night before the marathon.
Race morning is a Clif bar and some coffee.
I don't carb load per se, as too much gluten is no bueno for me, but I try to eat rice and starchy veggies the day before a long run.

A fellow vegan!! Yay!!

I have always ate pasta before long runs but the other week I ate Indian food (mostly rice and potatoes), and I felt SO GOOD. It made me think I should recalibrate my normal strategy. There’s Indian food at Disney Springs but I am nervous to try something new during Dopey ack!

I am also manifesting that All-Stars replaces the Korean impossible burger with the new option that Pop has SOOOOON

 

[dobball23]

Do we start our lookout/countdown for course maps and event guide this coming week? I know both are probably still a couple of weeks away, though.

 

[The Expert]

I should probably dust off the Awesome Amazing DISboard Marathon Spreadsheet huh?

 

[Herding_Cats]

I should probably dust off the Awesome Amazing DISboard Marathon Spreadsheet huh?

I was wondering when we were going to start on it. I figure we might have a guide this week or next (I looked at last years dates and can’t remember if it was the first or 2nd week)

SPEAKING of the imminent timing of MW, if you have a Costco membership, it’s time to start checking for clearance throw-away layers. I usually have the most luck for $5 sweatshirts etc between Christmas and when we leave, but there were a few $4 and $5 things today.

 

[jillinastoria]

Advice needed! I am registered for the marathon but injured my IT band back in October. I just finished PT and am running again and feeling good! But my mileage is way down since the injury—my longest runs are about an hour (or 5 to 6 miles) right now.

I could probably make it through at least the halfway point if I run/walk and take it slow. But this would be my first RunDisney event, and if can’t finish, is it worth it to run half the race to get a taste of the experience? Or should I just wait for a (hopefully) injury free experience next year?

Thanks in advance!

 

[AZMermaid]

I was wondering when we were going to start on it. I figure we might have a guide this week or next (I looked at last years dates and can’t remember if it was the first or 2nd week)

SPEAKING of the imminent timing of MW, if you have a Costco membership, it’s time to start checking for clearance throw-away layers. I usually have the most luck for $5 sweatshirts etc between Christmas and when we leave, but there were a few $4 and $5 things today.

I went to LA with my daughter for dance in October and forgot a sweatshirt. I bought a $5 LA sweatshirt at a souviner store near the Chinese Theater. It’s yellow and itchy as heck but I was like sweet- this can be my throwaway. Hoping washing it helps with the itchiness.

 

[AZMermaid]

Advice needed! I am registered for the marathon but injured my IT band back in October. I just finished PT and am running again and feeling good! But my mileage is way down since the injury—my longest runs are about an hour (or 5 to 6 miles) right now.

I could probably make it through at least the halfway point if I run/walk and take it slow. But this would be my first RunDisney event, and if can’t finish, is it worth it to run half the race to get a taste of the experience? Or should I just wait for a (hopefully) injury free experience next year?

Thanks in advance!

I also missed a month due to injury (October). I’m slowly working my mileage up but won’t be where I should be. I’ll probably tap out at 16-18. I’d say still go for it! Corral placement may give you a buffer and if you can work up to 10-12 miles between now and then, you may have a better shot than you think! Hopefully someone who knows more than me will weigh in, but that’s my take!

 

[The Expert]

Advice needed! I am registered for the marathon but injured my IT band back in October. I just finished PT and am running again and feeling good! But my mileage is way down since the injury—my longest runs are about an hour (or 5 to 6 miles) right now.

I could probably make it through at least the halfway point if I run/walk and take it slow. But this would be my first RunDisney event, and if can’t finish, is it worth it to run half the race to get a taste of the experience? Or should I just wait for a (hopefully) injury free experience next year?

Thanks in advance!

If you're traveling to WDW either way, and knowing that rD most likely won't refund or defer your registration if you don't run it, I'd do what you can to train between now and then, and go start the race.

You'll get to experience the expo, the pre-race meetup (HINT!), the announcers, corral & costumes. You'll get a feel for the course, character stops and energy. And if the course doesn't dramatically change, chances are good you'll at least get to run through the castle. If you do get swept, you'll still get the marathon race medal.

 

[camaker]

Advice needed! I am registered for the marathon but injured my IT band back in October. I just finished PT and am running again and feeling good! But my mileage is way down since the injury—my longest runs are about an hour (or 5 to 6 miles) right now.

I could probably make it through at least the halfway point if I run/walk and take it slow. But this would be my first RunDisney event, and if can’t finish, is it worth it to run half the race to get a taste of the experience? Or should I just wait for a (hopefully) injury free experience next year?

Thanks in advance!

My first RunDisney race weekend (and 1st marathon) was the 10k + Goofy. I tore my hamstring in September and couldn't run at all for 6+ weeks and was on limited run/walk intervals as part of my rehab return to running. As a result, I was only able to get back up to a 12-13 mile long run before Marathon Weekend. I was able to get through all three races, including that all-important first marathon by taking it slow and easy.

In addition, keep in mind what happened during 2017 Marathon Weekend. When they cancelled the half, one of the options given was to run the marathon instead. There were a lot of runners that completed the marathon after training for "just" a half.

My advice is to do what you can do in training between now and race weekend and then just go out and see what you can do during the race. I think you'll pleasantly surprise yourself.

 

[jillinastoria]

Thank you for the stories and advice, everyone! I'm feeling encouraged--I think I'm going to try a walk/run 8 mile next weekend, see how that goes, and then decide.

Two more questions--first, when is the pre-race meetup, sounds fun!

And second, does anyone have experience with the slower pace groups (5.5 hours, 6 hours, 6.5 hours or so)--are there specific groups and pacers to look out for? Or do people just generally join whomever is in their corral?

 

[Herding_Cats]

Thank you for the stories and advice, everyone! I'm feeling encouraged--I think I'm going to try a walk/run 8 mile next weekend, see how that goes, and then decide.

Two more questions--first, when is the pre-race meetup, sounds fun!

Pre-race meetups are by the lightpole kind of across from the first gear-check entrance.. Apparently it was usurped by the food trucks during W&D, but we usually have a sign for a little bit. We put together a big pdf for all things marathon weekend for any dis'ers who want to join in, and there's a map of where the lightpole is (approximately.) Meetup time is pretty flexible and kind of a drop in/out situation.

And second, does anyone have experience with the slower pace groups (5.5 hours, 6 hours, 6.5 hours or so)--are there specific groups and pacers to look out for? Or do people just generally join whomever is in their corral?

Pacers will carry a sign on a stick to be easily identifiable. They publish the list 1-2 weeks before the race and include which corral those pacers will be in. There is also a Galloway booth at the expo that will have this information. You can choose to start in your assigned corral and let the pacers catch up to you and then run with them, or fall back to the appropriate corral for the pace group you want to run with. Note that you cannot join a *faster* start corral than you were assigned, but can absolutely start with a slower/later one.