Marathon Weekend 2026

[jillinastoria]

Thank you for the advice, everyone! I am thinking I’ll walk/run, take it slow, hope to get to half distance … and see where I end up.

I’ll report back in a week or two. Thanks for all the support—keep it coming, I appreciate it all so much!

 

[jrsharp21]

SAFD:

1) Looking forward to the energy that comes with MW. Such a great environment not only during the races, but at the parks.
2) Looking forward to seeing everyone again at meet ups. Catching up with people from the last two years, getting to know everyone better, and meeting new internet friends.
3) Staying at Saratoga Springs for the first time.

 

[lookingforsunshine]

SAFD:

1. My costumes! All book themed. Very excited.
2. Having fun with my friends & partner.
3. Dopey feels like a game to me between the races, nutrition, logistics, etc… and I love playing! Excited for that.

and also spectating the marathon

I might check in with you to see if you can give me an emergency uncrustable if needed lol. I had someone to give me one during the last two Dopeys but won’t have anyone cheering for me this time since my friend’s partner will be on a med bike this year and my partner is running with me.

 

[Herding_Cats]

OK. I drank coffee and looked at past years' threads and here's what I know:

2025 Expo Day 1 was Jan. 8, and the guide came out on Dec. 5 (a Thursday, which we were surprised by) but also included some sweeping changes including marathon start time and significant changes to the HM and M courses, some of which were announced months earlier.

2024 Expo Day 1 was Jan 3, and the guide came out on Dec. 19th (a Tuesday) and were were getting impatient.

Editing to add:
2023 Expo Day 1 was Jan 4, and the the guide came out on Dec. 16th

And I had done the math in late November for MW23 guide guesses.
Last year's (2022) event guide came out on Dec 6. That was 4 weeks and 2 days before the expo.
2020's even guide came out on Dec 12, which was 3 weeks and 5 days before the expo.

All of this is to say that getting the event guide isn't out of the question for this week, but since last year's was definitely on the early side, I wouldn't be surprised if we have another week or 2 to wait.

 

[marty3d]

OK. I drank coffee and looked at past years' threads and here's what I know:

2025 Expo Day 1 was Jan. 8, and the guide came out on Dec. 5 (a Thursday, which we were surprised by) but also included some sweeping changes including marathon start time and significant changes to the HM and M courses, some of which were announced months earlier.

2024 Expo Day 1 was Jan 3, and the guide came out on Dec. 19th (a Tuesday) and were were getting impatient.


All of this is to say that getting the event guide isn't out of the question for this week, but since last year's was definitely on the early side, I wouldn't be surprised if we have another week or 2 to wait.

I feel like this week is too early but given there will likely be (has to be?) some pretty big changes to the marathon route due to construction, earlier feels right. I put my bet on next week.

 

[Disney at Heart]

SAFD: Mostly Hurricane Hannah’s, DATW, morning meet-ups with friends, food, fun park time, and wearing my medals/shirts around the parks. I’m a little nervous about Running Goofy, even though it’s going to be the tenth Disney Marathon, because getting older makes it harder each year. It will be my last! (I know I keep saying that, but this time it’s TRUE!)

 

[Erika10021]

SAFD: I am mostly excited to be at another Marathon Weekend. I was so blown away by the atmosphere of the weekend at our first MW last year. I am also looking forward to running through Animal Kingdom, eating everything I want, the medals (including Z-Knight's), and the light pole meet ups.

 

[The Expert]

I might check in with you to see if you can give me an emergency uncrustable if needed lol.

I'll post a more formal ask before MW but I'm taking orders! I will have mini Coke cans for @Herding_Cats and @nancipants.

It will be my last! (I know I keep saying that, but this time it’s TRUE!)