Marathon Weekend 2026

[princesspirateandrunner]

I got the survey this morning, but just now had time to complete it. DH got the survey a couple of days ago. I’m curious about how many they send out, and how long after the weekend they keep sending them. I also got a resort survey a couple of days ago (for Poly. We also stayed at Pop and YC, but I didn’t get a survey for those).

 

[JediKnightXan]

We got back Monday, I'm still working on catching up on sleep.

This was my first RunDisney event, (did just the Marathon), and it was incredible! I'm still riding the high from the event. Thank you to anyone who was out cheering on the course that day, it was really appreciated! I was in no way expecting the crowd at Main Street. Everyone I interacted with on the course was great to talk to and just over all a really great day.

My time was no where near what I expected but that was because I stopped for all but two characters, and then did Everest, but at the end of the course I still felt strong and had a smile my face. I think being out of the A corral probably shaped some of this though, had I been in a later one probably wouldn't have been able to do all that and still feel comfortable not getting swept.

Now trying to figure out when I can get back and do another one, (although I know any future ones will probably not hit the same way as the first one), unfortunately 2028 is probably the next real chance I get.

Not up to running yet, one leg is giving some hints of tendinitis or something so did 20 min on an elliptical today. I have a 10K in early March then a half in early May, hoping all the extra miles in the Marathon build will lead to some PRs there.

Thank you again to everyone here for all the information and encouraging atmosphere on these boards.

 

[Herding_Cats]

Notes about the survey for anyone who might get one:
They ask about which events you ran, so I couldn't include lighting in the complaints as DH ran the 5k only

You are limited to 500 characters when you got to explain your rating (which you may have only gotten if you put "poor")

They asked about pre and post race area. They asked about corral/course crowding. They asked about the expo AND what day you attended the expo. They further broke that down into bib pickup/vendors/official merch sub-sections.

They asked about the medals (I specifically praised the LACK of moving parts on the 5k medal)

They also asked how likely you were to come back in the next 2 years and what may influence your decision. I definitely talked about the lack of variety in the courses over the past few years. In 2022 the 10k course went through HS and I've *only* ever ran the one that is highway+epcot/resort area in all of the years since. That's super boring. I also cited rising costs as something that may hold us back. The fact that the prices go up every year and the product *doesn't* change at all is annoying.

 

[Herding_Cats]

Much to my chagrin, I ran this year’s marathon . . . exactly 5 seconds faster than last year’s marathon. I’m nothing if not consistent. I much prefer the cooler weather, but I think my body performs better in warmth. I didn’t really experience the sun since I finished around 7:45, and it hadn’t fully risen by that point.

My marathon was an absolute suffer-fest and somehow was only 1min slower than last year's. Granted, last year we stopped and waited at BW for a few minutes, but I was really surprised by this. I think I stopped for a similar number of characters as well. Maybe it was fewer bathroom stops....

 

[WDW 4 ME]

Waiting to receive a survey….

 

[marty3d]

So.. finally made it home. Unfortunately I couldn't go directly home Tuesday as I had to go to Texas for some meetings. I'll save the longer details for a future DATW conversation but suffice it to say it took me 29 hours to get home (instead of 6) including flight delays, cancellation, major snowstorms, overnighting in Toronto and my checked bag getting lost twice. (And no, I still don't have it). This is why I always put the important items like the Marathon Ears (which survived 4 flights in my backpack), medals, Brooks Race Weekend shoes, etc in my carry-on. And of course the most important souvenirs of this weekend - @Z-Knight 's Challenge Medal and the 2nd Annual Mini-Golf golf ball from @Novatrix .

 

[lookingforsunshine]

Things I forgot to say in my survey if anyone wants to add them for me:

I was VERY SAD to not have race weekend themed ears. I collect them.

I would love a plant-based food box (or just general dietary needs friendly) at the end. I don’t even take the boxes anymore bc I can’t eat most of what is in them.

Gratitude for having ice bags and sponges on the course.

 

[Poohverine]

I got a Disneyland research survey rather than the runDisney one

But when I get it, I echo most comments here - more ability to preorder certain merch, more park time, less parking lots, etc. Will say for designs, avoid the big block graphics too. Wearing the race shirts in the park has made it more apparent how uncomfortable and in breathable that graphic is.

 

[smrt1]

For the most part, I’d say this was one of my best Marathon Weekend experiences. I have run it every year since 2013 and I’m a Perfect Dopey, and this was my 44th Marathon overall (49th runDisney race, would’ve been 50th but Half was cancelled in 2017). For starters, the weather! It was amazing to not have to stand around freezing before and/or after the races. Plus, the benefit of not having to use gear check for a change of clothes. I know there were some issues with the warm weather on Sunday, but I loved it and I’ve been training in Philadelphia where it’s been in the 20’s during my runs. My last Marathon was in November, and I did everything right and it turned out to be a disaster. For this year’s Disney Marathon I did everything wrong. I walked way too much the day before, didn’t sleep, didn’t hydrate well, and I went into it with low expectations and it turned out to be one of my absolute best experiences. I forgot that the race started at 4:30 so I missed my corral. I jumped in right as they were moving B into the chute. I ran an almost 8 minute negative split and I felt great afterwards. I do wish they hadn’t moved the World Showcase loop to the beginning of the race, as it always felt to me like a victory lap, and the way the race ends now is kind of lacking. I do find that mentally the course seems a little easier, though. Most of the boring parts are earlier in the race, so in the later miles there is more to look at. The Blizzard Beach section is kind of dull, and I wish that they had us run inside the park instead of the parking lot (if I’m not mistaken the race did go inside a few years back). The metals, while nice, are super cheap, and the whole thing with having moving parts on them is getting kind of old. The shirts are the worst they’ve ever given out. They look like cheap iron-ons, and they will not last. Not to mention, the designs are lame, too. The old Champion shirts they gave out years ago were super nice and for the cost of the races we should still be getting those. I’m already counting down to next year. I’ll be 50 in November and I’m planning on making The Phila. Marathon (same week as my birthday) my 50th Marathon so hopefully next MW will be number 51! I have 4 races on the calendar but need to find two more. Congrats everyone that ran.

 

[Erica1016]

We made it home a few hours ago. I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate this community. So much support and encouragement, especially to someone running her first marathon and has all the nerves and uncertainty that goes along with that. I truly don’t know that I could have done it without you guys!!!! Thank you for the advice, wisdom, humor and dose of reality I needed!!

Sorry I didn’t make it to DATW, but loved meeting everyone at HH. I did stop by the light pole briefly, but my nerves were running rampant so needed to sit in the corral with some music to drown out everything else. Sorry to those I missed and thank you to those I managed to say hello to before I left!

I am so proud of myself for accomplishing my goal! I’m still on such a high from it and can’t wait to do it again!!!!! And….I got my picture with the goat!!! Dream come true!!!!

I had so much fun looking for you and cheering you on! It was great to meet you, your husband and a bunch of others at the meet up! @dobball23 is already planning is redemption Dopey for next year, it sounds like, so hopefully we'll see you again!

 

[Erika10021]

I had so much fun looking for you and cheering you on! It was great to meet you, your husband and a bunch of others at the meet up! @dobball23 is already planning is redemption Dopey for next year, it sounds like, so hopefully we'll see you again!

It was awesome to meet you! Erica's unite!

 

[WDW 4 ME]

I had so much fun looking for you and cheering you on! It was great to meet you, your husband and a bunch of others at the meet up! @dobball23 is already planning is redemption Dopey for next year, it sounds like, so hopefully we'll see you again!

Trying to come up with the courage to break the news to my husband that “my only marathon” is actually “my first marathon”!

Definitely hoping to make it again next year!!! Fingers crossed we can make it happen!!

 

[Herding_Cats]

Trying to come up with the courage to break the news to my husband that “my only marathon” is actually “my first marathon”!

Definitely hoping to make it again next year!!! Fingers crossed we can make it happen!!

One of us! One of us!