Marathon Weekend 2027

[LatebloomerultraF3]

THIS!!! Everyone has good runs, bad runs and everything in between. A training block can go perfectly and you are feeling peak and then you are slammed with the flu on race week. Or take a misstep on the course which leaves you with an injury. There are a million scenarios out there of why someone would be a DNS or DNF. I am fortunate to not have one under my belt yet, but know there will come that day. And I hope that any fellow runner would give me grace in that situation. Not shame me for it. Or shame me for my pace, whether that is because I’m super speedy or have to walk the entire thing!

I’m frankly disgusted by the judgements on the LA marathon. Like it or not, the race organizers made a call for what they thought were safety reasons. Could some of those folks that finished at 18 miles made it to 26.2? For sure. Would some of them had medical emergencies if they continued? Obviously no way of knowing that. But I have been on a course where a very experienced local runner was passed out halfway through with EMT working on him. I don’t want that for anyone. And the people criticizing runners for taking the easy out would be the same ones screaming that the race organizers needed to make it safer for the runners, if something tragic happened. I applaud the organizers for recognizing that it may not be the best day for some and the priority was safety. And the medal debate…they had the medals already. Would you rather they throw them away?

Truly…run your race, your pace and get whatever it is that you want to get out of it. Celebrate others wins, INCLUDING securing a bib, as others have done that for you before, and it’s the kind thing to do. And DONT walk 4 wide on ANY course. Or stomp your feet loudly behind another runner to get them to move out of your way. (This is another pet peeve of mine. I know you are back there. I have nowhere to go, dude. Throwing a tantrum back there doesn’t improve your scenario!)

And for every case of "signed up and didn't train" there are others who signed up and then busted their butt. Let's face it....based on how far out the rD registration is, there is a lot of time to prepare.

2024 MW was my first Marathon (as part of Dopey). Two years before that, the farthest I had run was a 5k. Midlife crisis (and a new baby I needed to take care of myself for) made me a runner... True, before I signed up, I went out on the local greenway and made sure I could run 26 miles (it was 5+ hours)...but that never would have produced a POT that I could submit to rD when I signed up the next week. I then spent 9 months working hard to make sure I could accomplish it--and talking the ears off of all the guys I run with about how excited I was to be challenging myself with Dopey.

Fact is, we can pull out bad examples and good examples from a field of 16 to 20,000 runners. Those are anecdotes and not statistics. But, in my limited experience (2024 Dopey and 2025 WD) the vast majority of people, slow or fast, are really happy to be there and are doing it for a wide variety of good reasons. It's a great crowd to run with.

(Incidentally, the earlier post about the best people having bad days is true...even the elites DNF or twist an ankle and walk the rest of the race....there is so much that goes into having a good race...you can't judge fitness and preparedness by one sample you take of someone on race day itself. Courtney Dauwalter is the ultra running GOAT--imho--and DNF'd Cocadona last year....if you go back and look at most ultra runner elites, their races are littered with DNFs.)

 

[nancipants]

(Incidentally, the earlier post about the best people having bad days is true...even the elites DNF or twist an ankle and walk the rest of the race....there is so much that goes into having a good race...you can't judge fitness and preparedness by one sample you take of someone on race day itself. Courtney Dauwalter is the ultra running GOAT--imho--and DNF'd Cocadona last year....if you go back and look at most ultra runner elites, their races are littered with DNFs.)

Yup! Sifan Hassan just dropped out of London because of Achilles issues.

 

[radiodome21]

During the Wine & Dine HF I witnessed a couple, who were walking, cussing out a female runner who passed them. Now I am a coral G guy so this was not in the front of the pack. She had said something to them while going around them and they just started swearing. We were in Galaxy Edge so maybe they were a little too into the whole First Order thing. Glad I had my earbuds in. I just did the Shamrock Shuffle in downtown Chicago (8k) which is sponsored by BOA, who does the Chicago marathon and a HF. Beautiful race though the heart of downtown Chicago. It’s the largest race I’ve run outside of a runDisney race. It was a great run and all I kept thinking was how nice it is not to get stuck behind a horizontal wall of walkers. Can’t wait for the SS 10k.

 

[WDW 4 ME]

What sort of person would ever do a thing like that?
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Me! I would do a thing like that, or rather, did do a thing like that at the finish line of the MW half last year

I’m gonna be honest here…at the start of a race I am hyper aware of my race etiquette, including photo ops. By the end of the race that etiquette deteriorates at the same rate of speed that my running form does. I have good intentions but I guarantee I have committed a party foul to someone on same race course!

 

[Naomeri]

I’m gonna be honest here…at the start of a race I am hyper aware of my race etiquette, including photo ops. By the end of the race that etiquette deteriorates at the same rate of speed that my running form does. I have good intentions but I guarantee I have committed a party foul to someone on same race course!

There’s a difference between forgetting to raise your hand before you slow down (for example) and full-on stopping on the finish line, arm-in-arm with your friend, and throwing your arms out with no regard to anyone trying to cross the finish line behind you.

 

[Psymonds]

Since we were talking about races gaining in popularity, I thought it was interesting that my local 10K sold out today after only 6 days on sale. In 2024, I registered less than a month before the race. It's a well known race in my area, but it's not like world famous or anything.

it's interesting, we have had a few local runs discontinue, and new ones show up, not sure if it's just our market but the bay area does seem saturated. Both the Walnut Creek and armed forces half in Concord have discontinued as road races. The giants abandoned their SF Giant race, which had a great course. (also RIP Nike women's SF with the tiffany medal, which I saw but never ran) There are a bunch of trail runs. Though.

not sure if it's just the changing costs of running an event, or shifts in interest. I do think a little harder about runs that I think are cool, now, as in "what if this is the only year they do this"

 

[Skampigirl]

I agree, and we have some very fast runners posting right here in this thread who might have been offended. Also consider that it was in response to a post about people who were making elitist remarks about others running in these races. Sometimes what we mean to say gets lost in the writing. Maybe that is happening all the way around. Or maybe good people are having bad days/moments.

A little empathy goes a long way.

Hello to this wonderful group from a long ago early RunDisney runner (62 now and my last race was in 2013, though my senior brain still thinks Dopey is a possibility one day!). I am not an elite or gifted runner by any means - strictly middle of the pack. I trained hard for every race. I ran in the 15th anniversary marathon in 2008. Trained well enough for what I had hoped would be a 4:45-ish finish. I felt pressure as family from England had flown over as my ChEAR squad. The weather gods were cruel that day - it was a blazing hot/humid January day and I finished in just over 6 hours. I was devastated because I knew I had a better time in me, but had to slow way down for those final few hot highway miles.. But I did finish. Sometimes unforeseen circumstances can derail even the best training or goals. As many of you wisely pointed out, just getting to the start line is a bonus. The race is your victory lap after months of hard work. The weather gods laughed that day too - on our way back to the resort on the monorail, the heavens opened up in one of the worst Florida thunderstorms I ever remember (monorail stopped as rain was pouring in the closed doors). The following day, it was 59 degrees, which would have been ideal for the marathon! Wishing everyone a wonderful training journey in 2026.

 

[jrsharp21]

it's interesting, we have had a few local runs discontinue, and new ones show up, not sure if it's just our market but the bay area does seem saturated. Both the Walnut Creek and armed forces half in Concord have discontinued as road races. The giants abandoned their SF Giant race, which had a great course. (also RIP Nike women's SF with the tiffany medal, which I saw but never ran) There are a bunch of trail runs. Though.

not sure if it's just the changing costs of running an event, or shifts in interest. I do think a little harder about runs that I think are cool, now, as in "what if this is the only year they do this"

The Giants run was pretty cool back in the day. My wife ran that one a coupe of times.

 

[DianaMB333]

Question…
How do you factor in to your training plan going to the parks with family/friends during race weekend?

For the most part I go solo, so I go normally to the parks on expo and 5k day, 10k i stay off my feet as much as possible…

This year a group of friends will go to w&d weekend, none will run, and for most of them this is their first Disney trip (as adults) therefore Im the designated tour guide LOL…

So… i’m thinking whether I need to train ahead to be able to hold standing/walking plus the races… or just trust the training and that I should be in a better fitness shape now (2 yrs ago I overdid parks in w&d and ended up with shin splints since mile 6 or 7 at HM)

Appreciate your thoughts, thanks!

 

[Psymonds]

The Giants run was pretty cool back in the day. My wife ran that one a coupe of times.

It was mostly flat and was a chamber of commerce type tour of the SF waterfront from the ballpark to the bridge.

I did giggle because they had the concession stands open after: what I always wanted was a $15 beer and chicken strips after a half marathon, right...

 

[Psymonds]

Question…
How do you factor in to your training plan going to the parks with family/friends during race weekend?

For the most part I go solo, so I go normally to the parks on expo and 5k day, 10k i stay off my feet as much as possible…

This year a group of friends will go to w&d weekend, none will run, and for most of them this is their first Disney trip (as adults) therefore Im the designated tour guide LOL…

So… i’m thinking whether I need to train ahead to be able to hold standing/walking plus the races… or just trust the training and that I should be in a better fitness shape now (2 yrs ago I overdid parks in w&d and ended up with shin splints since mile 6 or 7 at HM)

Appreciate your thoughts, thanks!

I think it's up to you, and setting expectations with you group. I did 2025 MW with the family and I just set bedtimes for myself and limited my back and forth, made it clear that the rest of the group could be free to stay later.

ETA: after the marathon I did do a full park day and 82k steps remains my step record for a day. would not recommend, but it was DW's birthday

 

[marty3d]

Question…
How do you factor in to your training plan going to the parks with family/friends during race weekend?

For the most part I go solo, so I go normally to the parks on expo and 5k day, 10k i stay off my feet as much as possible…

This year a group of friends will go to w&d weekend, none will run, and for most of them this is their first Disney trip (as adults) therefore Im the designated tour guide LOL…

So… i’m thinking whether I need to train ahead to be able to hold standing/walking plus the races… or just trust the training and that I should be in a better fitness shape now (2 yrs ago I overdid parks in w&d and ended up with shin splints since mile 6 or 7 at HM)

Appreciate your thoughts, thanks!

I don't think this is going ot be a one size fits all answer so I can only tell you what works for me.

I don't factor park time into my training other than the fact that in addition to my running, I always have about 90 minutes a day of walking my dog. I lump this in the category of active recovery. Most race weekends, even when I've been doing Dopey, I am going into the parks after I've had a chance to nap/ rest up. I don't rush around - usually I'm taking it easy in the parks and then when I'm tired, I head back to the resort - even if I'm with other people - they can stay. It helps me get to sleep quicker and I feel my legs are actually fresher the next day.

Here's what doesn't work for me. This MW I had family, including my 7 year old niece join on Saturday and Sunday. It was her first WDW trip and we powered from ride to ride and stayed out later than I'd like. It was exhausting and not something I'd want to do again.

My advice would be to set some guidelines ahead of time - you're getting up at 2am for the races so will be on a different schedule than your friends. That's what I should have done.

 

[Smooth_Whiskey]

Question…
How do you factor in to your training plan going to the parks with family/friends during race weekend?

For the most part I go solo, so I go normally to the parks on expo and 5k day, 10k i stay off my feet as much as possible…

This year a group of friends will go to w&d weekend, none will run, and for most of them this is their first Disney trip (as adults) therefore Im the designated tour guide LOL…

So… i’m thinking whether I need to train ahead to be able to hold standing/walking plus the races… or just trust the training and that I should be in a better fitness shape now (2 yrs ago I overdid parks in w&d and ended up with shin splints since mile 6 or 7 at HM)

Appreciate your thoughts, thanks!

I did dopey with a large group (6 adults and 5 kids under 10) we did parks everyday post race and tried to do as much as the kids wanted. Post Half marathon we hit HS early and then headed back for naps but everyone was pretty tired. Post marathon we didn't go out til the late afternoon so that the 5 of us who ran could get some rest for a bit.

Sorry all that to say, you can do it but it depends on your fitness level. I was able to do the above without being on my feet any extra beyond training but I'm also a dad to a young kid so I'm always up and going anyway.

 

[PrincessV]

Question…
How do you factor in to your training plan going to the parks with family/friends during race weekend?

For the most part I go solo, so I go normally to the parks on expo and 5k day, 10k i stay off my feet as much as possible…

This year a group of friends will go to w&d weekend, none will run, and for most of them this is their first Disney trip (as adults) therefore Im the designated tour guide LOL…

So… i’m thinking whether I need to train ahead to be able to hold standing/walking plus the races… or just trust the training and that I should be in a better fitness shape now (2 yrs ago I overdid parks in w&d and ended up with shin splints since mile 6 or 7 at HM)

Appreciate your thoughts, thanks!

This falls solidly under the heading of We’re All An Experiement of One, so my basic recommendation is to test it out in training and see how you feel with a lot of walking and standing between b2b runs.

For me, I know from experience that I do not do well with much time on my feet between races, so I really limit it and find ways to socialize without taxing myself. For example, if friends are doing all day at a park, I’ll plan to meet them for lunch and a ride or two without long waits. Or we’ll meet at Disney Springs or a resort for lunch and some seated conversation.

If you find in training that you really need more recovery off your feet between races, I strongly suggest having an honest talk with your friends about your needs and set expectations before you get there.

 

[RuntheMouse]

Question…
How do you factor in to your training plan going to the parks with family/friends during race weekend?

For the most part I go solo, so I go normally to the parks on expo and 5k day, 10k i stay off my feet as much as possible…

This year a group of friends will go to w&d weekend, none will run, and for most of them this is their first Disney trip (as adults) therefore Im the designated tour guide LOL…

So… i’m thinking whether I need to train ahead to be able to hold standing/walking plus the races… or just trust the training and that I should be in a better fitness shape now (2 yrs ago I overdid parks in w&d and ended up with shin splints since mile 6 or 7 at HM)

Appreciate your thoughts, thanks!

We are always in the parks before/after races. We just make sure we’re are taking it easy, strolling around and utilizing LL those days. It’s the standing around that is the killer. We try to be back at the resort for an early dinner and then chill.

Maybe you can hang with the group but bow out a little before them.

 

[jrsharp21]

Like others have said, there is not one shoe that fits all in the scenario. In the past, we have always had one or both of our kids with us. And our family always kids around that there is only one way to do WDW, that's full steam ahead. So that means, getting the run done, rushing back to the hotel to get clean, and then head to the parks and doing as much as possible. I will usually head back to the hotel around 7pm to get my gear ready for the next day and to try to wind down. The rest of the family stays at the park, usually to close. After the marathon, its get clean, head to the park and eat everything in sight. Usually around that 7pm hour my body starts to tell me to go back to the hotel and lay down. This past year I made it to 9pm. LOL. MW2027 might be the first year none of the kids are with us (our son may sneak his way into going again, LOL). If that is the case, we have already talked about doing things a little slower this year and spending more time at the resort than we have in the past.

 

[WillRunForPizza]

I would just add that light activity is good for recovery in general. Maybe try planning some errands or light yardwork after your long runs? That could help you build up for longer park days if that's what you want to do. It's also okay to tell your friends you have to go to bed and they're on their own for the rest of the evening!

 

[GuinnessRunner]

Question…
How do you factor in to your training plan going to the parks with family/friends during race weekend?

For the most part I go solo, so I go normally to the parks on expo and 5k day, 10k i stay off my feet as much as possible…

This year a group of friends will go to w&d weekend, none will run, and for most of them this is their first Disney trip (as adults) therefore Im the designated tour guide LOL…

So… i’m thinking whether I need to train ahead to be able to hold standing/walking plus the races… or just trust the training and that I should be in a better fitness shape now (2 yrs ago I overdid parks in w&d and ended up with shin splints since mile 6 or 7 at HM)

Appreciate your thoughts, thanks!

Lots of great advice/thoughts already. One thing I would add...if you are thinking about doing this, consider adding a 30-60 minute walk into your training plan to be done the same day you do your runs 2-3 times per week (i.e. run 8 miles in the morning and do a 45 minute walk that night). This will help train you for spending time on your feet after running earlier in the day and will help get you more used to running on legs that might be more tired beacuse of it.

 

[DianaMB333]

Thank you! Appreciate you sharing experiences and advice!

As no one came with an AI option to be in two places at the same time…

I will (try) to add the walking, it seems more benefits could come from it…plus keeping clear priorities for me on the weekend

 

[lhermiston]

Question…
How do you factor in to your training plan going to the parks with family/friends during race weekend?

For the most part I go solo, so I go normally to the parks on expo and 5k day, 10k i stay off my feet as much as possible…

This year a group of friends will go to w&d weekend, none will run, and for most of them this is their first Disney trip (as adults) therefore Im the designated tour guide LOL…

So… i’m thinking whether I need to train ahead to be able to hold standing/walking plus the races… or just trust the training and that I should be in a better fitness shape now (2 yrs ago I overdid parks in w&d and ended up with shin splints since mile 6 or 7 at HM)

Appreciate your thoughts, thanks!

I will second those who said: 1. It really is up to the individual, and 2. To test it out before you go.

I have made a habit (though not as religiously in recent years) to stay on my feet after a long run. I'll (generally) shower of course, but depending on the season I'll mow the yard, walk the dog, grocery shop, run errands with my wife, etc. It serves two purposes in my mind: it conditions my body to not be "done" after a long run and expect more time on my feet, and I firmly believe it helps me recover faster. One of the many benefits to DATW.

In 2019, I did Dopey as a family vacation. I did the expo and races by myself, but then the parks with my family each day. It was sold as a family vacation with running and for the most part, I did stick to that. But, you've got to listen to your body. The afternoon after the 10K (and three early mornings including flights) mine was saying, "No fireworks tonight, amigo." So, I was in bed with my feet up by like 6.

By might daughters and I were out for fireworks the night before the full and I was out after the marathon, as well. You just gotta see what your body will tolerate while also putting yourself in position to make the most of it with your training.