I want to start my time here in the Zone by sharing and hopefully informing you on one of my favorite Disney topics. That, my friends, is the Disney Endurance Series or better known to some as the Disney running races. In case you don’t know about these events, they lead you on a foot race through one or more, depending on the length, of your favorite Walt Disney World parks. Throughout the course you will find your favorite Disney characters, live entertainment and fun, themed, décor at each mile. I’ve seen many Disney fans make their way to a healthier lifestyle by training for a race at the happiest place on earth. There is something for everyone whether it be a novice 5k or the veteran 39.3 mile Goofy. Here is my spin on the Disney races and what you can expect with each one.
Things to know: A 5k race is 3.1 miles. A half marathon is 13.1 miles. A full marathon is 26.2 miles. Water is provided on the courses as well as runner nourishment for races over 5k. Many pains and injuries can be avoided by wearing proper running sneakers that can be acquired at your local running store. A race expo is held at most of these runner weekends offering vendors with the newest gear and gadgets from sneakers and running skirts to GPS watches and muscle massagers. For lengths bigger than 5k, racers wear something on their shoe called a D-Tag which has a censor that times you when you reach certain points in the race. Official times can be viewed after on the runDisney site. Runners wear a paper with a number on it, called a bib, which is used for identifying runners and organizing photo pass pictures onto a site for runners to view and purchase after.
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna
Mile marker 22 at the 2011 WDW Marathon
2011 Courses —The full marathon is the only course that goes through all 4 parks! The 5k went through Epcot. The half course ran through Epcot and the Magic Kingdom.
Usually takes place in–January
Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend
Mile marker 2 at the 2010 Disney's Princess half
When this race comes around, Disney world is flooded in a sea of pink. This race is royally themed and usually has about 13,000 runners with almost all of them being women. Many get dressed in some princess style.
Weather – In 2010 and 2011 the weather each time was cool when it was dark but warm as the sun came up bringing shorts weather during the day.
2011 Course —The half course is the same as that of the WDW Marathon Weekend half. The 5k went through Epcot.
Usually takes place in–February or March
Champion® 5K at Dick’s Sporting Goods Presents ESPN The Weekend
If you are a sports fan this weekend is for you as many ESPN personalities and athletes are brought in to host this event. This is one of the two 5ks that are timed by D-Tag.
2011 Course—Through Hollywood Studios.
Usually takes place in–February (In 2011 it was the weekend after Princess weekend so you could fit them both in one trip.)
Expedition Everest Challenge
The only event of it’s kind at Walt Disney World, this challenge includes a 5k (timed by a D-Tag), obstacle course, scavenger hunt and after party all in and around Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The obstacle course has things like a balance beam, and crawl under and over nets. The endurance events are timed as well. This is one of two night time races.
Weather –In 2009 I participated and ran the race part through a terrible storm! It was awesome! Know that this may or may not happen around this time of year but if not, it will be warm for sure.
Usually takes place in–May
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
Some festive runners of the Wine & Dine half
2010 was the inaugural year of this event and Disney has already advertised many kinks being worked out in the 2011 sign-up advertisement. It is themed to the Food & Wine Festival and has lots to offer including great theming and a post-race party in Epcot. Some people dress up at this race since it’s around Halloween.
Weather—This nighttime race can offer cool weather for Florida but I would pack shorts.
Course — This race is run through Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and ends at Epcot with an after party. The 5k was run through Magic Kingdom in 2010 but has been moved to Animal Kingdom for 2011.
Usually takes place in–Early October
Have you run a Disney running race before?
Do you have a memory you can share?
If not, which one looks appeals to you most?
Follow my race training on twitter @njoysiscaretti and on my blog, N.Joy Life
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My wife and I LOVE running Disney races! We are both over-weight and needed to get healthier, so we motivated ourselves by coupling our passion for Disney with training for the runs. We’ve run all the 5k’s last year and are training for the Wine And Dine 1/2 Marathon in October. We’ll keep an eye out for you!!
John I’m so glad you enjoy running the Disney races as well! I’m sure we will ‘run’ into each other at one of these events.