I can’t inform you what number of instances I used to be lucky sufficient to go to Disney World as a child. Mickey & Minnie Mouse had been part of my family, and we by no means missed a brand new Disney film in theatres. Name me a toddler, however that by no means really left me.
I’m nicely into maturity now and as my tastes have modified, my coronary heart nonetheless belongs on Predominant Avenue strolling in direction of the Citadel. The nostalgia could be very actual and brings me to such an attractive place. And, now that I’m an grownup that may make my very own selections, I’ve determined to take my trainers to the happiest place on Earth, Walt Disney World.
The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend has been round since 1994, at all times held in January. Through the years the race weekend grew exponentially. Quickly, the “weekend” consisted of 4 completely different races on 4 completely different days. The 5K kicks off the weekend on Thursday, the 10K on Friday, the Half Marathon on Saturday, and the Marathon is the grand finale on Sunday morning. Somebody at runDisney had the intense thought to market the 4 races because the “Dopey Problem,” rising the recognition of the race collection.
Right here I’m, a 34-year-old feminine that melts every time she sees an image of Minnie & Mickey Mouse who additionally occurs to be an endurance junkie. Any guesses what I did final weekend?
In July of 2021, I arrange my pc and refreshed my browser extra instances than I care to confess and forked over all of my hard-earned cash to runDisney for the prospect to run 4 races, on 4 consecutive days, at 5am every day (you learn that proper). Race weekend approached and I had handled my coaching just like marathon coaching, with a couple of features of Extremely coaching combined in. Coaching over the vacations is rarely good. And, “racing” 4 races consecutively meant throwing out any kind of time objectives. Ending was the last word objective. As a result of who can truly say that they taper a marathon with a half marathon the day earlier than?
If you happen to keep on Disney property, they make it greater than straightforward for you. You stroll outdoors your lodge room at 3am to search out a number of busses ready to move runners to the Epcot parking zone, the beginning line of all 4 races. The staging space is stocked with porta potties galore and even features a stage and large display screen to get athletes excited for the race. Gear bag vehicles are meticulously positioned the place you’ll be able to simply seize your issues after you cross the end line. Rubbish cans are in every single place. Water stations are scattered concerning the space. Hand sanitizer galore. Meals vehicles. Merch tents. A “child middle” (nonetheless uncertain what that was for?). And naturally, a runner data tent. In case you didn’t know, particulars are what Disney does greatest. And there wasn’t a single element of this race that was neglected. Every morning appeared very related but very completely different, let me clarify.
Pluto 5K
This was by far once I noticed probably the most costumes on the beginning line. Sure, costumes. So many individuals run dressed as princesses, Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, and any Disney Character you’ll be able to think about. The crowds had been large at 3:45am as I approached the staging space. Physique glitter and tutus had been in every single place. The vibe was magical and so inviting. Runners had been inspired to enter their corrals by 4:30am for the 5am begin. I discovered my approach to the beginning line and by 5am on the dot, I crossed the beginning line and immediately found I used to be operating by means of my childhood dream. Nearly all of the race runs by means of Epot, visiting all the nations within the World Showcase. My psychological image nonetheless doesn’t do it justice. Your complete park was lit up with twinkle lights. The fountains had been operating on repeat, including to the enjoyment of the race. The end line got here fairly shortly after 3 miles. But it surely wouldn’t be lengthy earlier than I used to be again for extra.
End Time: 25:18
Oswald 10k
I used to be fortunate sufficient to have a couple of associates be a part of me for this race. We wakened (they had been a bit more energizing than I, as this was my 2nd 2:30am alarm in a row) and hopped on a bus to the beginning line. This time I made a decision to sneak a little bit nearer to the beginning. The gun went off and the primary 3 miles had been a bit uneventful, operating in direction of Hollywood Studios on the freeway. However let’s not neglect about all of the character photograph alternatives! Disney characters of every kind popped up on the facet of the course, full with a enjoyable background so runners might run proper up the mark on the highway, strike a pose, after which carry on operating. Generally you had been greeted with a line of runners 10+ deep. Different instances you might sneak proper in, it was full luck of the draw. Quickly we entered Hollywood Studios by means of the backlot close to the Tower of Terror. Park workers had been scattered in every single place, cheering you on and appearing their half. The whole lot was as lit up as might be. The power was merely electrical. Th subsequent a part of the course included operating by means of the Boardwalk and eventually getting into Epcot. As soon as once more, the magic put a smile on my face, and I couldn’t wipe it away. There actually aren’t phrases to explain how stunning Epcot seems to be at the hours of darkness. Right here I used to be, my Dopey Problem was formally half over. However let me inform you, the enjoyable hadn’t even begun but.
End Time: 52:55
Donald & Daisy Duck Half Marathon
Waking up on the threerd day for the half marathon was once I really began to note the fatigue settling in. In any case, I used to be in Disney World and I didn’t simply “hand around in my room” through the day. I visited all of the parks, ate and drank all of the issues, and walked extra miles than I ran. The Half Marathon is my favourite distance, so I needed to make it additional particular. So, once I arrived in my corral, I snuck my method all the way in which to the entrance so I used to be capable of toe the hyperlink of the Walt Disney World Half Marathon. The gun went off and we made our approach to the Magic Kingdom! Coming into the park and operating down Predominant Avenue with probably the most good view of the fortress is a vivid reminiscence I promise that I’ll always remember. Characters popped up the complete 13.1 miles, park workers greeted us with their largest smiles, and shortly we entered Epcot for the ultimate mile. I had checked off 3 of the 4 days, however the largest hurdle was nonetheless on faucet. The marathon.
End Time: 1:52:54
Mickey & Minnie Mouse Marathon
I gained’t mislead you, I wakened on Marathon morning and my legs had been removed from recent. They had been truly sore, too. I took a couple of operating steps in direction of the bus at 3am and it didn’t really feel nice in any respect. It was then that I used to be involved that this marathon wasn’t going to be fairly. I discovered the beginning line and step one proved to me that I used to be going to have to really focus if I needed to get by means of this present day as shortly as potential. I made a couple of associates, loved the websites of character photograph alternatives, and shortly the enjoyable actually began. We entered the Magic Kingdom, and the adrenaline was flowing. Ultimately the solar got here up and we entered the Animal Kingdom and I felt like Simba whereas I ran by means of the park. Curious and stumbling over my toes! The race completed up operating by means of Hollywood Studios and Epcot. My smile was as massive as might be as a made my remaining flip to the end and I discovered my help crew. I had accomplished it, 48.6 miles over 4 days. Not precisely one thing to shake a stick at. Earlier than the race began, I used to be satisfied I’d be strolling half the marathon, however that was removed from what occurred. The ambiance and power carried me up to now, even after I crossed the end line. I snapped a couple of footage, modified my garments, and promptly entered Epcot as a park visitor and located my spot in Germany, full with a pretzel and a beer whereas I cheered on the remainder of the marathoners.
End Time: 4:08:01
I can’t say sufficient about this occasion. Disney lover or not, this venue could be probably the greatest to host a marathon. Even when you ran on the freeway, there was some type of leisure. Generally it was music. Different instances it was a film taking part in that you could see and listen to from 1 / 4 mile away. With the ability to see the backlots of all of the parks was one other factor I liked. Positive, they’re boring and that’s the place the staff can prep for his or her day, nevertheless it’s so enjoyable to see behind the scenes of the magic. And I gained’t lie, I discovered each single end line within the time I’d hoped for. Though, my legs are nonetheless barking at me for even beginning that marathon. Till subsequent time, Disney.
