Question:I'm interested in finding out info on the Walt Disney Marathon/. Specificly
when is it? Also For people who did it last year, how was the weather? Did
the race fill up quickly? Overall impression of the race?
Answer:They sent me a brochure for the 1995 as I enquired about their 1994
and they put me on their mailing list. I haven't entered it, tho'.
There were some people here who ran it who could give first-hand info.
When I asked if they would make it an annual event, they said they
would if there were enough interest. Considering it sold out
completely, and they've organized the second one, I hope they continue
(I'd like to make it sometime!).
I don't know if they still have any openings left, but here is the
information. If you want your own application form, you need to phone
407.827.7200 and reference Walt Disney World Marathon registration.
The fine print says that of the 12,000 slots, only 8,000 is for
US--the 4,000 others are reserved for international entrants. And the
8,000 is on a first-come basis.
Otherwise, here's the contents of the brochure (I am in NO WAY
affiliated with, or have any commercial interests in WDW, and am
posting this for info purposes only--jus' being a good librarian!):
Walt Disney World Marathon--January 8, 1995 (that's the 2nd Sunday in
January).
GET YOUR ENTRY IN TODAY!
No marathon in history has gotten off to a quicker start than the Walt
Disney World Marathon, and this year we're looking forward to another
successful event. Be one of the twelve thousand (12,000) entrants and
starting at 6 a.m. on January 8, you could be running past Cinderella
Castle in the Magic Kingdom, around World Showcase at Epcot '94, and
right down Hollywood Boulevard at the Disney-MGM Studios!
FEATURES
o A very flat course that can qualify you for the Boston Marathon
or enable you to achieve a personal record.
o Disney Sports and Fitness Expo.
o Over $100,000 in prize money will be awarded.
o Long-sleeved T-shirts
o The Official Marathon Program and Results Book
o Pre-race pasta dinner
AWARDS
To the top five finishers in each age division; wheelchair, team competition.
STAY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MARATHON MAGIC
If you're a runner staying at the WDW Resort Hotel, not only are your
entry fee and pre-race pasta dinner included, but you're also right in
the middle of the marathon action. And, you have your choice of 9
luxury themed resorts: bask in the Victorian elegance of Disney's
Grand Floridian Resort or the charm of a New England seaside getaway
at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. Each is unique, and offers a
resort experience unlike any you've ever "run across."
WALT DISNEY WORLD SPORTS AND FITNESS EXPO
Discover the latest in athletic equipment and sports apparel at
Disney's Contemporary Resort. To be held during race weekend.
[I'll just highlight some of the Resort Package Options. Having looked
at their REGULAR package, this is a super super bargain from what I
can tell.]
"Package rates are based on one runner and one non-runner per room,
adult double occupancy. Packages for the runner include room stay,
entry fee and pasta dinner (non-runner includes room stay and pasta
dinner only). A $100 deposit is required when mailing in your
registration form, and full payment is required by December 6, 1994.
Additional adult charges will apply if more than two (2) adults in
room:"
**YES FOLKS, THESE PRICES ARE PER ROOM, NOT PER PERSON!!!** (wow! :) )
2-nite pkg Additional nites
Disney's Carribean $280 $89
Disney's Port Orleans $280 $89
Disney's Dixie Landings $280 $89
Disney's Contemporary $320 $109
Disney's Polynesian $378 $138
Disney's Wilderness Lodge $378 $138
Disney's Yacht & Beach Clubs $404 $151
Disney's Vacation Club $404 $151
Disney's Grand Floridian $466 $182
You have to choose your 3 choices when making reservations. I guess
they place you whever. Straight entry fee is $50.00.
Also (important)--you must be a member of USA Track & Field. That's an
additional $12. They provide a form for you, but the address to mail
it to is not the same as for the race entry form.
Again, I suggest you phone the number to check to see if there are
still openings.
It filled up quickly last year, although they are allowing more entries
this year.
Weather was ideal - 40's or 50's at the start. This is apparently
unusually cold, as the locals were all complaining about the unbearably
cold weather.
My overall impression was the race sucked. Running through the theme
parks was neat, but that was maybe 6 miles at the most. There were
also fireworks at the start. The rest was on blacktop service roads,
including 6 miles near Disney's sewage treatment plant. Almost the
entire course was closed to spectators. The pasta dinner was a
logistical mess - massive traffic jams of buses trying to get you to
the area.
I didn't so the Disney marathon, but I live in Central Florida.
Last year's weather was cold and windy - I believe the temperature was
in the high thirties at the start (which is at 6 in the morning!).
The weather was unually cold last year - it could just as well been
in the sixties and warmed up into the seventies.
The Disney marathon will be held sometime in the middle of January.
For more information I imagine you could write to Disny. I do know
that the race last year filled up fast and got good reviews (at least
around here), so it will no doubt fill up fast this year too.
I wonder if they would/did change the course with enough complaints?
That's surprising, seeing as Disney is pretty good about flow-through
and handling traffic correctly. I suspect this was because it was
their FIRST marathon and they didn't know for sure how it would work
out. I'd bet it'll improve for next year (at least one can hope...).
The 1995 edition of the Walt Disney Marathon is filled as far as US
entries are concerned. It was filled about 3 months after entries were
opened. The race is limited to 12,000 entries (8,000 from the US).
