Skip to main content
Clear icon
47º

Runners arrive for 30th anniversary of Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

Event begins with 5K race on Thursday morning

BAY LAKE, Fla. – Walt Disney World is welcoming thousands of runners to its resort Wednesday morning for the kickoff of the 2023 runDisney marathon weekend.

The event, which steps off Thursday morning, consists of a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, marathon and dopey challenge (all races). This year’s race weekend marks the 30th year of the event which gives runners the opportunity to race around the resort’s four theme parks and hotel areas.

[TRENDING: Mount Dora police ID couple killed at senior living community; person of interest in custody | Think McDonald’s Coke tastes better? You’re right, and here’s why | Become a News 6 Insider]

“Come relive decades of healthy competition with a dose of 90′s retro vibes, iconic Characters and a glimpse into the runDisney of years of past,” Disney said on its website. “When you participate in the 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, you’ll become part of something incredibly special.”

2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (WKMG)

Wednesday morning, runners arrived at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports to pickup race bibs, t-shirts and experience the Health & Fitness Expo. For the first day of the expo, Disney put in place a virtual queue for attendees to use in order to purchase event merchandise. Officials said this new tool will allow guests to enjoy more of the expo rather than waiting in line.

The race weekend is scheduled for Jan. 4 - 8.

Guests staying at select Disney resorts should expect early road closures during the marathon weekend events.

Click here to learn more about the 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

Use the form below to sign up for the ClickOrlando.com In the Loop: Theme Park Scoops newsletter, sent every Friday morning.