BAY LAKE, Fla. – Walt Disney World welcomed thousands of eager runners to its resort on Wednesday morning, marking the exciting start of the highly anticipated 2024 runDisney Marathon Weekend.
The event, set to kick off officially on Thursday morning, boasts a lineup of races including a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, marathon, and ultimate challenges– the Goofy and Dopey Challenges.
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Disney said the race weekend will pay homage to D100 with special entertainment and character meet-and-greets that commemorate Disney’s centennial celebration.
“Join Mickey Mouse and friends as you go the distance on your journey across every magical mile. Every course is full of ‘character’ and encouragement as you earn every mile in a weekend filled with four different races, two challenges, and inspiration at every turn (of the course, that is). Dreams do come true with runDisney,” the event website explained.
Participants gathered Wednesday morning at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports to collect their race bibs, t-shirts, and immerse themselves in the Health & Fitness Expo.
“The Health & Fitness Expo is open to the general public, so people can bring their friends and family - it’s a great opportunity for runners to just get into the race weekend spirit before the events kickoff. For the newbies, they can see what the camaraderie and community of runDisney is like,” said Gabby Lennox, runDisney senior marketing strategy manager.
As in years past, Disney introduced a virtual queue system for merchandise purchases on the first day of the Health & Fitness Expo, which is aimed to enhance the expo experience for attendees, ensuring they spend more time enjoying the event and less time waiting in line.
For the first time at the expo, participants are getting the chance to see products from runDisney’s newest sponsor, Echelon Fitness.
Echelon, the global fitness, wellness and sports leader, signed a multi-year deal late last year aimed at helping runDisney runners elevate their fitness and wellness journeys at all races at Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.
Through this new relationship, runDisney said Echelon will feature its innovative connected fitness equipment on-site at runDisney races and have a presence at runDisney yoga events, plus offer interactive demonstrations at runDisney race expos.
The Health & Fitness Expo will be open during the following times:
- Jan. 3: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Jan. 4: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Jan. 5: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m
- Jan. 6: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend stands as the second race weekend in the 2023-2024 runDisney race season, representing the signature event in one of the nation’s largest and most popular race series. All in-person and virtual race events for this weekend are sold out.
As part of its commitment to philanthropy, runDisney is making an independent donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) in honor of the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. Notably, participants’ registrations and involvement will not impact the amount donated by runDisney to LLS.
The marathon weekend is scheduled from Jan. 4 to 8, and will feature early road closures for guests staying at select Walt Disney World resorts.
Particpants are encouraged to arrive by 4 a.m. on race morning so they have enough time to enjoy pre-race entertainment and enter their designated Start Group areas. Runners are also encouraged to follow new updated rules and guidelines when it comes to race day etiquette and costumes.
For those eager to learn more about the magical miles and experiences of the runDisney 2024 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, click here.
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