BAY LAKE, Fla. – In response to the looming threat of severe weather in Central Florida on Saturday morning, runDisney has made strategic modifications to its 2024 Walt Disney World Half Marathon.
Runners, set to participate in the event on Saturday began receiving messages Friday night notifying them of these adjustments, emphasizing the importance of guest and cast member safety.
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Given the weather forecast, which predicts the potential of severe conditions, including expected lightning in the area after 9 a.m., runDisney has opted to modify the course with the primary goal of ensuring that all participants are safely off the course by 8 a.m.
Among the adaptations, the Half Marathon will see a reduction in its distance, now covering just over 7 miles to and from EPCOT. Additionally, leaders said the race will commence 15 minutes earlier than initially scheduled, with a new start time of 4:45 a.m. Importantly, runDisney said this earlier start time will not impact start group open and close times or pre-race transportation logistics.
JUST IN: The @runDisney Half-Marathon for the 2024 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend has been modified due to the risk of severe weather tomorrow morning. Runners will now go just over 7 miles vs. the 13.1. @news6wkmg pic.twitter.com/Ny2G2GF8Ft
— Landon McReynolds (@LandonProducer) January 6, 2024
While recognizing the disappointment this news may bring, runDisney expresses anticipation in seeing participants along the adjusted course and encourages all runners to have a great race.
Leaders advise continuous monitoring of the Digital Expo & Event Guide for updates and information.
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