Walt Disney World will be hosting its annual endurance race events this coming weekend on January 10 and 11th, 2009. The Walt Disney Marathon (held on Sunday) is the only "professional grade" marathon event in the Orlando area, and given its storied location, this race is easily one of the most hyped races in the country.
Although the course is flat, it isn't necessarily the fastest given the twists and turns runners must negotiate as they wind their way through the various Disney parks and themed properties. But unbeknownst to first time Disney patrons, this race isn't nearly as park specific as one would believe. Twenty six miles is a lot of territory to cover, and even within the capacious grounds comprising Walt Disney World Resort, runners will still find themselves running endless connecting highways, overpasses and vast parking lots. And given the astronomical $125 marathon ($115 half marathon) entry fee, these races are a lot more Goofy than Mickey.
That said, the Disney Marathon is entertaining, and the people watching is almost Halloween worthy (in a family friendly sort of way). Where else can you see a 200 pound guy from Buffalo run a marathon in a Tinkerbell tutu? Since Disney is the only major marathon event in Central Florida, the insane price isn't so bad when you consider the absence of major marathon travel expenses. Hopefully, our participating YMCARunners will benefit from some of that Disney magic to bring home some marathon PR's.
