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Disney World Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Disney World Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.1 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.3 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.0 
 
 
Number of comments: 818 [displaying comments 231 to 241]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 22 23 24 25 26 .. 82 > ]

 

P. K. from miami, florida, usa (1/24/2009)
"Great organization" (about: 2009)

2 previous marathons | 1 Disney World Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Half-marathon: The course was too much on the main roads and not enough around the parks. They had a very early start, and the post-race food was very poor. But Disney organization for such a large race was (as expected) very good. Beware of the overpasses, just about mile 11 and 12. I am used to Miami running, so even a small incline seems huge, and to have them just before the end almost finished me off. But overall, a good race to do once.

 

M. L. from Memphis, TN (1/19/2009)
"Awesome" (about: 2009)

1 previous marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I cannot imagine running another marathon that could ever be as much fun as this one. Disney organizers and officials did a fabulous job in coordinating this event. I think it is critical that you stay on property, as this makes it so much easier for the runners. We purchased the race retreat, and it was worth every penny! It was an early start, but I can see why it had to be to get everyone there. The Disney cast members and race officials were terrific. The magic was flowing! The characters along the way (with the crowd) were so motivating to keep us going. It did heat up a bit, which made it tougher. I was impressed with the water and medical stations. It would be nice, however, to have more porta-potties along the way. The lines were long. I would rate this a first-class marathon. I have already signed up for Goofy and I know it will be just as magical! I highly recommend doing this race, especially if you are a Disney fan!

 

R. L. from B.C. Louisiana (1/19/2009)
"Slightly Overrated" (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


I would say to be careful when registering for this marathon - know what you are getting. My personal opinion is that the course was marginal, as 80% of it was run on the roads leading to the four Disney parks. While in the parks, much of it was run behind the shops and between the dumpsters. Getting up at 0200 to catch the bus between 0300 and 0400 was also displeasing.

However, my entire Disney experience was awesome, as my family and I spent the day before at the Magic Kingdom and spent the next two days visiting the other three parks. I also love my Mickey Mouse finisher's medal.

It was a very memorable and expensive experience (and I thought Boston was expensive) that I am very glad I did.

 

J. F. from Lafayette, Louisiana (1/19/2009)
"Disney was magical" (about: 2009)

2 previous marathons | 1 Disney World Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Disney was the most fun I've ever had running. Nothing beats high-fiving Disney characters or running through the castle. The fan support was great; I could not stop smiling because I was having such a great time. You can't beat it.

 

Demetrio Bolanos from Mexico (1/19/2009)
"I exchanged 3:14 PB for a 4:52 with tons of fun" (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Disney World Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I have run 30 marathons, and this one is completely different. Go there to have fun, take pictures, and enjoy the medals and t-shirt. You have time to do some shopping on the run, and you can even ride one of the attractions and keep going.

My only recommendation is to find wider roads instead of the curbs.

 

L. P. from Canada (1/18/2009)
"Overrated" (about: 2009)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Disney World Marathon
COURSE: 2  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


I was VERY disappointed. You have to get up at 3:00 a.m. in order to get to the 5:50 start. The first hour is in the dark and the roads are poorly lit; it's very dangerous, and easy to trip. Most of the course in either on back roads among garbage bins or along the highway. Although you run through the parks, you don't see much of them. Also, the course is too narrow for the number of runners.

 

Kimberley Lapierre from Halifax, Nova Scotia, CANADA (1/18/2009)
"The best first-marathon experience!!!" (about: 2009)

1 previous marathon | 1 Disney World Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


I wasn't sure I was going to make it to the start line with plantar fasciitis affecting my right foot. I had been training for a first marathon finish under 5 hours, but I knew that wasn't realistic with my foot in its current condition (an affliction only worsened by the slanted on/off ramp portion of the course). I was only hoping to finish before they scooped me up off the course (and thankfully I did). I loved the experience and am debating whether to sign up for the Goofy, the full or the half next year. The only complaint, and maybe this could go in the suggestion box for next year, is that there wasn't a Disney photographer for character pictures. I did not run with my camera because I assumed they would have photographers with cameras like they do in the parks. Maybe that was my mistake, and not one I will make again (still kicking myself over all the missed photo opportunities). I actually stood in line at the first character photo line only to find out that I needed to bring my own camera when I got to the front of the line. I hope to see everybody in 2010. A great, big THANK YOU to all of the volunteers; the runners really appreciate everything you do.

 

G. E. from Boring, Oregon (1/18/2009)
"A first-class Disney production!" (about: 2009)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Disney World Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was the most organized marathon I have run. Every part of it was methodical. Running through Disney is a must-do for all runners. I ran with the Clif Bar pace team and would recommend them as well. They had fireworks at the start, and nice temperatures. Running through the Magic Kingdom was motivating, aid stations were plentiful, and post-race support was first-class. Everyone needs to do this one!

 

D. U. from Boynton Beach, Florida (1/18/2009)
"Magical." (about: 2009)

First Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first half-marathon. It was just a wonderful experience. There were great spectators and numerous water and Gatorade stops. It was somewhat difficult getting around walkers, but I still can't wait for next year. This was a picture-perfect day! Thanks to all.

 

K. S. from Chicago, IL (1/18/2009)
"I will be back for 2010!!!" (about: 2009)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Disney World Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This is one of the best races I have ever run. I enjoyed running through the castle and Animal Kingdom. Also, the support from the Disney characters was great! The race is very organized, and if you decide to run it in 2010, make sure you stay at one of many Disney resorts. The resorts offer free transportation to and from the expo, starting/finishing line, and all of the parks. You cannot do better than Disney.

 

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