Orlando Fun Tickets Blog

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Marathons at the Walt Disney World Resort

The Disney Company is not just about its Disney theme parks. There are plenty of community activities the company participates in to get citizens involved in fun activities that don’t necessarily mean going on rides at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Recently, Disney unveiled their Give a Day Get a Day campaign in which completing a day of volunteer service gets you a free admission to any of the Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks. But did you know Disney also does marathons?

For the runners out there, mixing Disney and running is like a dream come true—especially when you realize your track is one of the Disney theme parks. There are a variety of marathons throughout the year, all of them featuring a different theme and being hosted at a different park. In January there is the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon. In March we have the Disney’s Princess Half Marathon and in September we have the Disneyland Half Marathon over in Anaheim, California.

The fall season also has a few of its own marathons here in Orlando, which is great considering the cooler weather that starts to come around this time of the year. There are three Disney marathons in the fall and Disney is encouraging people to participate with a Fall Race Challenge. If you complete 2 out of 3 of the marathons you receive a special bonus medal along with the medals you receive at each race. Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K just finished over at Epcot’s World Showcase Pavillion. Participants were able to attend the post-race picnic that featured food from the Food and Wine Festival.

Coming up next is the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror marathon. This race is a 13k (appropriately) which winds around the streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There is a post-race party where runners and their families can enjoy some food and fun at the movie-themed theme park. If you’re a runner then definitely look up some of Disney’s marathons and sign up. We’re sure there will be one that interests you!

Labels: disney events, disney marathon, sports in orlando, walt disney world, walt disney world events

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Walt Disney World Marathon Puts Runners to a Magical Test

Generally, when most visitors come to Walt Disney World, they like to take their time while they absorb all the sights and attractions. But from January 8th to January 11th, speed will be the order of the day when 45,000 runners whiz through Disney theme parks during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. Presented by CIGNA, this annual event is one of the most popular tests of endurance in the US.

The Marathon, a 26.2-mile course, will take runners through all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Having been called the “26 Most Magical Miles on Earth,” the route starts at Magic Kingdom, then continues through Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and then finishes at Epcot. Runners will enjoy entertainment along the route in the form of characters and other surprises, and fireworks will provide an explosive start to the beginning of the marathon. Considered one of the most fun marathons to run in the country, the Marathon also provides runners with on course and post-race refreshments, commemorative t-shirts and goody bags, certificates, and the coveted Mickey Mouse medals.

In addition to the regular Marathon on Sunday, January 11th, five other events will be held during the weekend: the Walt Disney World Half Marathon, Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, the Circle of Life 5k, Mickey’s Marathon Kids’ Fest, and Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo.

The Half Marathon on Saturday, January 10th, is a 13.1-mile course that extends from Epcot to Magic Kingdom and finishes back at Epcot. It’s a great way for less seasoned runners to enjoy the Marathon. The Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, on the other hand, is the ultimate test of endurance; it includes the Half Marathon on Saturday and the full Marathon on Sunday. Those who finish both races within the time limit will be awarded the special Goofy medal. The Circle of Life 5k is on Friday, January 9th, and is a family race that adults, teenagers, and kids can all enjoy together. And just for the youngsters, Disney’s Kids Races includes a new Mickey Mile for ages 13 and under on Friday, a 400m dash for 7 and 8-year-olds, a 200m dash for 4 through 6-year-olds, a 100m dash for 1 through 3 year-olds, and the famous Diaper Dash for children 12 months and under. Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo will be a three-day fitness showcase going on throughout the Marathon Weekend at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex. It will feature seminars, celebrity runner appearances, and the latest in running and fitness equipment.

Though all the Marathon events except the Mickey’s Marathon Kids’ Fest are sold out, spectators are welcome to watch the race, and family and friends can track participants online with Runner Tracking. Spectators can also sign up for the ChEAR Squad and receive a special spectator package, as well as the inside scoop on the best course viewing areas.

This year, all eyes are on Brazilian champion Adriano Bastos, a 30-year-old runner from Sao Paolo who has won the Walt Disney World Marathon five times, four of those wins occurring consecutively in the last four years. Also among the 45,000 participants is Saul Mendoza, a wheelchair racer honored as Mexico’s Athlete of the 20th Century. Mendoza will be vying for his 10th Disney championship.

It’s sure to be a fiery weekend on the Disney paths when the Walt Disney World Marathon takes over the parks. Whether you’re a running enthusiast or not, there’s sure to be plenty of fun and surprises that anyone will enjoy. Get your discount Disney tickets now at OrlandoFunTickets.com, and you can cash in on all the magical miles and smiles.

Labels: disney events, disney marathon, orlando park tickets, special events