If you're a runner and a Disney fan, you can't beat this race! The Walt Disney World Marathon is the only runDisney event that goes through all 4 parks and while you do spend a decent amount of time on the highways going between the parks, seeing Disney characters and stopping for pictures with them along the way makes it more than worth it! (**I never run Disney races for time, having fun and taking pictures along the way is really what makes a Disney race experience!)

The runDisney expos are always well organized and have plenty of vendors and running products to explore if you're interested. This year runDisney FINALLY made the switch to offering women's specific race shirts which means they are now actually wearable which is GREAT!

The biggest heads up you need about the Walt Disney World runDisney events is that it's an EARLY wake up call! Races begin at 5:30am so that the majority of runners will be through the parks by the time they start to open, which means you're setting an alarm clock for 2:30-3am! This year I did the Dopey Challenge (5k, 10k, half and full marathons on back to back days!), so by day 3 these early mornings were feeling pretty brutal!

The runDisney events are all well organized though and offer plenty of well staffed water & aid stations throughout the course. The on course beverage is PowerAde (usually yellow) and there is a Power Gel and banana stop later in the race - and if it's a hot day don't forget to grab a wet sponge at the sponge station (and hold on to it for the remainder of the race, you'll be glad you did!).

Overall while the price is steep, I can't recommend a runDisney race experience at least once more than enough, I really do love every minute of this marathon - it barely even feels like I'm running 26.2 miles! (Oh and if you're up for it, wear a costume - most people do so you won't feel out of place!)