Maybe you’re starting to think that all of my favorite races are older ones that I’ve won. Not so. The Walt Disney World Marathon has been around only since the beginning of this decade, and I’ve never even competed seriously in it, much less won it, but it’s still worth recommending.
Just the Facts
The Walt Disney World Marathon is held in early January in, appropriately enough, Walt Disney World or more specifically, Lake Buena Vista, Florida. More than 5,000 marathoners finish it each year. In addition to the marathon, the event also has a children’s run the day before, a corporate relay, and a half marathon. To register, write Walt Disney World Marathon, P.O. Box 10,000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; or call (407) 939-7810.
Disney Magic
The Walt Disney World Marathon is on my list because it’s emblematic of an important trend in races, namely, making them family-friendly. We running geeks used to go pound the pavement while our families were left to kill the time until we crossed the finish line. But race organizers have discovered that it’s better to involve as many members of the family as possible, rather than catering only to the hard-core marathoners. This family-friendly trend has grown as the average runner has become older and, therefore, more likely to have kids. Many races do a good job of making their weekend full of events for fit people of all ages and levels of seriousness. As the father of two young daughters, I like this emphasis and have enjoyed participating in Disney’s family 5K the day before the marathon. Of course, families have plenty of other things they can do during race weekend deep in the heart of Walt Disney World!
For kids of all ages, Walt Disney’s course has a certain charm. I grew up watching The Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday nights, so I’m a sucker for this stuff. Apparently, a lot of other “mature” runners are, too, if the number of people who rave every year about running through Cinderella’s Castle is any proof.
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