FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Bill Hofheimer
Media Relations
407-566-5338
Registration Opens March 1 for 2004 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
Excitement Builds for 11th Annual Disney Race, Set for Jan. 11, 2004
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Feb. 27) -- One of the world’s most popular
marathons gets a "running" start for its 2004 event, as registration for
the 11th Annual Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon kicks off
March 1, 2003. Both races, which follow a course through the Walt Disney
World theme parks and resort areas, are scheduled for Jan. 11, 2004.
The marathon and half marathon are the centerpiece of the 2004 Walt Disney
World Marathon Weekend, which also features the FamilyFun Magazine 5K and
Kids Races on Jan. 10, 2004, and the two-day Disney’s Health and Fitness
Expo at the Milk House at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex on Jan.
9-10, 2004.
The Disney event set registration records in 2003. The half marathon
reached its capacity in March 2002 with 6,000 participants, while the full
marathon topped out at 16,000 in July 2002. Capacities for 2004 are
expected to be similar, though final numbers have not been determined.
"The 2003 Disney Marathon witnessed an overwhelming response within the
running community," said longtime race director Jon Hughes of Event
Management and Marketing International (EMMI). "Both the marathon and half
marathon reached capacity in record times and the 10th annual race
festivities were highlighted by 149 inspiring ‘Perfect 10 Club’ runners who
all ran their 10th Disney races. Planning is already well underway for the
2004 event, which will encourage participants to ‘run away with their
imagination.’"
For the fourth consecutive year, participants in the marathon, half
marathon and 5K may register online at www.disneyworldsports.com.
Registration forms may also be printed off the web site and submitted via
regular mail. Application forms are also available by e-mailing Disney
Sports Attractions at wdw.sports.marathon.road.races@disney.com.
Registration fees are $90 for the marathon and $70 for the half marathon.
Special Walt Disney World Resort Marathon packages are available beginning
March 1 by calling 407/939-7810, or a travel agent.
During the past decade, the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon
has emerged as one of the world’s most popular road races. The 2003 event
provided an exhilarating running experience and world-class entertainment
as Disney celebrated the 10th anniversary of its magical event, which
annually attracts both elite and recreational runners from across the
country and around the world.
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