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Disney World Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Disney World Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.1 
Organization 4.3 
Spectators 4.0
Number of comments: 818 [displaying comments 661 to 671]
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M. V. from Columbus, OH
(1/15/2004)
"Run this one for the medal" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my third marathon. It was fun seeing the parks, getting the medal, taking my family to Disney, but... Most of the run is on service roads and highways. The highways tend to be concrete and banked on exit ramps. Very bad surface. There is a 180-degree turn between miles 20 and 21. That was difficult and discouraging. This thing needs to start at 7am. They want you at the race by 5am, last shuttles at 4am. I had someone drop me off and walked to the start, was there by 5:50, and had no problems. Why so early? Spectators have no chance of seeing their runners in multiple locations. My family was running to find me, but missed every time. Don't like running on cobblestones and boardwalks and bridges in the parks. On the positive side, there were more port-o-johns than there were runners. But, now I can say, I have been there, done that. | |
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Mary Newby from Missouri
(1/15/2004)
"My first 1/2 marathon " (about: 2004)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed doing my first 1/2 marathon at Disney World. Even though I didn't come prepared for the cold start, by the time I had run a few miles I was getting pretty warm. Running through the parks in the early morning and getting to see how the park works from another angle was very interesting. The employees and volunteers were a wonderful cheering section. I know they were cheering for each of us as we passed but I felt like it was all for me. I would like to commend all the folks who organized and worked the marathon for their hard work, and I know we all appreciated them. The most exciting part of the marathon is the electricity in the air when so many people get together to do something they enjoy. Keep up the super work and I hope to do it again someday. Thanks, Mary Newby | |
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D. D. from Chicago, IL
(1/15/2004)
"Fun Race for All!" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 2nd marathon, and I couldn't wait to return to one of our favorite vacation spots and have my family see me finish the marathon. Tying in a fun-filled vacation along with a race was the motivation I needed to sign up. The course was, by necessity, mostly limited to the highways and backroads, but going through all four theme parks was definitely cool! The Disney staff and all the thousands of spectators that braved the bone-chilling cold (35 degrees or so at the start) were awesome! The number of porta-potties and water/refreshment stations were plentiful, which was great. There were enough Disney characters and encouraging billboards along the way to keep your mind off the monotony of running. Going through the parks that afternoon and next day and sharing your experiences with other finishers (proudly wearing their T-shirts and medals) was a great experience. The crowds at Disney at this time of year are also smaller and getting on rides is a breeze! I would definitely consider doing it again! | |
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Bryan Lewis from New Orleans, LA
(1/15/2004)
"Disney should run the course in reverse" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was my second Disney Marathon so I knew what to expect. The best part of the race is the first loop around Epcot in the morning and running through Magic Kingdom. The worst part is everything past Magic Kingdom. The water stops were excellent and plentiful. The finisher's medals are the best in the country. But getting corraled at 3 am combined with the inevitable cold in Orlando on race day makes this my last Disney. This is a great race for first-timers who want to take their time and enjoy the scenery. | |
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A. W. from Tucson, Arizona
(1/15/2004)
"Well run marathon" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon, however not my first experience at running or racing. So I do have some knowledge base of how a race should be run, and this one was run quite well. Besides the fact that I am still on a 'runner's high' from finishing my first marathon before my 26th birthday (last year's resolution), I really don't have any negative comments about the race. There are absolutely good things with this race: organization, great course, and plentiful resources. First, organization. The race was timely. The corrals were well laid out and roped off - no room for confusion. Plenty of volunteers and signs to direct runners to the start area and corrals and for separating the half and full marathoners on the course. Second, great course. I know that a lot of runners complain about the highway time between parks, but actually the highway miles aren't so bad; they make running through the parks that much more enjoyable and give you something to look forward to. The course is mainly flat with the few overpass ramps to climb. Thirdly, plentiful resources. I am not one of the 'snobs' who finished in three or four hours, but as one of the 'penguins' I can tell you that there was plenty of water, Powerade, fruit and gels left out on the course. Lots of porta-potties and medical stations with vaseline and biofreeze. Overall, very well run. My only gripes are small at best. I was really looking forward to seeing the 'fireworks' at the start of the race that I heard about from previous years. However, this year all we got were a couple of flares. The medal makes up for what the T-shirt lacks. Although, running through the parks and the boardwalk are great, just be careful; the parks generally are concrete and cobblestone, which finally worked a number on my feet in the 24th mile. Lastly, having the halfers run a separate course would be great, because I did a number on the mental hearing comments like 'just two miles left' when I have 15 to go, and seeing and hearing their finish line was even worse! Overall, made for a great race and a great vacation spot. Would love to do it next year! | |
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S. T. from East Lansing Michigan
(1/14/2004)
"Nice course/not organized by runners" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I don't like to wake up at 3am and then march for 30 minutes for a 6am start. Not organized by runners. But, for my 6th marathon, it was a very nice course. Loved the grand entry into Epcot and the Magic Kingdom and all of the charactors. A very feel-good race. Alas, the wind was brisk and strong and the temperature an unseasonable 32 with wind chill. My husband was numb in the hands and feet at the start. The finish was a letdown, as we were led down a back alley to the cheering crowd. The post food was so-so. I suggest you go to the race as a family trip and enjoy the rides and shows while you are there. | |
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S. L. from Northern California
(1/14/2004)
"The best kept secret in Orlando" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 My sisters and I ran this race to get the Mickey Mouse medal. We were surprised that the people in Orlando didn't seem to know about this marathon and that even in Disneyland, people seemed unaware. The expo was tiny - not many sponsors. The goody bag was sparse, the shirt was nice, but not Cool Max like others. Seemed that this was a 'sell Disney' marathon as compared to others we've run, which were more runner-oriented. The course was spectacular in areas. Lots to see, characters along the way, lights during the dark hour. The concrete pavement wreaked havoc on my legs. The extreme early arrival time of 4AM and standing around in the seemingly freezing cold weather was enough to keep me from doing this again. The after-race refreshments were also the most meager we've seen. They did have the essentials: water, oranges & bananas and some little wrapped cakey things. One of the best things about this race was the number of porta potties they had, but the 'security' to get to and use these potties at the start was comical. You actually had to dig through your layered clothing to show your number before they'd let you use a potty. Would you get up at 3AM and freeze 'til 6AM in order to destroy a potty and not run in the race? | |
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Elfi Ortenburger from California
(1/14/2004)
"FANTASTIC !!" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 6th marathon and was right up there with the Vancouver Marathon... my favorite. The course was great... a nice combination of running in the parks with things to look at to distract you... followed by stretches on the highways giving you a chance to pick up some speed. Lots of water stops and aid stations and entertainment with a great finish at Epcot. The time just flew by. It was very well organized. I loved everything about it. Thank you Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and friends! | |
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E. B. from Denver, CO
(1/13/2004)
"Lots of fun!" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is definitely a race for the young at heart! Great organization and spectator support, lots of food/water/medical stations, and enough whimsical distractions to keep your mind as busy as your feet. | |
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b. s. from daytona beach, fl
(1/13/2004)
"A wonderful, magical race - lots of smiles" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 To all who volunteered: THANK YOU. Thank you to all the Disney staff who stood in the cold to greet us(even the slow pokes like me). Although I am not fast, I have always enjoyed the race and plan to run the half with my daughter next year. Thanks for all the water, snacks, health stations and, most of all, the portolets. My first year in 1999 was totally different than this year, and every year since '99 has been better and better. Thanks for listening and responding to those of us who complain, and the only complaint is the shirt. I was proud to wear it at work on Monday. However, I felt like a billboard. Please plaster Mickey's face on the shirt real big next year and I will see you in 2005 at the starting line.:):):):):) |
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