Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

[GimpYancIent]

Oh, and another pet peeve from the Club rD FB page.

Why doesn't runDisney sell family memberships? Lots of frustration from parents who are gold or platinum who can't also register their eligible children during early registration. Have different levels - 2 adults, 1 or 2 adults and up to 3 kids. It's crazy that they've not figured out how to monetize running families.

There used to be KID's races, specifically for children and run at ESPN. The kid's loved it. Mickey would be at the finish along with other characters in the area. And games. Ahhhhh BUT that would mean people (families) would be having fun.

 

[CAV]

I think we are in another running boom coupled with a a phase of people showing off on socials. People need to do all these things to put on their instagram or TikTok to show off. I am sure the new found advertising runDisney is doing too with GMA and whatever else is not helping either. Since 2023, Marathon Weekend has completely sold out within 2 hours or less.

Well, not running. Perhaps participating.

 

[GimpYancIent]

There are runners who got on before 10 AM and races were sold out before they got a slot.

When it has come to Disney races guess I have always been one of the lucky ones then. I go for the challenges, wonder if that makes a difference?

 

[the.dreamfinder]

I cannot believe you were shut out for both W&D and marathon weekend.

Same.

 

[Rteetz]

If available when Silver renewal opens up. Frankly, for the price paid, all levels should be allowed early registration....maybe not the entire week for Silver, just the last day.

Nearly $300 is a lot to pay for a jacket, a magnet, a member card (which gets you zip) and a medal. Oh, and the logo on your race bib so tiny it's hard to see.

I don't disagree. I am Gold and feel there aren't enough perks. I think something on race day like a little area with drinks or snacks would go a long way.

 

[Rteetz]

When it has come to Disney races guess I have always been one of the lucky ones then. I go for the challenges, wonder if that makes a difference?

Doesn't really matter

 

[surfsupdon]

I cannot believe you were shut out for both W&D and marathon weekend.

The entire process has changed. I was NEVER ONCE shut out from 2006 thru 2025. I was never even stressed!!

Popularity is increasing, yes, but races aren’t growing. We used to have more WDW races, a full selection at DL, plus Paris! All those extra spots helped too.

I hate feeling left out. But I am.

 

[surfsupdon]

I don't disagree. I am Gold and feel there aren't enough perks. I think something on race day like a little area with drinks or snacks would go a long way.

This used to exist for a minimal fee, open to all!

 

[surfsupdon]

Well, not running. Perhaps participating.

THIS!!!

I support rundisney getting people up and moving truly I do!

But the level of athlete has changed. In my early years, I ran faster and placed higher up in the rankings, but now I run slower and place much better (some of my best placing), even placing a top 10!

 

[Rteetz]

This used to exist for a minimal fee, open to all!

Oh yes, which is why I think it would work well for Club.

 

[surfsupdon]

I cannot believe you were shut out for both W&D and marathon weekend.

I am so thankful and blessed for my health and my family, but I am having a really tough day.

I always have looked forward to these events for 20 years. I have nothing on the tables for 2027. Shut out of my two fav weekends.

But I am determined to grab a charity bib or sign up when something opens. @Rteetz helped me get alerts. Thanks bud!

 

[GimpYancIent]

THIS!!!

I support rundisney getting people up and moving truly I do!

But the level of athlete has changed. In my early years, I ran faster and placed higher up in the rankings, but now I run slower and place much better (some of my best placing), even placing a top 10!

Yes, its Disney not going out for the Olympic Marathon qualifier. A minimum pace requirement of 18 minutes per mile is more the pace for average people, in average physical condition to enjoy an exhilarating athletic event at Disney. Reduce stress and anxiety for the F / G / H corral folks about having enough time to complete the event doing the Galloway method. God bless those 4:30 / 5:00 minute per mile people in corrals A / B, but most folks cannot maintain that kind of pace. Unfortunately, the corporate mind set is to clear the runners of the course (particularly the marathon course) and get the parks open and operating normally. Unfortunately, it's clear common sense is not part of Disney corporate thinking.

 

[LAKid53]

When it has come to Disney races guess I have always been one of the lucky ones then. I go for the challenges, wonder if that makes a difference?

The 10K in the other three race weekends sells out first because of the number of bibs that are set aside for the challenges.

And I think of the 5Ks, Princess weekend sells out fast because it's Princess weekend.

 

[LAKid53]

There used to be KID's races, specifically for children and run at ESPN. The kid's loved it. Mickey would be at the finish along with other characters in the area. And games. Ahhhhh BUT that would mean people (families) would be having fun.

I get them not bringing the kids races back when races resumed in November 2021, due to the COVID protocols.

But it's 2026.

I'd love to register my granddaughter for the Princess weekend kids races. She'd have so much fun running dressed as her favorite Disney princess.

 

[LAKid53]

I don't disagree. I am Gold and feel there aren't enough perks. I think something on race day like a little area with drinks or snacks would go a long way.

Like a runner's retreat? Not the half hearted version runner's square, but the heated or air conditioned tent that was offered for both Marathon & Princess weekends.

 

[LAKid53]

Well, not running. Perhaps participating.

I'm kinda shocked they stopped taking photos of you with your bib if you registered for the challenges.

 

[LAKid53]

The entire process has changed. I was NEVER ONCE shut out from 2006 thru 2025. I was never even stressed!!

Popularity is increasing, yes, but races aren’t growing. We used to have more WDW races, a full selection at DL, plus Paris! All those extra spots helped too.

I hate feeling left out. But I am.

The DLR races were first suspended due to planned construction....which never happened...then the conflicts with the City of Anaheim and changes to state laws regarding volunteers. But it took a long time for those races to return, 1st the Half Marathon weekend, then the Halloween one. Only to last a few years before being suspended again.

And no one can figure out the issue with the DLP races not returning. Where they not popular?

 

[LAKid53]

This used to exist for a minimal fee, open to all!

Runners retreat. Loved it.

 

[Disney Dawg88]

I am so thankful and blessed for my health and my family, but I am having a really tough day.

I always have looked forward to these events for 20 years. I have nothing on the tables for 2027. Shut out of my two fav weekends.

But I am determined to grab a charity bib or sign up when something opens. @Rteetz helped me get alerts. Thanks bud!

Really sorry to hear this. I was an avid RunDisney race runner from 2006 - 2012, I’m up relatively high on the mileage chart amongst users here. I remember back in those days the races wouldn’t sell out for months, hard to believe that they sell out in an hour or less now.

I’m excited to finally run again this coming year, thankful that I was able to get a number in about 35 minutes but don’t know what my magic formula was to get it.

 

[LAKid53]

Oh yes, which is why I think it would work well for Club.

With an option to purchase a ticket, if space is available, for non-Club runners. Like the After Party for W&D weekend.

Perhaps it's the egalitarian in me, but I'd feel bad being nice and warm....or dry....in the tent when other runners are freezing or getting soaked waiting for races to start.