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I can’t inform you what number of occasions I used to be lucky sufficient to go to Disney World as a child. Mickey & Minnie Mouse had been part of my family, and we by no means missed a brand new Disney film in theatres. Name me a toddler, however that by no means actually left me.
I’m properly into maturity now and as my tastes have modified, my coronary heart nonetheless belongs on Essential Avenue strolling in direction of the Fortress. The nostalgia could be very actual and brings me to such a gorgeous place. And, now that I’m an grownup that may make my very own choices, I’ve determined to take my trainers to the happiest place on Earth, Walt Disney World.
The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend has been round since 1994, at all times held in January. Through the years the race weekend grew exponentially. Quickly, the “weekend” consisted of 4 completely different races on 4 completely different days. The 5K kicks off the weekend on Thursday, the 10K on Friday, the Half Marathon on Saturday, and the Marathon is the grand finale on Sunday morning. Somebody at runDisney had the intense thought to market the 4 races because the “Dopey Problem,” rising the recognition of the race sequence.
Right here I’m, a 34-year-old feminine that melts every time she sees an image of Minnie & Mickey Mouse who additionally occurs to be an endurance junkie. Any guesses what I did final weekend?
In July of 2021, I arrange my pc and refreshed my browser extra occasions than I care to confess and forked over all of my hard-earned cash to runDisney for the possibility to run 4 races, on 4 consecutive days, at 5am every day (you learn that proper). Race weekend approached and I had handled my coaching just like marathon coaching, with a couple of facets of Extremely coaching combined in. Coaching over the vacations is rarely good. And, “racing” 4 races consecutively meant throwing out any type of time targets. Ending was the final word objective. As a result of who can really say that they taper a marathon with a half marathon the day earlier than?
For those who keep on Disney property, they make it greater than simple for you. You stroll outdoors your resort room at 3am to search out a number of busses ready to move runners to the Epcot parking zone, the beginning line of all 4 races. The staging space is stocked with porta potties galore and even features a stage and massive display screen to get athletes excited for the race. Gear bag vehicles are meticulously positioned the place you possibly can simply seize your issues after you cross the end line. Rubbish cans are in all places. Water stations are scattered in regards to the space. Hand sanitizer galore. Meals vehicles. Merch tents. A “child middle” (nonetheless not sure what that was for?). And naturally, a runner info tent. In case you didn’t know, particulars are what Disney does greatest. And there wasn’t a single element of this race that was missed. Every morning regarded very related but very completely different, let me clarify.
Pluto 5K
This was by far after I noticed essentially the most costumes on the beginning line. Sure, costumes. So many individuals run dressed as princesses, Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, and any Disney Character you possibly can think about. The crowds had been huge at 3:45am as I approached the staging space. Physique glitter and tutus had been in all places. The vibe was magical and so inviting. Runners had been inspired to enter their corrals by 4:30am for the 5am begin. I discovered my technique to the beginning line and by 5am on the dot, I crossed the beginning line and immediately found I used to be working via my childhood dream. The vast majority of the race runs via Epot, visiting the entire nations within the World Showcase. My psychological image nonetheless doesn’t do it justice. All the park was lit up with twinkle lights. The fountains had been working on repeat, including to the enjoyment of the race. The end line got here fairly shortly after 3 miles. However it wouldn’t be lengthy earlier than I used to be again for extra.
End Time: 25:18
Oswald 10k
I used to be fortunate sufficient to have a couple of associates be a part of me for this race. We awakened (they had been a bit more energizing than I, as this was my 2nd 2:30am alarm in a row) and hopped on a bus to the beginning line. This time I made a decision to sneak somewhat nearer to the beginning. The gun went off and the primary 3 miles had been a bit uneventful, working in direction of Hollywood Studios on the freeway. However let’s not neglect about all of the character picture alternatives! Disney characters of every kind popped up on the facet of the course, full with a enjoyable background so runners might run proper up the mark on the street, strike a pose, after which carry on working. Typically you had been greeted with a line of runners 10+ deep. Different occasions you can sneak proper in, it was full luck of the draw. Quickly we entered Hollywood Studios via the backlot close to the Tower of Terror. Park staff had been scattered in all places, cheering you on and performing their half. All the pieces was as lit up as might be. The vitality was merely electrical. Th subsequent a part of the course included working via the Boardwalk and at last coming into Epcot. As soon as once more, the magic put a smile on my face, and I couldn’t wipe it away. There actually aren’t phrases to explain how lovely Epcot appears at nighttime. Right here I used to be, my Dopey Problem was formally half over. However let me inform you, the enjoyable hadn’t even begun but.
End Time: 52:55
Donald & Daisy Duck Half Marathon
Waking up on the threerd day for the half marathon was after I actually began to note the fatigue settling in. In spite of everything, I used to be in Disney World and I didn’t simply “hand around in my room” in the course of the day. I visited all of the parks, ate and drank all of the issues, and walked extra miles than I ran. The Half Marathon is my favourite distance, so I wished to make it additional particular. So, after I arrived in my corral, I snuck my manner all the way in which to the entrance so I used to be in a position to toe the hyperlink of the Walt Disney World Half Marathon. The gun went off and we made our technique to the Magic Kingdom! Coming into the park and working down Essential Avenue with essentially the most good view of the fort is a vivid reminiscence I promise that I’ll always remember. Characters popped up the complete 13.1 miles, park staff greeted us with their greatest smiles, and shortly we entered Epcot for the ultimate mile. I had checked off 3 of the 4 days, however the greatest hurdle was nonetheless on faucet. The marathon.
End Time: 1:52:54
Mickey & Minnie Mouse Marathon
I received’t deceive you, I awakened on Marathon morning and my legs had been removed from contemporary. They had been really sore, too. I took a couple of working steps in direction of the bus at 3am and it didn’t really feel nice in any respect. It was then that I used to be involved that this marathon wasn’t going to be fairly. I discovered the beginning line and step one proved to me that I used to be going to have to actually focus if I wished to get via at the present time as shortly as potential. I made a couple of associates, loved the websites of character picture alternatives, and shortly the enjoyable actually began. We entered the Magic Kingdom, and the adrenaline was flowing. Finally the solar got here up and we entered the Animal Kingdom and I felt like Simba whereas I ran via the park. Curious and stumbling over my toes! The race completed up working via Hollywood Studios and Epcot. My smile was as massive as might be as a made my last flip to the end and I discovered my help crew. I had achieved it, 48.6 miles over 4 days. Not precisely one thing to shake a stick at. Earlier than the race began, I used to be satisfied I’d be strolling half the marathon, however that was removed from what occurred. The ambiance and vitality carried me thus far, even after I crossed the end line. I snapped a couple of photos, modified my garments, and promptly entered Epcot as a park visitor and located my spot in Germany, full with a pretzel and a beer whereas I cheered on the remainder of the marathoners.
End Time: 4:08:01
I can’t say sufficient about this occasion. Disney lover or not, this venue is perhaps top-of-the-line to host a marathon. Even whilst you ran on the freeway, there was some type of leisure. Typically it was music. Different occasions it was a film enjoying you could see and listen to from 1 / 4 mile away. Having the ability to see the backlots of all of the parks was one other factor I cherished. Certain, they’re boring and that’s the place the workers can prep for his or her day, however it’s so enjoyable to see behind the scenes of the magic. And I received’t lie, I discovered each single end line within the time I’d hoped for. Though, my legs are nonetheless barking at me for even beginning that marathon. Till subsequent time, Disney.
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