Walt Disney Marathon World Weekend; course history, medals, route

The Walt Disney Marathon is one of the first marathons of the new calendar year and this legendary event attracts runners from all over the world. Whether you are taking part in the 5k, 10k, half marathon, full marathon, Dopey Challenge or Goofy Challenge, you are sure to have a magical experience before, during and after the race.

Following on from an incredible 30th anniversary in 2023, the Disney Marathon Weekend is going from strength-to-strength and promises to be an even busier and grander occasion this year.

One of the magical things about the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is the experience of running around one of the most iconic locations in the world and receiving the rewards for doing so. Disney offer all runners a unique branded medal depending on which event you take part in and complete. Here’s what you need to know about the history, route and prizes on offer…

Take part in a magical, historical race

Having celebrated its historic 30th anniversary in 2023, the Walt Disney World Marathon continues to go from strength-to-strength and its popularity continues to grow. In particular, 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the inaugural Dopey Challenge – one of the most gruelling challenges in running.

The marathon takes in some of Disney’s most iconic locations, recognisable in the park and around the world. Starting outside of the famous EPCOT the course leaves the theme park and heads up World Drive in the direction of the Magic Kingdom.

From there, the course goes down the famous Main Street, through Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and through some more of Magic Kingdom’s most iconic locations, before exiting towards the Animal Kingdom. After running through the Animal Kingdom, runners will experience Expedition Everest and Dinoland before taking in the Coronado Springs Resort, Blizzard Beach and the Hollywood Studios. As you approach the finish, you re-enter EPCOT, finishing near to the Mission Space and Test Track – one of Disney’s most notable locations.

If you are a fan of Disney and running, this incredible weekend of running offers the perfect opportunity to combine your two passions and make the most of an opportunity to see Disney’s most iconic park like you’ve never seen it before. What’s more, you’ll receive some incredibly special mementos when you complete your race…

Walt Disney World 5k medal

Pluto is the top dog for runners participating in the Walt Disney World 5k medal. Runners who complete this fast and pacey race will get their paws on a medal featuring the famous bloodhound.

Walt Disney World 10k medal

Feel chipper having completed the Walt Disney World 10k, by receiving a Chip ‘n’ Dale medal. Double the distance, double the amount of characters for runners taking part in the Walt Disney World 10k, as you pick up a medal featuring Disney’s most famous chipmunks.

Walt Disney World half marathon

Disney’s most famous ducks adorn the bling that you will receive if you cross the finish line having raced 13.1 miles around Disney’s famous kingdom during the Walt Disney World half marathon. This exciting competitive race is a great opportunity to test yourself and allow yourself to get your ducks in a row if you fancy a go at the marathon.

Walt Disney World marathon

Disney’s landmark marathon not only gives you a chance to run around one of the world’s most iconic tourist destinations, but is also a Boston Marathon qualifier as well. On top of that, your reward for finishing this popular race is to get your hands on a Mickey and Minnie Mouse medal – an iconic reward for an incredible achievement.

Walt Disney World marathon weekend challenges

If you think you’ve got the energy of a cartoon character, you may want to take part in one of the two Walt Disney World marathon weekend challenges. The Goofy Challenge, involves completing both the half marathon on the Saturday and the full Marathon the following day, meaning you will have completed a combined 39.3 miles over two days. By completing this intense challenge, you will get your hands on both the medals of the races you take part in – you’ll be the coolest person in the park!

The Dopey Challenge involves completing all four races – the Walt Disney World 5K on the Thursday, the Walt Disney World 10K on the Friday, the Walt Disney World Half Marathon on the Saturday, and the Walt Disney World Marathon on the Sunday, resulting in a combined 48.6 miles over four days. By undertaking this ridiculous challenge, you will get your hands on all of the medals of the races you take part in – don’t let that bling weigh you down!