Monday, April 27, 2015

Registering for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend


If any of my runners out there are planning on running any (or all) of the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend events in 2016, remember registration opens TOMORROW AT 12 NOON EST! I have run at this event the past three years and am registered for the Goofy in 2016. Here are a few tips for tomorrow since runDisney races are known to sell out in record time.


Completing my third WDW Full Marathon in January 2015

Tip 1: Know what race you want to register for. Disney has its own lingo for races and challenges.  Here is a breakdown for Marathon Weekend races:

* Dopey Challenge (Full Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10k and 5k (aka you run ALL the races).
* Goofy Race and a Half Challenge (Full Marathon and Half Marathon)
* Full Marathon (26.2 miles)
* Half-Marathon (13.1 miles)
* 10k (6.2 miles)
* 5k (3.1 miles)
* Kid's Races (100m, 200m, 300m or 400m dash and one-mile run)

I ran the Goofy Challenge (also my first marathon ever!) back in 2013 then I completed the inaugural Dopey Challenge in 2014 (an experience I will write a whole recap and how-to on in the future) and finally back to the Goofy Challenge this past year in 2015.

Tip 2: Realize how much training you will need to do when selecting a race before registration.

The challenges runDisney has are amazing and by far some of the best races I have done. However, they are very expensive and do require time to train. Running an event like the Dopey Challenge is serious work, realize you will have to train or there is a good chance you will hurt yourself during race weekend or face the possibility of not finishing. Look at your schedule and make sure you can commit to the training required for running 48.6 in the span of four days before paying the pricey race fee.

Tip 3: Do not wait to register, if there is a race you want to participate in register the moment it opens!

It's crazy how much the runDisney brand has grown and how fast the events will sell out. Looking back on previous events it appears the Dopey Challenge, the 10k and the 5k will sell out first then the half-marathon. The Goofy and full Marathon usually take a little longer to reach capacity but each year is different so it's best just to register asap.

Good luck to all registering tomorrow! I hope all of you are able to get into the race you want!

Be on the lookout for costume tutorials this week with all the excitement of the Everest Challenge and Tinkerbell Half-Marathon weekend coming up, I can't wait to teach you how to make some last minute costumes and show you what I've been working on for upcoming races!

Who is registering tomorrow? What races? Let me know in the comment section below!


2 comments:

  1. I have a lot of friends that run in some of these events.. I usually am the one cheering them on.. I probably should start running in some of these, I just find it more enjoyable from the sidelines.. Good Luck to you, this post might be the inspiration I need to start training for one..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Running has become such a big part of my life, it's almost addicting once you start doing races. If you are ever going to do a race...Disney races are the way to go! Good luck to you and hope you find yourself at the start line soon with your friends!

      Delete