Upon a Star Agent Cliff Anstey was able to assist his sister with her booking for the 2025 marathon in January. She shares her experience here and then answers some frequently asked questions for this article.
I will start by saying I am not a runner! If you see me running by, you should probably keep up because something is chasing me. However, the runs at Disney looks really fun.
Checking in and picking up my marathon gear!
Disney Marathon weekend runs every January, and goes Thursday through Sunday. They have something for everyone. The 5K is an easy run for even the most novice of runners (or walkers). Then there is the full marathon that runs on Sunday. 26.1 miles of cool morning Florida air.
The marathon week schedule goes like this:
Wednesday: You pick up your race packet
Thursday: The 5K
Friday: The 10K
Saturday: The Half-Marathon
Sunday: The Marathon
You can register and run any of the races you would like.
Then there is the Dopey Run. This is another registered event in which you sign up to run all of the races. This is for those who run daily.
(Cliff asked his followers on his social media pages for questions to ask his sister about her running experience - and here are the questions and her answers!)
What the heck were you thinking?
Oh, no, I wasn’t thinking. I was being the same impulsive person I have been my entire life!
Did you dress up?
I wore one of six Disney running skirts I brought. It was not warm enough for me three of the four mornings.
What was your favorite costume you saw on the course?
The guy that dressed as Cruella and had a pack of Dalmatians running with him.
What did training entail?
I was supposed to train? Mostly I was winging it.
What are your favorite sneakers to run in?
Topos
Does you listen to music or do you like silence as you run?
Both, I train with music. At Disney, I wanted the full experience so no ear buds.
If you listen to music, what’s on your running track?
Almost anything depending on my mood. A lot of classic rock!
What happens if you aren't fast enough?
Don’t care! Part of the adventure. I am not fast!!
Hold them up for the pictures - but wear with caution!
Those things are heavy!!!
How many medals do you get?
Six medals this time.
Are there characters, and is it okay to stop and meet them (or keep running??)
Yes, I did not stop because I didn’t want to wait in line. Fun to see the characters! Especially Pooh Bear and Chewbacca!
What if you only want to do one of the races and not all of them? Can you do that?
Certainly, but how could you pick just one?
How early do you get up every day for the races?
3 am for 5k, 10k and Half Marathon. 2:30 am for the Full Marathon.
How does that corral thing work?
Huddling together as a crowd to stay warm and dry. Making new friends. Cheering on the corrals released before yours. And waiting… Worth every minute.
Did you go to the Parks after the Runs and were they crowded?
Went to the parks all four days, and they were not crowded.
What advice would you give others who want to play in the parks after getting up early and running the races?
Have a plan. We did not, but it worked out and we had fun!
What was the best part of the trip?
Traveling with my niece, the absolute magic of Disney, and running through the castle.
What was the worst part of the trip?
Lines and sleep deprivation.
Would you do it again?
Absolutely! Can’t wait.
Thanks to Cliff and his sister for sharing!
Registration for the January 2026 Disney Marathon Weekend begins March 4 for Club runDisney Gold and Platinum, and March 11th for general registration.
Upon a Star Agents are unable to register guests for the race, but it is highly recommended to book your travel package with resort and tickets as soon as possible — contact your favorite Upon a Star Travel Advisor today!