It’s been three years since I ran the Walt Disney World Marathon in 2020, and I was beyond excited to snag a registration for 2023! This was my first marathon since having a baby, and I knew I was going to need all the Disney pixie dust to pull me through it. I trained and worked hard and had a completely different experience than my last 26.2 through the parks. It just goes to show that each marathon is unique and you never know how the day will unfold. Even if this was a more challenging day for me race-wise, it was still full of memories and 90’s cartoon-themed magic that you can only get with runDisney! I am so proud of myself for running marathon number 8 (
) and know it will not be my last. Read on for my full 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Race Recap!
Registration
Originally, I had set out to register for the Dopey Challenge 2023. I was all set to sign up for the crazy event, which is running all four races during marathon weekend, but luck would have it that I was not able to snag a bib. This was probably a blessing in disguise since running the ONE race was really tough on me!
As far as the actual registration process went, it was a nightmare! For reals, it was crazy. I was on my computer well before registration opened, and started attempting to sign up as soon as I could. It took me forever (maybe an hour or more) to even get into the waiting room. Once I was in there it took even more time to get to the actual registration. After that, I actually had a Dopey registration going, filled in everything, and then hit purchase only to see it said: “unavailable”. I did this again with the Goofy challenge and the exact same thing happened. So, I finally tried for the marathon and was able to make my purchase. It was CRAZY and stressful!
I will say that I think runDisney has heard our complaints and is trying to make it a more seamless process. Fingers crossed that my next runDisney registration is nowhere near that insane!
TIP: Do not worry about putting your proof of time in when you register, you can fill it in later! Do as much pre-work on your runDisney account before registering to save yourself time!
Expo
We flew down to Orlando the Thursday before the race and I promptly went to retrieve my race packet and bib. It was so nice to be there when it was not crowded (in the afternoon). I was able to get some great photos and selfies and explore the expo and runDisney shop without hoards of people. The runDisney merch was a bit picked over, but it wasn’t terrible. There wasn’t anything I was dying to purchase, so I was fine just getting a shirt and a magnet (which they had plenty of), and heading out.
Pre-Race
My family stayed at the Art of Animation Lion King suites (which we loved!). The night before the race I picked up a “runner box” which included a few snacks (like a bagel, peanut butter, and a banana) so I had something to eat on my way to the race.
Before the race, I woke up EARLY so I could get ready and make it to the corrals with plenty of time. I hopped on a bus in front of the resort and headed to the race start. It was an easy and stress-free morning since I had given myself so much time before the race. Once dropped off, I walked past Epcot to the pre-race area.
At the pre-race area, there were plenty of port-a-potties, water, last-minute merchandise, character photo ops, and gear check. I met with my friend who was running the Dopey challenge. It was nice having a friend that knew exactly what we were doing with the corrals and race-start area since she had done it three times before! We walked over to our coral, which was A since they took my proof of time from pre-baby. I’m not sure I could swing that now! There were more port-a-potties near the corals, which was a nice touch. We anxiously awaited the start, then off we went with fireworks! We were with the first group released.
Walt Disney World Marathon – Race!
Miles 1-7
During this race, I knew I wanted to stop for character photos and really pace myself. Leading up to the marathon I only ran a few 20-mile training runs, and I wasn’t sure how the end of the race was going to go since I usually top off at 22 miles for marathon training. I started running with my friend who was running very strong for someone who had just run three other races! We grabbed a few photos and breezed through those first few miles. We ran through Epcot, but I barely remember it.
My friend was running SO strong that I told her to go ahead of me and run her own race since I didn’t want to push too hard, even though I was feeling okay. I grabbed a photo with Eeyore and Tigger and thought about how excited my baby boy would be to see Mommy meeting his friends!
About mile six I realized I needed to use the restroom, which is fine since runDisney provides SO MANY port-a-potties. I used the bathroom, then immediately felt like I needed to go again. I guess having a baby kind of messes up your bladder, or at least I think it impacted mine. I’ve never used the bathroom during a marathon so this was new for me. I stopped and went again right before we entered Magic Kingdom. Luckily, Magic Kingdom is an AMAZING experience and it kept my mind occupied as I was slightly worried about this whole bladder issue. Honestly, after Magic Kingdom and for the rest of the race it didn’t bother me, though I did stop one more time towards the last third of the race to make sure I was all good.
Miles 8-14
This year we ran past the contemporary on our way into the Magic Kingdom. I liked this change and enjoyed the walking path as we got PUMPED to enter Magic Kingdom!
Magic Kingdom is probably one of the main reasons I LOVE this marathon! There is nothing like turning the corner into the park and being greeted with an enormous lighted Christmas tree, and Main Street lined with cheering crowds while you run towards the beautiful Castle. 
There were photographers everywhere capturing this special moment. Just like the last time I ran the marathon; I had a huge grin on my face as I made my way through the most Magical Kingdom of them all. I stopped for the castle photo-op which is always a must! There were even a few character stops that I was able to get a quick photo with. Captain Jack had no one waiting, so I had to say hello!
We exited Magic Kingdom at about the halfway point and started our way down the LONG stretch of road. I remembered this part of the race from my last WDW Marathon and steeled myself for the long haul ahead.
Miles 15-18
Even though the miles between Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are long, they aren’t 100% boring. There are DJs, large screen with cartoons playing, and character stops along the way. It’s not as amazing as being in a park, but it’s definitely WAY better than many stretches of road I’ve run in other races! Plus, I loved all the 90’s Themed cartoons and music playing bringing me back to my childhood!
Then came Animal Kingdom, which felt like a short moment in the actual park. I did enjoy seeing some of the care facilities and surrounding area as we ran the roads around Animal Kingdom. They even brought out an animal (after I had passed by the other direction, unfortunately) to say hello!
One of my favorite moments was running near the Asia section where there are lots of lanterns hanging. I was feeling pretty tired, but I looked up to see the bright colors and it made me smile. 
We ran past Expedition Everest and I almost stopped to ride it! I saw a line for the ride and I didn’t want to wait, then as I ran past I saw a cast member waiving runners into the ride, presumably with no wait. I kind of kicked myself for not riding it (especially since I haven’t had a chance to ride it since having our kiddo with us), but I guess there is always next time!
Miles 19-22
After leaving Animal Kingdom I was starting to feel a little rough. This was getting past my peak training long runs of 20 miles, and I could FEEL IT. Luckily a run/walk pacer was nearby and I decided to try and stay with them for a bit. This helped immensely for a mile or so, but I quickly realized that I might not be able to keep up with them. This was fine, I wasn’t trying very hard to run a certain pace, though, in those late miles, I decided that a 4:30 finish would be a respectable goal for me. This honestly was more to just keep me going than actually having a “finish goal”.
We ran to Blizzard Beach, which I remembered not liking during my last WDW Marathon. Well, they made it, worse? better? different? I’m not sure where I stand on it, but we essentially ran through the un-shaded parking lot. They had water and food available, plus a character stop with Donald. I was definitely in the complaining and everything hurts portion of my marathon. My friend was running nearby and I caught up with her. She seemed to be doing much better than me, so I told her about my condition (“I feel like I’m dying”) and she went on her way.
I will say that the weather for this race was PERFECT! WDW Marathon Weekend has unpredictable weather. In 2020 when I ran it, it was in the 70s and 80s (ICK), but this year it was in the 40s and 50s. It felt AMAZING!
Miles 23-26.2
Around mile 23 we ran through Hollywood Studios. I was feeling a little crazy, but getting excited to be done soon. There was a line of people waiting to ride the Tower of Terror, and they all cheered for me as I ran by. I even had some folks recognize my costume! I was Princess Leia, though my main “costume” bit which was the hair buns did not come to fruition. So, I wasn’t sure anyone would figure out my costume, but I was so happy for the few folks who shouted “Yay Princess Leia! You got this!”. Every word of encouragement was 100% needed in those late miles!
Once again, this year I loved running past the folks walking into Hollywood Studios to start their day as I was about to run the final miles of my marathon! The last bit of the race between Hollywood Studios and Epcot is pretty tough. It’s a short portion, but I was so tired that it felt much longer. Once we got to the Boardwalk, I was getting a second wind (sort of, I felt less like I was dying), and knew I was about to finish this crazy journey!
Epcot is such a fun way to end the marathon, and I was smiling despite how incredibly exhausted I felt. We ran through World Showcase and I couldn’t believe I was about to finish another marathon. The emotions were getting very real and intense! I missed my baby and husband A LOT. Like a whole lot. I was surprised during my entire marathon by how much I thought about my baby and how I missed him. I wanted to share everything I was seeing with him so badly! Being a Mom really changes you!
Finish Line!
Finally, I made it to the finish! I LOVE the runDisney finish lines! They have so much going on you honestly feel like a celebrity crossing that line! As I ran down the final chute, I felt the waterworks trying to come out. I sniffed back tears as all the emotions of the day hit me HARD. I was so proud but also missed my family SO MUCH, it was a lot to process. Though, I didn’t let myself really start crying because I knew it wasn’t going to be pretty. Once I got my medal and picked up my snack box I felt much more emotionally stable.
I hobbled to the finish area and grabbed my bag. My husband and baby couldn’t make it to the finish line. Unfortunately, there were some issues with the buses not running frequently enough to make it in time. I was a little bummed, but I knew it wasn’t their fault. I hopped on the bus, and even caught up with my friend, and rode the bus back to the resort marveling at my accomplishment.
Would I Run the Walt Disney World Marathon Again?
This marathon was one of my toughest marathons physically. While I still LOVED all the Disney touches, and there were plenty of magical moments, it was just tough running 26.2 after having a baby. I think my training just isn’t what it used to be simply because I have less time to do it. That being said, the race itself is SO much fun! They really do try to make every aspect entertaining. I mean it’s Disney, so it is what you might expect from a world-class entertainment company.
After the race, everyone wears their medals and proudly displays them during the rest of their trip. This makes the race feel extra special as cast members and everyone else shouts “Congratulations!” wherever you go. The runDisney community is really special. People LOVE these races, and it shows. Even though I had a hard race, I know I will run the WDW Marathon again. There is something unique about runDisney races that keeps me (and everyone else) coming back for more. Call it magic, pixie dust, or something else, but I love my Disney races and I cannot wait to run my next one! Hopefully soon!!
Read all about my first Walt Disney World Marathon in 2020 HERE!
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