Disney Marathon Weekend attracts over 50,000 runners

January 13, 2014
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This past weekend saw 50,000 runners flock to start lines to compete at the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend in Orlando Florida. The event was held on January 8 until the 12 where runners, many suited up as Disney characters, ran the 5k, 10k, half marathon, or full marathon.


This year, runners had the option of participating in the Dopey Challenge – a challenge that includes all four races, one per day totalling 48.6 miles. Finishers are awarded the Goofy Race Challenge medal and the Dopey Challenge finisher medal. It became an incredibly popular event with 7,000 eagerly signing up.

Darrell Fry, Disney’s sports media director, explains the excitement around the Dopey Challenge to Orlando Sentinel. “Where else can you do four races in four days and do just a hair under 50 miles?” Michal Wardin was the first to complete the challenge. It was this challenge that inspired Lindsay Wolf, 33, to get fit in 2013. “I wanted to be in the best shape of my life by the end of 2013, and I am,” she said to Orlando Sentinel.


As for the marathon, 19,198 competed with Adriano Bastos coming first in 2:21:39. The first Canadian finisher was Mathieu Morrison of Bathurst Canada. He placed 24th overall in 2:50:26.

The course takes runners through all four theme parks starting at Epcot, going through the Magic Kingdom, into the Animal Kingdom then through Hollywood studios and finishing back at Epcot.

 

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