Depending on which Disney resort you stay in, most have a short
loop course through the grounds. To get in more distance cruise
along the roads keeping an
eye out for traffic. A three and a half mile brick path is being
constructed around the Seven Seas Lagoon. The best running in Disney World happens once a year when the
Disney World Marathon is held. This January, a quarter century
of Disney milestones were
on display during the marathon which is hosted by HealthSouth.
Disney entertainment funsters have themed the mile-marker
locations to recall events of the
first 25 years of the Walt Disney Resort. Volunteers at the mile-
markers were in costumes, playing musical instruments, and
celebrating many of the numerous
Disney milestone openings, releases, and premiers. "We've learn
ed during our first three marathons that runners enjoy the
uniqueness of the sights and sounds
in the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney-MGM Studios" said
entainment producer Cheryl Pecora. "Our challenge is to make
sure we extend the fun of the
theme parks to the portion of the race that's out on the road."
In addition to touring the three theme parks, marathoners took a
lap at Walt Disney World Speedway's mile track and passed
through Blizzard Beach water
park and the new Disney's BoardWalk Resort. Every year the
marathon course is redesigned to include the newest attractions,
entertainment, and excitement.
In 1998, on January 11 when the Fifth Annual Disney World
Marathon is held, the runners will be treated to some distance
through an animal kingdom theme
park now under construction.
Runners should take notice that with the use of the ChampionChip
for scoring the race, there is no limit to the number of
participants who may run. The course
can easily accomodate 20,000 runners. Registration information
and entry forms will be available from the Washington Running
Report in February,
available at local races starting at St. Paddy's Day 10K in
March, and by calling (407) 939-7810.
