Walt Disney World Marathon presented by State Farm
The Lowdown
The Walt Disney World Marathon presented by State Farm is the crown jewel of runDisney’s race weekends, first held in 1994 and now a beloved New Year racing tradition that draws runners from around the world. Steeped in family-friendly pageantry and entertainment, the event celebrates both competitive running and the joyful spectacle of Disney. Over the years it has grown into a marquee destination marathon that attracts elite athletes, charity teams, costume-clad amateurs, and families aiming to combine a vacation with a major springboard for their racing year. The course weaves through all four Walt Disney World theme parks and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, taking runners through iconic settings including Magic Kingdom’s parklands and Main Street, U.S.A., the pavilions of Epcot, and the themed avenues of the other parks, with mile-after-mile of character photo opportunities, live bands, DJs, and theatrical entertainment. With a pre-dawn start and large, well-managed corrals, pacing groups, and ample support on course, the race delivers a uniquely immersive experience where scenery and spectacle help distract from the miles. Runners praise the upbeat, celebratory atmosphere, extensive spectator zones, plentiful aid stations, and the distinctive finisher medal and post-race festivities. The Walt Disney World Marathon course is officially certified for distance and is a Boston Marathon qualifying course (USATF-certified). Whether you’re chasing a BQ, attempting a first marathon, or doing the runDisney challenge series, the event blends serious race logistics with the whimsical, supportive environment that has defined Disney races for decades.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Major marathon
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Event Sold Out
Jan 11, 2026The event status on the race page indicates the marathon is sold out. (See event status on runDisney event page.)
General Registration Opens March 11, 2025
Mar 11, 2025General registration for the Walt Disney World Marathon opens March 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET.
Proof of Time Deadline and Requirements
Jul 1, 2025Proof of time is required for Marathon entrants who expect a finish time of 5:00:00 or less; proof must be submitted by July 1, 2025. Acceptable races, required fields, and submission instructions are listed on the event page.
Health & Safety Advisory
Jan 11, 2026During race weekends, runDisney may implement health and safety measures (face coverings, physical distancing, etc.) if deemed appropriate. Participants should review the Walt Disney World health & safety and park policies linked from the event page.
This race qualifies for the Boston Marathon
Race Weekend
Other distances available
Notable Landmarks
Epcot
Start and finish area with iconic Spaceship Earth and the World Celebration promenade
Magic Kingdom
Runners pass down Main Street, U.S.A. and by Cinderella Castle inside the park
Disney's Grand Floridian & Polynesian Village Resorts
Scenic resort corridor along the monorail loop with cheering spectators
Disney's BoardWalk
Waterfront mile with entertainment, dining facades and ocean-themed scenery
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Course skirts the park entrance area with views of show-styled architecture
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Mid-race entertainment zone and major aid station area
Walt Disney World Resort, Florida, United States
US
Based on nearby accommodations
The race offers a booking portal with partner hotel options
- Must be at least 14 years old on race day (January 11, 2026)
- Online registration required and spot must be secured prior to race
- Valid photo ID required for packet pickup
- Signed race waiver and release required
- Participants must comply with event health and safety requirements (including any vaccinations or testing if mandated)
- No bib transfers; bibs are non-transferable and non-refundable
- Participants must complete the course within the published time limit (typically 7 hours)
- Strollers and baby joggers are not permitted in the marathon field
- Costumes allowed but must comply with Disney costume guidelines and safety rules
- Wheelchair and handcycle entries must register in the appropriate division and meet classification/approval requirements
- Medical clearance recommended for participants with pre-existing conditions; medical personnel on course
- Government-issued Photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- Signed RunDisney Participant Waiver (completed electronically during registration)
- Proof of Age (birth certificate or government-issued ID for age-group verification, if requested)
- Proof of Time for corral placement (official race result or time trial proof if claiming a qualifying time)
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry (runDisney Charity Program)
- Official Walt Disney World Vacation Package / Tour Operator
- Invited Elite/Pro Entry
- Virtual Runner (when offered)
Cancellation & Refunds
Policy details
Registration is non-transferable and non-refundable
Bib transfers or selling your bib to another runner are strictly prohibited
Deferrals are not permitted except at the sole discretion of the event organizer in extraordinary circumstances
If the event is canceled or materially modified by the organizer, options (refund, credit, or deferral) may be offered at the organizer's discretion
The Walt Disney World Marathon course runs through all four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom) plus Disney property roads, offering castle and character photo opportunities and abundant on-course entertainment.
Finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical long-sleeve shirt, plus onsite recovery snacks and drinks at the finish area; aid stations with water and sports drink are located roughly every 2 miles.
The event is the headline race of RunDisney Marathon Weekend, which includes the Health & Fitness Expo, the Pasta in the Park Party on Saturday evening, a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and the Dopey Challenge multi-race option.
The race is family-friendly and very popular, so expect heavy congestion at character stops and park transitions—plan to start near your anticipated pace corral and arrive on Disney transportation early for the 4:30 AM start.
The Walt Disney World Marathon is widely recognized as one of the largest and most festive destination marathons in the U.S., attracting thousands of participants and offering on-course entertainment, medical and gear-check services, and VIP/priority packages.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
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