The Marathon Season is just starting at Disney World, and Famvia is here for it!
As mentioned in other articles, Disney is always caring for us and encouraging us to stay active and in the best version of ourselves. This is why they always bring up incredible events and activities that challenge and push our physical limits. Their famous marathons are one of them.
Today we want to share with you the experience of one of our most active team members: Carlos Hernandez! He has been preparing both physically and mentally for an incredible journey surrounded by the magic of Disney.
Let’s take a sneak peek at this wonderful experience
The Disney Princess Half Marathon took place just last weekend. From February 22-26, Disney Parks rolled out the red carpet for this special event.
First, ask yourself a very important question
The journey began months ago. Carlos emphasized the importance of genuine commitment before joining the registration queue. Despite the allure of fun (hey, you are in the Happiest Place on Earth, after all!) this challenge demands preparation and dedication for optimal results. So, ask yourself: Are you truly prepared for this journey?
Are you *sure*?
Once you've made the decision to join, be sure to mark your calendars, as the registration process kicks off several months before the race itself. For instance, Carlos registered for the 2024 Disney Princess Half Marathon in July 2023... over six months in advance!
It's crucial to act swiftly at this stage. Consider setting an alarm to ensure you're ready, as Carlos warned, "...sometimes these runs can sell out within minutes of each other." And indeed, we can attest to that. The race begins before the actual race commences!
Rest assured, you don't need to fret about this initial step. Famvia will ensure you get registered for your chosen marathon. We may not be the fastest on the running trail but in planning an incredible visit, well, we are number one.
Preparation begins
Once you're officially registered, Disney begins guiding you on this exhilarating journey. How, you might wonder? Well, they provide invaluable assistance through training plans crafted by Jeff Galloway. These plans are designed to help you gradually warm up and prepare for the distance you aim to conquer. It's essential to start building your endurance to meet your racing objectives, after all! Time to hit the gym, bud, or start climbing those stairs over and over, let's go!
It's RACE Day!
The half marathon that took place last weekend was 13.1 miles, and at least 18,000 people were part of it. How impressive, right? Even Carlos couldn’t believe the number of people, the energy was lit!
And remember the importance of commitment? It's no joke. The race kicks off at 5 am, meaning an early morning rise is a must. Take Carlos, for example, who was up and raring to go at 2:30 am on a SUNDAY! By 3:30 am, he was already at EPCOT, getting settled in and gearing up for the race. Here's to Carlos, and to the more than 18,000 individuals who joined in on this incredible event. Meanwhile, on Sunday at 2:00 am, I found myself on my fourth Piña Colada at a bar, watching a game with friends. I promise next year I will be more like Carlos.
Once you’re there, people get divided into corrals. There are a total of 5 corrals. In the first one are situated the faster runners, then the second one the experienced runners, and from the third to fifth one are the people that love to be part of the event and just have fun.
Where do you run?
Ok, according to Carlos, for the half marathon “...you leave Epcot, you go, run through the Magic Kingdom, and then you head back to Epcot to the finish line.” Sounds easy, right? Well, it can be fun and exciting, but we wouldn't call it easy.
Thankfully, Disney strategically places water stations every 2 miles, providing runners with essential hydration to maintain their pace and endurance throughout the course.
Do you want to upgrade your experience?
If you need a bit more motivation, then you can get the Photo Pass Set Up. This will get you amazing pics of this major milestone and will keep you smiling and in the best mood through the running, even if you are all tired and drenched in sweat. And no, no need for magic bands for this one.
At the end of the race, Disney will make sure you get all your pics super fast most of the time, thanks to their swift delivery system. Every contest has its assigned bibs, the numbers pasted on your shirts, which are used to tag all the pictures taken to your “My Disney Experience” so, yep, it's a pretty easy and fast process.
Are you up for the challenge?
If you’re willing to step into this journey or decide to go one step further and go through all four parks, then the Marathon is the best option for you. No matter how small or big you think your step will be, Famvia is here for you. Even if you just wish to Marathon parks going from one amazing ride to another!
Once again, we want to give a huge congrats to everyone who has been part of this magical and unique Disney event. But a special honor to our teammate Carlos Hernandez, who has successfully motivated many Famvia members to challenge themselves each day a little bit more.
Until the next one dear friend! Remember, one step at a time.
