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| | Disney’s Endurance Series | |
The Endurance Series at Walt Disney World Resort gives recreational athletes of all ages and abilities the chance to walk, jog, run, bike and swim their way “around the world.” From marathons to road races to triathlons, athletes from across the country and around the world compete to stay in shape, achieve personal best times and raise donations for charitable causes.
Popular Endurance Series events are the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon presented by Cigna, Champion 5K at ESPN the Weekend, Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Lady Foot Locker, Expedition Everest Challenge presented by Champion and the inaugural Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend.
| | Walt Disney World Marathon | |
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA (Jan. 6-9, 2011), part of Disney’s Endurance Series, culminates with a magical 26.2-mile journey through all four Walt Disney World theme parks and several resort hotel areas that is regarded as one of the top marathons for “first-timers” (and veterans alike).
The gala, sports-filled weekend features a variety of events for all ages and running abilities – kids races, a Family Fun Run 5K, Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, the Disney Half Marathon and the Disney Marathon, plus the Health & Fitness Expo.
| | WDW Marathon Race Enhancements for 2011 | |
As part of Disney’s ongoing efforts to encourage guests to celebrate the milestones in their lives at a Disney park, finishers at the Disney Marathon on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011, will receive complimentary admission to a Walt Disney World theme park the Monday after the race
For the first time in event history, athletes and fans took part in an online poll to choose the design that would grace the coveted medal given to finishers of the full marathon. After receiving more than 50,000 votes, the top vote-getting design – Mickey Mouse, in his running gear, breaking the tape at the Disney Marathon finish line – was chosen. The medal will be awarded to full marathon athletes who finish the race within the time limit.
“Running 26.2 miles is quite an accomplishment even if you’re energized by Disney entertainment along the way, so what better way to celebrate such an achievement than a complimentary fun-filled day at Disney where you can show off your new medal,’’ said Faron Kelley, director of marketing for Disney Sports. “These new features are just more ways runners and their families can combine their passion for running with a memorable trip to their favorite vacation destination.’’
For athletes that desire even more of an endurance test, there’s Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge. Participants in this event compete in the Half Marathon on Saturday and then the Marathon on Sunday. If athletes finish both races within the time limits, they are awarded a very special “Goofy” medal.
The magical miles in the half marathon and marathon are highlighted by high-energy entertainment – including special appearances by Disney characters – providing a unique form of motivation for athletes. In fact, it’s not unusual to see runners actually stop along the course during the race and stand in line to have their photos taken with the Disney characters.
Note: The Disney Marathon Weekend races traditionally have filled to capacity. Guests can check current registration availability at www.disneyworldmarathon.com.
| | Expedition Everest Challenge | |
Expedition Everest™ Challenge, a race adventure with bite, is coming June 12, 2010 to Disney's Endurance Series. Just after sunset, teams of two take on the exotic terrain of Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park in a fun, competitive 5K adventure run with obstacles followed by a scavenger hunt.
The reward for completing the challenge is an exclusive after-hours party at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. If you have what it takes to conquer this challenge, then find a teammate and join the trek! The challenge and the party will double your fun! If no one will brave this adventure with you, then sign up for the solo trek
| | Disney's Princess Half Marathon | |
Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend brings women of all ages together to participate in a magical event designed just for them. The Disney Princesses are the inspiration for the weekend's events and will focus on the attributes every princess possesses: commitment, courage, determination, fantasy, perseverance, and strength.
| | Inaugural Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon | |
The Inaugural Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon will be run on a brand new half marathon course at the Walt Disney World Resort, and it will be run at night! Where else can you run a half marathon at night? Running through theme parks and world-class Disney entertainment along the way will make the miles fly by, but what could motivate you more than finishing inside Epcot® to an exclusive after-hours party inside the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival? Culinary delights and specialty drinks from around the world await you along with an inaugural finisher medal! This race experience will be the ultimate "Runner's Night Out". Mark your race calendars now for the race weekend with a party you don't want to miss!
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