Run, Karla, Run!

Goofy high-fives finishers at the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon. (Photo: runDisney)

No Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Meet-Up

I’m attending the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend as press courtesy of runDisney, and I just got word from the folks there that there will be no Meet-Up for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend this year. With four races over the course of four days for the first time in the history of the event, it’s understandable. I’ve interviewed a number of folks on the runDisney team about the logistics of putting on these events. It’s mind-boggling. Don’t believe me? Read the article I wrote about it, Planning Disney Races Takes More Than Magic. But runDisney says they will be doing plenty of Meet-Ups later in the year. So stay tuned for those.

I know that will disappoint many runners who were hoping to get in on a possible Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Meet-Up this year. But there are plenty of other events to keep you busy while you’re not running.

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Schedule

Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo

Wednesday, January 8, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Thursday, January 9, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Friday, January 10, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday, January 11, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Location: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

This is free and open to the public. So many great vendors and gear to get you tricked out for the race.

Pasta in the Park Party

Thursday, January 9 – Saturday, January 11, 2014

Buffet Dinner 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth 9:00 p.m.

Location: Epcot World ShowPlace Pavilion

This is currently 89 percent full, so buy tickets while you can. I’ve been to the Pasta in the Park Party at Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, and had a blast both times. At Princess, I brought my niece and nephew, who learned how to hula hoop and met a few of their favorite princesses. It was a big hit with the kiddos.

Family Reunion Breakfast

Thursday, January 09, 2014
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Location: Epcot

Friday, January 10, 2014
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Location: Epcot

After the Disney Family Fun Run 5K or Walt Disney World Marathon 10K. Tickets to the Family Reunion Breakfast will be on sale at the Expo. Children under the age of 3 are free. If you run the race and then hit the breakfast, where you can meet and greet Disney characters, it’s a lot like attending the Meet-Up.

Cool Down Party at Downtown Disney

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Location: Downtown Disney

Entrance to the party is free and open to the public. Wear your race medal and get discounts at number of Downtown Disney merchants from 4:00 p.m.- 10:30 p.m. There’s food, music and more. It’s a lot like a giant block party.

For more information about all the events happening at the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, read the Official Event Guide.

As a member of the media, runDisney is giving me complimentary race entries, hotel and park tickets for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. I buy my own airfare, most meals, etc. As always, all opinions are purely my own. Disney does not give me talking points, post requirements, story suggestions or the like. As with everything, I choose what I write about, when I write about it, and always give my honest opinion. I firmly believe in being honest about my experiences and Disney is no exception. For more, read my Disclosure Policy.

About Karla Bruning

Karla Bruning is a regular contributor to SHAPE.com, the host of NYRR's On The Run web + TV show, and a race announcer at events like the TCS New York City Marathon. She used to report for Newsweek but spent her free time squeezing in workouts. Now she freelances as a running reporter. She's run 7 marathons, 20 halves, 6 triathlons, sings in an '80s cover band, spoils her dog + travels compulsively.

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