• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

runDisney Marathon Weekend 2016 Facts

January 7, 2016 | Disney, runDisney, running

Hey guys! I fly out to Disney TOMORROW for the runDisney marathon weekend! Bags are packed, house sitters at the ready, waivers printed. This one is weird for me because I am just running the half marathon. Last time I was in Disney for marathon weekend, I ran all the races…AKA the Dopey Challenge, so it’s odd to me that when I arrive Friday half the events will already be over! None the less, I am excited to get to take part at all in the weekend that started it all for me as far as distance running goes.

disney half

Anyway, I wanted to share some fun facts with you all so you can follow along with the fun for the race weekend! I will be posting photos on my social channels and I am hoping to sneak in a periscope or two if I remember. (@heathersLG) Also, I will be attending a blogger event with Cigna, the title sponsor for the race, on Friday around lunch time, so be on the lookout! I will be live posting there as well. Also, I will be doing my costume reveal on social media Friday night. So much fun coming up!

photo

I am a numbers geek (aren’t most runners?) and love seeing all the “stats” on marathon weekend. How cool is it that there are more female runners than male, and check out all the countries represented! Crazy to think for the inaugural Dopey in 2014 I was one of those nutty 7,500 who were attempting something never done before in runDisney history!

marathon weekend facts

Also of noteworthy news are some of the cool people that will be attending this years event. One very important one being U.S. retired Master Sergeant Cedric King, a decorated war hero who lost both legs during combat while serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. He has earned both the purple heart and bronze star, and will be running the MARATHON! Cigna CEO David Cordani is running too, in addition to Olympian Paula Radcliffe (5k, 10k, and half), and actors Uzo Aduba, Aaron Diaz, and Laura Flores (5k).

The fun starts THIS MORNING with the 5k, and the 10k will ne tomorrow, with the half and full being run on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

IMG_0078

Also something really cool going on tomorrow is that runDisney is hosting a “state of the sport” forum and race director series. Check out the press release for more info. it sounds like it’s going to be really awesome!

“…Nearly 100 of the most highly-respected names in the global running sector – major race directors, media executives, industry influencers and former Olympic runners – are expected to attend the Jan. 7 forum, making it perhaps the most significant gathering of running industry leaders ever assembled.

The event, staged at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, is being anchored by a panel discussion featuring race directors and executives from the world’s top running events – Peter Ciaccia (TCS New York City Marathon), Tom Grilk (B.A. A. Boston Marathon), Tad Hayano (Tokyo Marathon), Hugh Brasher (Virgin Money London Marathon), Carey Pinkowski (Bank of America Chicago Marathon) and Juergen Lock (BMW Berlin Marathon). The panel, moderated by Runner’s World editor-in-chief David Willey, is expected to tackle several key industry topics, such as the evolving demographics of runners, the impact of the upcoming Olympics, increasing runner participation and other best practices.

Additional speakers expected are Running USA CEO Rich Harshbarger, B.A.A Boston Marathon race director David McGillivray and Maribeth Bisienere, senior vice president of Disney Springs and ESPN Wide World of Sports. Other special guests will be reigning women’s world marathon record-holder and four-time Olympic distance runner Paula Radcliffe and former Olympian and runDisney training consultant Jeff Galloway.

The State of the Sport forum kicks off runDisney’s new Race Director Series, which affords race directors from around the country with behind-the-scenes experiences during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. More than 40 race directors and race management personnel are expected to take part in the series that gives them special access and insight into various aspects of the four-day event operation, plus the Race Director Challenge, a light-hearted competition duringSaturday’s Disney Half Marathon race.

The State of the Sport forum aligns with runDisney’s goal of broadening participation in road running and encouraging people to live a healthier and more active lifestyle. Next year, Walt Disney World Resort will once again become the center of the running universe when it hosts the 2017 Running USA Industry Conference during the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The annual conference brings together industry experts for sessions on best practices, panel discussions, industry awards and more.

Hosting the 2017 conference and this weekend’s forum build on runDisney’s growing stature as one of the leading running series in the world. In the last few years, runDisney has experienced extraordinary growth and popularity with the launch of four new race weekends – including its first international event, the 2016 Disneyland Paris Half Marathon Weekend – and frequent race sellouts at events at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.”

Thoughts? How cool to have so many well known race directors in one place!

Good luck to all the runners out there running any of the distances, especially to the first timers. runDisney is such a special place for a first race, and for that reason marathon weekend will always hold a special place in my heart as my first half marathon back in 2010. Above all else, have FUN, you are running in the happiest place on earth, so celebrate fun, friends, health, and life!

photo (58)

QOTD: If you could run with any celebrity, who would it be?

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says

    January 7, 2016 at 6:45 am

    That is just amazing about the war veteran!
    We will be attending the Cigna event too and some of the others. Perhaps we will see you there!

  2. Melissa says

    January 7, 2016 at 7:52 am

    Ah, that takes me back to Dopey weekend. I can’t believe that was 2 years ago already, and I got pregnant with Ellie shortly after!

    • Heather says

      January 7, 2016 at 8:01 am

      Yes! I was pregnant when I Ran dopey but I didn’t find out till the next weekend!

      • Melissa says

        January 12, 2016 at 7:48 am

        I don’t know how you did that! I mean I guess if you don’t know, it’s not so bad. But eesh!

  3. Lesley says

    January 7, 2016 at 7:55 am

    I saw the news about Paula yesterday and got jealous. Of course, I’m jealous of everyone when I can’t be at Disney for marathon weekend, whether I’m running or not. Before I was running, the feeling was still very electric and it was exciting to be there.

  4. Frank@TheFatRunner says

    January 7, 2016 at 2:04 pm

    Well, hopefully I will finish the Goofy Challenge this year. Maybe I’ll see you during the Half!

    • Heather says

      January 7, 2016 at 2:06 pm

      Didn’t k ow you were running! Fun! I’m in corral F I think

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Family Fun in Tuscaloosa: Your Ultimate Getaway Beyond Game Day
  • 5 Reasons to Try a New Way of Travel
  • Experience Superhero-Sized Fun at Gaylord Opryland DC Summer
  • Digital Nomads: Safely Working Remotely While You Roam
  • Tips for Surviving (and Thriving) as a Travel Ball Mom

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
If you’ve ever dreamed of a mountain escape that If you’ve ever dreamed of a mountain escape that feels worlds away but is still right in your backyard, The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa delivers every single time. 🏔✨ ad

This historic resort is over 100 years old, perched with stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views, and filled with charm—from the grand stone lobby and roaring fireplaces to the award-winning spa that feels like stepping into another world. 💆‍♀️🍷

Right now, locals can take advantage of their Neighbors Special through October 9, making it the perfect excuse to enjoy luxury close to home. Whether it’s sipping cocktails on the Sunset Terrace, relaxing in the mineral pools, playing a round of golf, or just soaking in those mountain views, this is the kind of getaway you’ll be talking about long after you check out. 🌅✨

#GroveParkInn #OmniGroveParkInn @omnigrovepark  #NeighborsSpecial #BlueRidgeViews #LuxuryEscape #NorthCarolinaTravel
YAS (evil) QUEEN! 👸🏻 Had a blast at Mickey YAS (evil) QUEEN! 👸🏻 

Had a blast at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party with @themeparkfrog and @waltdisneyworld! So much more content to come, be sure to check out my stories for more party fun! 

And if you are coming to WDW for MNSSHP, check out Undercover Tourist for discounted tickets and event guides, tips, and more! 🎟️ 

#froghopwdw #disneyhalloween #bootoyou #notsoscary #disneyworldhalloween #halloweenatdisney
🏈🍊 Calling all Tennessee fans! Headed to Atl 🏈🍊 Calling all Tennessee fans! Headed to Atlanta for the big game Aug. 30? Make Signia by Hilton Atlanta your home base (or your pregame headquarters). It’s the closest hotel to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Atlanta’s newest luxury hotel is packed with everything you need to kick off football season in style— a sports bar next to the stadium, a beautiful Lobby Bar for post-game drinks as you wait out traffic, a serene boutique spa and unbeatable game-day energy.

From rooftop pool vibes + @spasigniaatlanta treatments to cold brews + stadium views at @nestonfour sports bar — and  @capolineaatlanta (one of the best places to eat in downtown Atlanta) — you’ll be right in the heart of the action.

#hiltonpartner @signiabyhiltonatlanta #signiabyhiltonatlanta #mercedesbenzstadium #tennnesseefootball #rockytop #tennesseegameday
🎃👻 Getting ready for Halloween at Walt Disne 🎃👻 Getting ready for Halloween at Walt Disney World is half the fun! 

I checked the Undercover Tourist Crowd Calendar to pick the best park days, browsed their planning guides for all the spooky must-dos, and even grabbed discounted tickets (more treats, less tricks for my wallet 🐸✨).

If you’re planning your own Halloween trip, head to UndercoverTourist.com for expert tips, tricks, and ticket savings so you can spend less time stressing and more time making magical memories.

#FrogHopWDW @themeparkfrog @waltdisneyworld 
#UndercoverTouristPartner
#bootoyou #mickeysnotsoscary #disneyhalloween #disneycreators
#FirehouseSubsPartner Summer has moods… and Fire #FirehouseSubsPartner Summer has moods… and Firehouse Subs has a sub for all of them. 😎💁‍♀️

Try the Smokin’ BBQ Triple Stack Subs—loaded with slow-smoked brisket, turkey, and honey ham, all stacked high and sauced your way.

✨ Classic BBQ = sweet, smoky, chill 
✨ Carolina Gold = tangy, crispy, bold

They’re stacked and sauced to power your summer. But they’re only here for a limited time—so don’t miss your flavor mood. @firehousesubs

#TripleStack #StackedForSummer #BBQSeason triplestack #bbq #summer
We tried. There’s always next summer. 😬 #bus We tried. There’s always next summer. 😬

#busymoms #momlife #mommeme #momlifebelike #summerisover #momfriends
5th grade. ✏️ 🍎 📚 Today she left eleme 5th grade. ✏️ 🍎 📚 

Today she left elementary school to change classes all by herself, do homework on a Chromebook, and basically be a grown up at school. 😭

How did we get here? She was just lifting her arms up saying “mommy, hold you!” And it felt like yesterday. It’s bittersweet watching her grow, but I know she is going to do amazing things. She’s got a special fire inside of her that can’t be taught, and I know it will take her far in life.

Chase your dreams baby girl. We will always be right here cheering you on. 🩷 @theprincessek 

#backtoschool #firstdayofschool #fifthgrade #5thgrade

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

%d