The Walt Disney World Marathon presents a uniquely magical and mentally engaging 42.36-kilometer journey through four of the resort's iconic theme parks. The course is a study in contrasts, demanding adaptability from every runner. It blends the festive, high-energy atmosphere inside Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios with long, quiet, and mentally taxing stretches on the resort's connecting highways.

The in-park sections are characterized by narrow pathways, frequent sharp turns, and varied surfaces like the wooden BoardWalk, all requiring constant focus and disrupting a steady running rhythm.

Historically, race day in mid-January offers cool and favorable starting conditions. Runners can expect temperatures around 9°C (49°F) for the pre-dawn start, which provides a comfortable environment for the early kilometers. However, as the morning progresses and the Florida sun rises, temperatures typically climb toward 20°C (68°F).

The accompanying rise in humidity becomes a significant factor, impacting hydration and pacing strategies, especially in the exposed highway sections during the latter half of the race. Preparing for this temperature swing is a critical component of a successful race strategy.

The course is predominantly flat, with over 90% of the route having a grade of less than 1%. The seemingly gentle elevation profile is punctuated by a series of short but surprisingly sharp inclines and declines, which are almost exclusively highway on-ramps and overpasses.

While the total elevation gain is modest, these brief climbs can feel surprisingly challenging, especially in the later stages of the race. Success on this course requires not just physical endurance, but the mental flexibility to adapt to its varied environments, from the festive but complex park interiors to the solitary, demanding open roads.

• Event Date: January 11, 2026
• Event Type: Road Marathon
• GPX Course Length: 42.36 km
• Course Type: Loop
• TrailScore: 59.85
• Total Ascent: 110.73 m
• Total Descent: 117.01 m
• Longest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 6.57, 0.33 km at an average grade of 1.85%
• Longest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 32.56, 0.82 km at an average grade of -0.44%
• Steepest Uphill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 21.38, 0.17 km at an average grade of 4.33%
• Steepest Downhill:
  • Starting at Kilometer 17.59, 0.17 km at an average grade of -4.91%
• Significant Climbs:
  • There are a total of 4 significant climbs on the course.
• Significant Descents:
  • There are a total of 3 significant descents on the course.
• Grade Distribution:
  • Flat: 91.1%
  • Minor Decline: 3.9%
  • Minor Incline: 2.3%
  • Moderate Incline: 1.6%
  • Moderate Decline: 1.2%

The marathon begins at 4:30 AM, plunging you immediately into the pre-dawn darkness. With civil twilight not arriving until 6:54 AM, you'll spend the first two hours running entirely under course lighting, carried forward by the collective energy of thousands of runners around you.

The opening kilometers unfold on the wide, flat expanse of Epcot Center Drive before the course takes you into a quiet, nearly empty EPCOT for the first time. You'll loop through World Showcase and pass iconic park structures before exiting back onto the highway.

This early segment features long, straight stretches on World Drive as you head north toward the Magic Kingdom resort area. The terrain remains overwhelmingly flat, allowing you to settle into a steady rhythm. Your first real elevation change comes at a highway overpass around kilometer 8.4—the first of several you'll encounter throughout the race.

Managing your effort during these early miles is essential. The combination of flat terrain and early-race adrenaline can easily tempt you to push too hard, too soon. Remember to conserve energy for the 30+ kilometers still ahead.

• Navigating in Darkness: The 4:30 AM start means you'll be running in the dark for over two hours. Pay close attention to your footing, especially in crowded areas and on changing surfaces inside EPCOT.
• Early Race Congestion: Despite the wide roads, the initial kilometers can be crowded. Settle into a comfortable rhythm and avoid excessive weaving until the field naturally spreads out.
• Pacing Discipline on Flat Terrain: The flat, open highways after leaving EPCOT present an opportunity to find your groove, but also a temptation to go out too fast. Adhere strictly to your race plan and focus on conserving energy.

• Climb #1: Km 8.39 to Km 8.55, 0.16 km, avg grade 3.99%, total gain 6.56 m

• Descent #1: Km 8.55 to Km 8.72, 0.16 km, avg grade -3.87%, total drop 6.35 m

• Epcot Center Drive (outbound) (Km 1.8)
  • Offerings: Hydration
• EPCOT — Avenue of the Stars (east side) (Km 5)
  • Offerings: Hydration
• North World Drive (Km 8.9)
  • Offerings: Hydration
• Floridian Way — Magic Kingdom resorts approach (Km 10.5)
  • Offerings: Hydration; Food

• Mexico Pavilion (~Km 3.12): Run through the first of EPCOT's World Showcase pavilions on the course.
• Spaceship Earth (~Km 5): Pass by the iconic geodesic sphere at the entrance of EPCOT as you complete the park loop.

This section features the emotional centerpiece of the race: running through Magic Kingdom. After navigating the roads around the resort hotels, you'll enter the park near Main Street, U.S.A., run toward Cinderella Castle, and weave through Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. The energy from spectators and Cast Members reaches its peak here, delivering a powerful mental and emotional boost when you need it most.

This magical environment does require a shift in your approach—you'll need to balance the excitement with careful navigation as the paths narrow and the course takes you through numerous tight turns.

Upon exiting Magic Kingdom, the race transitions to its longest and most mentally demanding highway segment. This stretch along Floridian Way toward Animal Kingdom offers a stark contrast to the park atmosphere, with open exposure, minimal scenery, and fewer spectators to cheer you on.

The course presents two notable overpass climbs during this section, which will test your legs as you approach the halfway mark. This becomes a critical period for turning inward—focusing on your nutrition and hydration strategy while maintaining a steady, conservative effort that will prepare you for the challenges ahead in the second half.

• Navigating Magic Kingdom's Crowds and Corners: The in-park route is known for tight corners and potential choke points. Focus on maintaining a smooth rhythm rather than hitting specific pace targets through this section.
• Managing the Post-Magic Kingdom Lull: After the excitement of the castle, the long, straight highway sections can be a mental grind. Break this segment down into smaller, manageable chunks between aid stations to stay focused.
• Back-to-Back Overpasses: The course delivers two short, sharp climbs at kilometers 17.8 and 21.4. Treat these ramp-like challenges as opportunities to vary your muscle engagement, shortening your stride on the way up.

• Climb #2: Km 17.76 to Km 17.92, 0.16 km, avg grade 4.33%, total gain 7.06 m
• Climb #3: Km 21.38 to Km 21.54, 0.17 km, avg grade 4.33%, total gain 7.2 m

• Descent #2: Km 11.35 to Km 11.52, 0.17 km, avg grade -3.48%, total drop 5.77 m
• Descent #3: Km 17.59 to Km 17.76, 0.17 km, avg grade -4.91%, total drop 8.21 m

• Grand Floridian — Seven Seas Lagoon walkway (Km 13.4)
  • Offerings: Hydration
• Magic Kingdom Park (Km 16.3)
  • Offerings: Hydration
• Ticket & Transportation Center area (Km 18.5)
  • Offerings: Hydration
• Floridian Way (Km 22.1)
  • Offerings: Hydration; Food nearby
• Bear Island Road — Animal Kingdom approach (Km 23.7)
  • Offerings: Hydration

• Cinderella Castle (~Km 15.8) (Spectator Zone): The iconic centerpiece of Magic Kingdom and a major highlight of the marathon course.
• Ticket & Transportation Center (~Km 18.5) (Spectator Zone): A major spectator viewing area after exiting Magic Kingdom Park.

As you enter the third quarter of the marathon, the course takes you on a winding journey toward and through Disney's Animal Kingdom. The approach on Bear Island Road involves numerous turns that can disrupt your rhythm, requiring extra attention to maintain your pace and form.

Inside the park, you'll run through a mix of backstage areas and key park landscapes before exiting back onto service roads. While this section marks a significant milestone in your race, it's immediately followed by another long stretch of highway running that demands mental preparation.

The route along Western Way and West Buena Vista Drive is largely flat and exposed, passing the Blizzard Beach water park. This is often where the race becomes a true test of mental fortitude—the sun is higher, temperatures have risen, and the cumulative effects of the distance are taking hold.

This section presents an opportunity to demonstrate your mental toughness by staying consistent with your fueling and hydration plan. The predictable terrain actually works in your favor here, allowing you to settle into a steady effort while focusing on managing your internal state rather than navigating technical challenges.

• Winding Backroads: The twisting route on Bear Island Road leading into and out of Animal Kingdom contains frequent changes in direction. Focus on running the tangents where possible to conserve energy and maintain momentum.
• The Mental Grind of the Highways: This lengthy stretch of highway running occurs when fatigue is high. It is a critical point to stay mentally engaged, breaking the distance down from one aid station to the next.
• Heat Management on Exposed Roads: With the sun now well above the horizon and temperatures rising, this exposed part of the course requires diligent hydration and heat management to avoid overheating.

• None.

• None.

• Animal Kingdom approach — East Savannah Circle (Km 27.2)
  • Offerings: Hydration
• Animal Kingdom exit roads (Km 29.1)
  • Offerings: Hydration; Food nearby
• Bear Island Road / Western Way connection (Km 30.4)
  • Offerings: Hydration
• Western Way (Km 31.4)
  • Offerings: Hydration
• Western Way — continuing toward Buena Vista Drive (Km 33)
  • Offerings: Hydration
• Blizzard Beach — West Buena Vista Drive (Km 35.2)
  • Offerings: Hydration; Food nearby

• Disney's Animal Kingdom Park (~Km 27.4): The course winds through backstage and guest areas of the park, offering unique views.

The final 5.36 kilometers of the marathon mark a triumphant return to the park atmosphere. The section begins with the course's last significant climb, an overpass leading toward Disney's Hollywood Studios. After a brief but energetic loop through the park, you'll head toward the EPCOT resort area.

Here, the course takes you onto Disney's BoardWalk—a scenic wooden path that circles Crescent Lake. While beautiful, this section narrows considerably, so be mindful of your spacing with other runners.

This leads to your final re-entry into EPCOT through the International Gateway. The last two kilometers become a victory lap around the World Showcase lagoon, where cheering spectators line the path. The energy here is electric and will carry you toward the finish line just beyond Spaceship Earth.

This is the time to tap into your remaining reserves, soak in the atmosphere, and celebrate the completion of your magical marathon journey.

• The Final Ramp: The last notable uphill is the overpass at kilometer 37.2. It's a short but challenging ramp that tests tired legs. Shorten your stride and focus on maintaining effort, not pace, to get over the top efficiently.
• Navigating the BoardWalk: The wooden surface and narrow path around Crescent Lake require careful footing, especially with late-race fatigue. This area can be crowded, so be aware of your position relative to other runners.
• The Emotional Finish in EPCOT: While the finish is near, the loop around the World Showcase is over a kilometer long. Use the powerful energy from the crowds to maintain your form and drive through to the finish line.

• Climb #4: Km 37.16 to Km 37.32, 0.16 km, avg grade 3.08%, total gain 5.07 m

• None.

• Hollywood Studios (Km 37.8)
  • Offerings: Hydration; Food
• Crescent Lake — BoardWalk resort corridor (Km 39)
  • Offerings: Hydration
• EPCOT World Showcase — International Gateway area (Km 40.6)
  • Offerings: Hydration

• Disney's Hollywood Studios (~Km 38.3) (Spectator Zone): A quick loop through the park provides a late-race energy boost.
• Disney's BoardWalk (~Km 40) (Spectator Zone): A scenic path around Crescent Lake with a unique wooden running surface and strong spectator support.
• EPCOT World Showcase (~Km 40.6) (Spectator Zone): The final two kilometers of the race circle the World Showcase lagoon, offering great spectator viewing and a powerful finishing atmosphere.