Do people walk the Disney marathon?

Yes, walkers are welcome in a runDisney event. Just be sure to maintain the minimum-pacing requirement for the race you're participating in when walking. If you fall short, no worries! Our shuttle will be along to pick you up at a safe location along the course.



Yes, thousands of people walk the Walt Disney World Marathon (and the Half Marathon) every year. Disney is one of the most walker-friendly race environments in the world, but there is one strict rule: you must maintain a 16-minute-per-mile pace. This pace is calculated from the time the last person in the final corral crosses the starting line. If you fall behind this pace, you risk being "swept" by the infamous "Balloon Ladies" (volunteers carrying balloons who mark the 16-minute pace) and picked up by a bus to be transported to the finish line. A 16-minute mile is a very brisk "power walk," so most walkers in 2026 train specifically to maintain this speed. Disney also encourages "intervals" (the Jeff Galloway run-walk-run method). As long as you stay ahead of the sweepers, walking allows you more time to enjoy the character meet-and-greets and the unique experience of walking through the castle, making it a popular choice for first-time marathoners.

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Crowd Information The Walt Disney World Marathon brings a significant amount of people to the resort, but it really doesn't significantly increase the wait times on any of the attractions.

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Over 100,000 spectators and participants were part of the four-day event. This endurance event was special for 2023 because it was the 30th anniversary, with the first race in 1994. The theme was “retro vibes” and honored the 90s spirit with themed merchandise, entertainment, medals and characters on the course.

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All participants may dress as their favorite character, but must follow these guidelines as determined solely by runDisney: Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent. Participants 14 and older may not wear costume masks of any kind.

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The Walt Disney World Marathon is a 26.2-mile race with a course that takes runners through all four Disney theme parks. This is a very popular race with 20,000+ registered participants every year. The pace requirement is 16 minutes per mile. This race takes place on Sunday of Marathon weekend.

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For the past few years, the marathon finish line has taken place in the EPCOT parking area. This makes it super convenient for spectators since they don't need theme park tickets to enter the EPCOT parking area.

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The only real impact on crowds is that some of them will be wearing their medals in the parks, so you'll get a bit of “clang clang” as people walk about. It's a little busier, but it shouldn't be like “OMG, we can't move!”

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Hills: 2 gradual hills of ~20 feet from miles 10.5-13 and miles 15-16.5. Otherwise, very flat course with minimal elevation change.

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