A Weekend of Numbers

56,000
16,500
39.3
26.2
15
13.1
2
1


What do all these numbers have in common?  They can all be used to describe a special event hosted by Run Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.  This past weekend 56,000 runners took part in various races during the 15th Annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.  Races included a multitude of kids' races, a family friendly 5K, a half marathon, and a full marathon where 16.500 runners ran through the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and EPCOT!  There are even a group of who participate in the Goofy Race and Half Challenge, running BOTH the half and full marathons (yep, 39.3 miles!!) WOW!!


I'm so impressed when I hear the top finishing times.  The first place marathon finisher completed 26.2 miles in 2:19:01, and  the speedy top finisher at the half marathon completed 13.1 miles in 1:10:12. That is close to a 5 minute 30 second per mile pace!!   I'm guessing the top finishers do not stop to pose for pictures with the characters along the race route, lol!  I really can't imagine running that fast.  I am training for my first half marathon (the Walt Disney World Princess Half Marathon, taking place in February 2012) - and I am nowhere close to finishing half the distance in the same amount of time.  I would be thrilled with myself to finish 13.1 miles in close to 3 hours!  I'll chalk the extra time it takes me to finish the race to all the pictures I plan to pose for along the race route! ;)


It's not too early to start planning for next year's marathon weekend!  In fact, there are a few more races this year if you feel inspired.  There is in the Princess Half Marathon Weekend coming up in February; the Expedition Everest Challenge in May; the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler in September, and the Wine and Dine Half Marathon in November. There are even races at Disneyland in California, if running through Anaheim is more your thing.  The Tinkerbell Half Marathon is in January and the Disneyland Half Marathon is in September.  Can't get enough?  You can earn a special "Coast to Coast" medal by completing a race at both Disneyland and Disney World...that's alot of bling!