January 7th through 10th will be a weekend filled with various races and health-oriented events. The weekend kicks off with Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex. This is the place where race participants pick up their race packets and shirt numbers. The Expo also features guest speakers on topics of nutrition, training, and racing. Celebrity runners will also make appearances during this event.

You don’t have to be a marathon-caliber runner to participate in the Marathon Weekend. There are several different races that you could compete in from a 5K to a marathon and a half. The 5K is great for beginners, at only about three miles. And you don’t have to be concerned with actually running the whole time. If you need to slow it down and walk some of the race, that is fine. It’s a very good length race to try for the first time and what better atmosphere to run in than Disney World! It’s always easier to run when you have fun and entertaining things to look at along the way.

There are longer races, too. If you want a little bit more of a challenge, the half marathon, 13.1 miles could be for you. This race starts in the Magic Kingdom and finishes in Epcot . And it wouldn’t be called a Marathon Weekend without a marathon. The Disney Marathon is one of the most fun races in the country. If you are trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon or another renowned race, the Disney Marathon is a great time to do it. Running through the magical worlds of Disney theme parks provides extra motivation and interest, which can give you the boost you need to push yourself a little further. This 26.2-mile race winds you through all four Orlando Disney parks – Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.