This annual event has been a fixture at Walt Disney World since 1991. The course has changed over time, and this year s race starts and ends at Epcot. A concurrently run half marathon finishes in the Magic Kingdom parking lot. But I am here to run all the way, a full 26.2 miles through the parks and along Disney s network of roads. The enormous crowd filling both sides of the divided highway surges forward slowly like an uncoiling snake.
Spectators line one side of the road, bundled up against the unseasonably cold temperatures.
Chilly for watching but ideal for running. Although it is still quite dark, the entire park is ablaze with lights and music as we wind around the World Showcase, only to exit through another service gate by Mexico. Now we hit the roads for a long stretch up to the Magic Kingdom. The sun slowly rises and begins to warm the air as we race alongside the Monorail whooshing overhead. All along the route are clusters of volunteers passing out water and sports drinks, as well as DJs and cast members encouraging runners with cheers and music.