No one does marathons like Disney and this past weekend runners started out 2018 with a 26.2-mile run through all four Walt Disney World theme parks and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for the 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna.
It was an action-packed race weekend that included the Walt Disney World 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Goofy’s Race and Half Challenge, 5th Anniversary Dopey Challenge, runDisney Kids Races, and the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo.
Victory was especially sweet for runner Nick Hilton, who not only became the first American to win the race since 2004, but also qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for the 2020 Summer Games.
Crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 17 minutes, 52 seconds, Hilton is only the fourth American to win the race. The last American winner was 14 years ago. A Brazilian runner had won the race six of the past seven years.
Celebrating 25 years of running magic with everyone’s favorite host, Mickey Mouse, at the most magical race on Earth, runners took on the exciting Walt Disney World Marathon. The marathon included plenty of surprises, entertainment, and Disney magic along the way.
With special entertainment experiences every half mile along the course, from full marching bands to a 100-member choir to nostalgic Disney movie soundtracks and exciting meet & greet opportunities with beloved Disney characters, the four-park celebration was nothing short of spectacular.
Along with the adrenaline-charged feeling of triumph, every runner received a commemorative finisher’s medal and special 25th anniversary Mickey Mouse ears to wear after crossing the finish line at Epcot.
Congratulations, runners! Check out more race weekend highlights in our video below.