Marathon Weekend 2026

[KSellers88]

I think that’s what we all said about Dopey!

And come to the meetups - they are very casual! And you’ll be doing Dopey #2 in no time!

LOL, it is not so much the miles for me as it is the wake-up times. I love sleep.

You're not going to meet a better group of people. Seriously. For me, it was only weird or awkward the first time (because these are now real people and not just screen names with avatars), and after that it's just your friends-from-the-internet that you've been chatting away with for months already! If my introverted husband, who teases me about my "disney running obsessed disboards people" can have a great time at DATW, I feel like that's a pretty good endorsement.


Also. One-and-done. Suuuuuuuure.

I am super introverted so that does help! Definitely can't do DATW because my 4 year old will be arriving on Saturday afternoon, but hopeful for the pre-race ones at least! Thank you for the encouragement

Will reiterate what everyone else said! I had only attended two pre-race meetups prior to last marathon weekend, when I ended up hitting the mini golf outing, Hurricane Hanna's, and DATW, plus the pre-marathon meeting. Everyone was so nice and welcoming and it was part of the reason I had such a good time. I even finished the marathon with @The Expert, @Naomeri, and @Herding_Cats and I'm pretty sure this is the reason why I'm signed up for another one instead of abiding by my Mile 20 declaration of "one and done."

LOL I think everyone feels that way around mile 20!

 

[KCO5988]

Pretty much why I pre-ordered both. I got into the expo this year at around 2pm. The Dopey hoodie was sold out. The race weekend jacket was only available in really big sizes. Luckily I pre-ordered the race weekend jacket. This year I went ahead and pre-ordered both. Got my eyes on the AP shirt and the race weekend jersey. But those usually are usually readily available through out the weekend.

Same. I actually have gold membership but seeing how fast they went last year I was worried that wouldn't even be good enough to get me one. I have a medium in the challenge "sweatshirt" from Princess this year because it was the smallest size left and while it's definitely oversized it doesn't look ridiculous so I just went with that for the Dopey fleece so I don't risk it being too small.

 

[pluto377]

I also went ahead and ordered the Dopey fleece. I don't love the mock up of it, but I figure I can sell it if it turns out I don't like it in person. I'd rather deal with that than disappointment over not getting something to commemorate my last Dopey ;-) Crossing my fingers I got the right size, or if not that there will be someone around to trade with!

 

[jrsharp21]

For the actual race shirts, I think someone mentioned the new shirts ran small. Did they have the new shirts at SS? If so, did they really run smaller than the shirts we have received in the past?

 

[fatmanatee]

For the actual race shirts, I think someone mentioned the new shirts ran small. Did they have the new shirts at SS? If so, did they really run smaller than the shirts we have received in the past?

Yes and yes. Brooks is in charge of the free race shirts and all reports were that they ran a little smaller than usual. Maybe not small enough to require sizing up but it's been recommended to try the shirts when you get there.

 

[nancipants]

For the actual race shirts, I think someone mentioned the new shirts ran small. Did they have the new shirts at SS? If so, did they really run smaller than the shirts we have received in the past?

I didn't run this past weekend, but I tried on someone else's race shirt that was a women's large and it felt comfortable. I usually get a medium and decided to size up for the future.

The material is different, more of a softer meshy type active material that I liked. And the women's fit was a crewneck, which I also prefer.

 

[MissLiss279]

I felt that the medium Brooks shirts fit loosely (which is what I like), but maybe not quite as loose as the previous runDisney version. I would say they are close.

 

[Baloo in MI]

From the big guy perspective I generally get XL, but I went with XXL for the SS shirts. I think it was the right call, I prefer a little loose over a little tight. And that is exactly how they worked out for me. They are a nice material and were very breathable in the hot weather during race weekend. I think it is worth going up a size and really like the Brooks shirts.

 

[KellyKateri]

For the actual race shirts, I think someone mentioned the new shirts ran small. Did they have the new shirts at SS? If so, did they really run smaller than the shirts we have received in the past?

I ran the challenge this year for SS. I usually took a mens XL in previous rD participant shirts, but I found that the Brooks shirts fit larger. I actually just changed my Dopey shirts to mens larges. Also it's worth noting, the women's cut v-necks no longer exist for participant shirts, at least that's what they told me when I picked up my shirts at SS.

 

[PrincessV]

I just tried on my 10-Miler shirt today… as a very petite person, this is the first time a rD shirt has ever fit me perfectly! I got an XS and it’s just right: armholes and waist hit in the right spots, it’s not a mile too long, shape is neither too tight nor too roomy. Shame about the gigantic vinyl appliqué covering the front or I’d actually wear this one.

 

[smileyanna]

I’m registered for my first dopey! Which is crazy to write. I am planning on running the MCM marathon, as a DC local, for my first marathon in October 2025. In goals perspective, I am planning to just get through MCM to feel good about Dopey.

Hey @KellyKateri, I'll be doing MCM to Goofy this year!

It's a great idea to do a local race for your first marathon, especially if you can get your people out to Crystal City for a boost at mile 22ish of MCM!

 

[DianaMB333]

Sharing in case someone want the Brooks collection… telegram alerts with inventory available… how creative!

https://www.facebook.com/100064908120885/posts/pfbid024V9ETatFizKS1keDpWbTLoykhvncZMMh5VDSWjjgbe6EAxoSLuET5e4HmPTGMnpal

 

[KCO5988]

I just tried on my 10-Miler shirt today… as a very petite person, this is the first time a rD shirt has ever fit me perfectly! I got an XS and it’s just right: armholes and waist hit in the right spots, it’s not a mile too long, shape is neither too tight nor too roomy. Shame about the gigantic vinyl appliqué covering the front or I’d actually wear this one.

Okay so this makes me think I need to switch to a men’s size. I have a long torso and am worried about the shorts being shorter.

I am super introverted so that does help! Definitely can't do DATW because my 4 year old will be arriving on Saturday afternoon, but hopeful for the pre-race ones at least! Thank you for the encouragement

Also very introverted. I chickened out on the meetups at princess weekend. Hopefully I can convince myself to at least come to the light pole one day.

 

[Stitch&Co.]

For the actual race shirts, I think someone mentioned the new shirts ran small. Did they have the new shirts at SS? If so, did they really run smaller than the shirts we have received in the past?

I’ve gotten the women’s medium in the past and sized up for MW just in case, but the Brooks women’s medium fit perfectly. I like the crew neck style and the material. It’s not as stretchy as the previous race shirts but I think that actually helps to retain the shape and makes it look better. I just changed my MW shirts back to a medium.

 

[KellyKateri]

Hey @KellyKateri, I'll be doing MCM to Goofy this year!

It's a great idea to do a local race for your first marathon, especially if you can get your people out to Crystal City for a boost at mile 22ish of MCM!

I’m hoping it will also emulate the “big” vibes of the Disney marathon. The MCM just makes sense since it’s where I do all my training anyways. Have you done the MCM before?? I’m looking forward to it, hopefully they have something big planned for the 50th!

 

[MissLiss279]

Shame about the gigantic vinyl appliqué covering the front or I’d actually wear this one.

Yes! I hate the giant appliqués. They don’t breathe well. I mean, I think they look alright, but when it is 90 and steamy outside while walking around the parks, sweat just collects on the back of them.
I like how they have been making their new tanks with sublimation (is that the correct term??), but those aren’t the race shirts.

 

[Novatrix]

I didn't run this past weekend, but I tried on someone else's race shirt that was a women's large and it felt comfortable. I usually get a medium and decided to size up for the future.

The material is different, more of a softer meshy type active material that I liked. And the women's fit was a crewneck, which I also prefer.

Really good to know! I had switched over to the mens shirts because of the deep V on the Disney brand. (Had never had an issue with the Champion Vs). I'll switch my shirt selection back to Women's now.

 

[Fischstick]

SAFD:

I was hoping for Dopey (#5,) and that’s what I got! I, too was originally team “one and done” so you newbies cannot say you haven’t been repeatedly warned……

I use the fun and energy of this weekend to keep me accountable to my mileage for the year. I don’t LOVE running—-even after 10+ years. But it is an efficient way to stay fit. I won’t race Disney because there are boring races with far fewer people for that. Cheaper too!

AND y’all…….Come to the meetups! It really is a lovely group of very nice and kind people. I’m so happy I did and now look forward to each race series because SOMEBODY will be at the light pole!

 

[FFigawi]

I’m hoping it will also emulate the “big” vibes of the Disney marathon. The MCM just makes sense since it’s where I do all my training anyways. Have you done the MCM before?? I’m looking forward to it, hopefully they have something big planned for the 50th!

While Google's AI will tell you that 79,576 people finished the 2024 MCM, truth is it's not quite that big. It's big enough, though, that the vibes are incredible all the way along the course. It's one of the best marathons in the world. No doubt you'll have a fantastic experience. The drummers encouraging you to Beat the Bridge are amazing.

 

[Erika10021]

SAFD: I wanted and got signed up for the Dopey. My hope/plan is just to finish the whole thing.