Walt Disney World Marathon Brings Thousands Together
Today was the final day of the Disney Marathon weekend. This yearly event brings together thousands of runners who take over the streets of Walt Disney World.


runDisney
Family and friends gather together to participate and provide support, but the marathon is more than just running. It is about coming together for fun and community.
Early Morning
The runners began the race at 4:30 AM in cold January temperatures.
The first runner, Vanilson Neves, completed the race at two hours and 27 minutes. This is his third time winning the marathon and the second year in a row.


Runners World
Neves shared, “People have asked me what running represents to me. It’s my life. I’m so happy because I never thought I would be able to visit Disney, and now I’m here.”
The first female runner, Mareille Despress, completed the race just a few minutes later. Ecstatic and exhausted, Despress said, “When I passed into the first place, I was very happy,” she said. I can’t really explain, but I am really proud of myself.”
The Marathon


Photo: runDisney
The 26.2-mile route encompasses all four of the Disney theme parks and draws over 30,000 runners from all over the world.
Dressed as their favorite Disney characters and ready for fun, these participants share a love for Disney and a passion for running.


Brooks
The event includes runners, but plenty of people came out for emotional support, too. “We are here to support my husband, Cody Andrews,” said Lindsey Andrews to WFTV, a race spectator “It’s a hard and long race, so we want to make sure we’re here to support him.”
The Disney Marathon Weekend first debuted in 1994, and it’s just one of many marathon-related events held throughout the year.


Photo: Disney
Runners prepare and look forward to these events, and the combination of Disney fun and the chance to connect with others is a one-of-a-kind experience. Congrats to all who participated!
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Article Source/Photo:WFTV/ Runners World