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2004 Walt Disney World Marathon Report: Cristina Palmisano

Cristina Palmisano

Disney Marathon - January 11, 2004

Race start was at 6:00 in the morning.

Disney bus pick up was until 4:00 so we all decided to take the 3:30 bus to the race area.

We all met at the lobby at 3:15 - and OH MY GOODNESS - guess whose running the half marathon?????

"Minnie" herself  - well not quite - it's Rocky Babe dressed up as Minnie and OH HOW ADORABLY CUTE SHE LOOKED.

The rest of us were sort of bundled up since as you may well know - temp was 40 but the wind chill was 31 so we were freeeezzzzing and it got worse when we got to the race area.

Sat around for hour and a half and since it was mighty cold - we basically hung out by the baggage claim tent until a race volunteer made the announcement that it was time to start walking to the race start - so last pit stop and off we all went.

It was about a 10-15 minute walk - got separated from Rocky Babe and her friend Sheila since they were doing half. We all had separate corrals but we all sneaked into one - Coach - Glen - Ma and I.

Minnie - Mickey - Donald and Daisy Duck said a few words - there was a "wee" bit of fireworks and off we go!

Ma and I ran together- my best memory of the race. When we entered Epcot and because it was still dark  - EPCOT was all lit up and they still had their Christmas decor so we ran through the dancing fountain - the Christmas Bridge (only way I can describe it) that was all lit up and soooo bright - and towards the World Showcase.

We did run through maybe one or two of the countries then exited and started running on the road for about 6 miles heading toward the Magic Kingdom. On the 4th mile - we merged with the half marathoners (the "duckies"). Saw a few Disney characters along the way - Chip and Dale, the little mice from Cinderella and others but I can't remember.

We ran by the Contemporary Hotel and there it is - Cinderella's Castle. SO we ran through it and we're in the Magic Kingdom.  Lots of spectators for a bright and chilly morning on the Main Street -  pretty cool of course.  Characters from the Toy Story giving high fives - or is it high "four"????? It's high four - Mickey - Minnie and all the other characters only have four fingers - did not know that!!!!!!!!!!!! Running along - we go through a back area and you see some of the floats they use for the Parade - that was neat! Not to mention Dopey blowing me a kiss – sweet!

SO it's good bye Magic Kingdom - but gotta say Hi to Mary Poppins by the Floridian - she's only the coolest nanny!  Another mile - and the half "duckies" marathoners will be finishing.  You hear "Half marathons to the left - full marathons to the right" -  Hmmmmmm! Do I wanna turn left?????

NOT!  Just keep running - I've  already got the duck - I'M GOING FOR MICKEY!!!!!

Then it's about 3 miles on more roads before we hit the Animal Kingdom which is like the 16 and 17 miles to the race. Because I'm a true snail - I've now been running past 3 hours and I'm still chilly.  Wind was still gusty on some spots but believe it – I’m still having fun!  Of course it’s still fun – Minnie in her Safari outfit meets me halfway and gives me a high four. How cool is that !!!!!!!  Short visit to the kingdom – pass by the Tree of Life and then it’s more roads. Around the 20 mile is Wide World of Sports where the Expo was held  and you see gigantic balloons of the Little Mermaid and the Genie from Aladdin. Okay – 6 more miles. Siiiiiiixxxxxx moooooore miles ……………. I can do it I can do it I can do it!   We’re in MGM – passed by the Tower of Terror so I’m thinking – I can’t wait to get on that ride with Ma~ - and then you turn the corner and Whoa! New York building is in front of me – that was pretty awesome sight. Then after we ran past that – we go through another backstage  - this time it’s where they make costumes. Okay – now I have to walk just a little more – I’m now looking through the window (noooozy me) looking to see what kind of costumes they’re making but they’re not cause they’re all watching every runner running by and waving – so I wave back but – gotta run. Oh but I can’t forget bumping into a runner when I was so thrilled to see the Beast – talk about awesome  - I couldn’t stop staring at him and not looking where I’m going – I ended up bumping into a runner who stopped in front of me to walk. No sweat – I just thought it was funny. Oh and not to forget the green soldiers. Once we’re pass MGM – it’s running through the different hotels like the Swan, Dolphin, Beach and Yacht Club and the Boardwalk. That was a nice area – but by now I’m just a wee bit tired – 2 more miles – 2 more miles – walk break was getting longer. Then I hear this lady yelling – “just around the corner is Epcot – you’ll go through a bridge and make sure you smile – there’s a photographer waiting for you” – yeah right!  So I wave to the photographer and lo and behold – I’m in EPCOT. Awesome – I got one more mile and I ran through France – Morocco - Japan – America – Italy – Germany – ran through all those countries in less than a mile – where else can you do that??????

Spectators yelling – “ball is just around the corner” – and I ran and I ran – but where is that “freaking” ball???????

FINALLY – I see the ball and now it’s time to sprint. I see the finish and I see Mickey – gotta give Mickey a high four of course! And then I cross the finish. Sloooow but I finished.

All in all – it was a fun race.

But the best fun is just about to begin. That is hanging out with Coach and Ma, Daryl and Kaye, Rocky “Minnie”, Babe, Sticks and Donna, Natalie and her adorable Mom, and not to forget Robbie who was a big help in making all the dinner arrangements. Went to Animal Kingdom, Epcot and MGM. Did the rides with Ma and Donna for the most part. And even saw Cirque du Soleil – LaNouba.

But – it’s time to go home.  It’s a marathon vacation I will never forget. Lots of memories to be had.

Running with Ma in Epcot – hanging out with the Snails – Rocky Babe in her Minnie outfit (too too cute) – riding the teacup roller coaster with Ma and Rock while Rock had us laughing.