The 2025 Walt Disney World Marathon Course Guide

Running 26.2 in The Magic Kingdom

Note: This guide is based on a GPX file created from an interpretation of the official course map. The official course distance is 26.2 miles, which is the shortest possible route while staying within the course boundaries. The GPX file measures the course at 26.94 miles, so distances in the guide are approximate.

Course Overview

The Walt Disney World Marathon takes you through multiple Walt Disney World theme parks and resort areas, offering a almost entirely flat profile with only a few subtle grade changes. Starting well before sunrise near Epcot, the route travels through iconic locations, including the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street U.S.A., Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and along Disney’s Boardwalk, before returning to Epcot to finish. Runners can expect a festive atmosphere, on-course entertainment, and spectator support at key points.

The 2025 Walt Disney Marathon Course

You’ll begin in cool (for Florida), pre-dawn conditions. Historically the temperature is in the mid-to-high 50’s (°F) at the start with near 90% humidity. Over the course of the day, temperatures have generally approached 70°F.

Early miles unfold on flat roads leading out from and back through Epcot. As day breaks, you’ll move through the parks’ famed landmarks, which help keep you oriented and motivated. While the terrain remains flat, the route involves many turns and transitions between parks. These frequent directional changes increase the difficulty rating compared to other flat courses. Knowing where aid stations, spectator zones, and distinct park features occur will help you maintain energy and pace from start to finish.

Course Segments by Relative Difficulty & Grade for the Walt Disney Marathon.

Key Stats

• Event Date: January 12th, 2025

• Event Type: Road Marathon

• Course Length: 26.2 miles

• Course Type: Loop

• TrailScore: 44.93

• Road Marathon Rating: Easy

• Total Ascent: 154.2 feet

• Total Descent: 154.2 feet

• Longest Uphill: N/A

• Longest Downhill: N/A

• Grade Distribution:

  • Flat: 97.8%

  • Minor Decline: 1.3%

  • Moderate Incline: 0.9%

Course Briefing

Miles 0-7 (The Start Near Epcot)

Overview

You’ll start under the stars in the Epcot parking lot (Groups begin at 4:30 AM and later). Early on, the course is flat, quiet, and straightforward. The pre-dawn environment helps you ease into your effort before the parks awaken. Keep the pace relaxed, maintain good form, and find your rhythm without going out too hard.

Course Map and Grade Analysis for Miles 0-7

Key Challenges

• The long, flat stretches can feel repetitive. Focus on maintaining a relaxed stride rather than pushing too early.

• Limited visibility before sunrise requires attention to footing and spacing among runners.

Aid Stations

• Mile 1.15: Water

• Mile 1.7: Medical

• Mile 3.2: Water + Powerade

• Mile 3.45: Medical

• Mile 4.3: Medical

• Mile 5.5: Water + Powerade

• Mile 5.8: Medical

• Mile 6.5: Food

• Mile 6.7: Water + Powerade

Points of Interest

• Early glimpses of Epcot’s illuminated landmarks in the distance.

• Spectators at the start area (Epcot Rocket Parking Lot).

• From roughly miles 2 - 3.2, you’ll get your first taste of running through a theme park.

Miles 7-13 (Approach & Pass Through Magic Kingdom)

Overview

Around Mile 8, you’ll pass Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and by Mile 9 you’ll enter the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street U.S.A. The park atmosphere will lift your spirits. Enjoy the sight of Cinderella Castle and the excitement of running through a theme park. Keep moving steadily and stay aware of slightly narrower paths.

Course Map and Grade Analysis for Miles 7-13

Key Challenges

• The emotional rush of reaching Magic Kingdom can prompt you to speed up. Maintain your pacing strategy.

• Some sections in the park may require alertness and adaptability to stay on pace; especially if other runners are distracted by their surroundings.

Aid Stations

• Mile 7.3: Medical

• Mile 8.5: Medical

• Mile 8.65: Water + Powerade

• Mile 10.8: Water + Powerade

• Mile 11.8: Water + Powerade

• Mile 12: Medical

Points of Interest

• Mile 8: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa spectator area.

• You’ll spend most of miles 9 and 10 running through the Magic Kingdom with Main Street U.S.A. and Cinderella’s Castle being many runner’s personal highlights.

Miles 13-20 (From Magic Kingdom Area to Animal Kingdom)

Overview

After leaving Magic Kingdom, you’ll run longer stretches of connecting roads as you move toward Disney’s Animal Kingdom (around Mile 17). Morning sunlight emerges as you pass resort areas and backstage roads. Stay mentally focused, as these mid-miles often feel more challenging. Keep fueling regularly and remain steady in pace, preparing for the final stages ahead.

Course Map and Grade Analysis for Miles 13-20

Key Challenges

• Fewer visual distractions and the start of real fatigue. Focus on effort management and mental resilience.

• Slight grade variations are minimal, but even small changes in terrain can feel tougher as the miles add up.

Aid Stations

• Mile 13.9: Medical

• Mile 14.1: Food

• Mile 14.2: Water + Powerade

• Mile 15.2: Water + Powerade

• Mile 17.39: Water + Powerade

• Mile 18.25: Medical

• Mile 18.35: Food

• Mile 18.5: Water + Powerade

• Mile 19.6: Water + Powerade

• Mile 20: Water + Powerade

Points of Interest

• Mile 17 - 17.5: Entering Disney’s Animal Kingdom area, a break from the monotony, and an energetic boost if you have supporters in the park.

Miles 20-Finish (Hollywood Studios, Boardwalk, and Back to Epcot)

Overview

As you push beyond Mile 20, you’ll head toward Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Mile 23.4) and the Disney’s Boardwalk area (Mile 24.4), then back into Epcot for the finish. Each iconic setting provides a mental lift. Though still flat, every step now feels more demanding. Rely on the cheers, maintain a fueling strategy, and focus on reaching that finish line at Epcot’s Eve Parking Lot.

Course Map and Grade Analysis for Miles 20-26.94

Key Challenges

• General fatigue and cumulative stress on legs and mind. Concentrate on form and forward momentum.

• Hydration and energy management are critical as you approach the finish.

Aid Stations

• Mile 21.20: Water + Powerade

• Mile 22.32: Food

• Mile 22.57: Water + Powerade

• Mile 23.14: Medical

• Mile 24.13: Medical

• Mile 24.23: Water + Powerade

• Mile 24.33: Food

• Mile 25.13: Water + Powerade

• Mile 25.42: Medical

• Mile 25.92: Water + Powerade

• Mile 26.02: Medical

Points of Interest

• Mile 23.4 - 23.8: Disney’s Hollywood Studios spectator zone.

• Mile 24.4 - 24.8: Disney’s Boardwalk area.

• Mile 25 - 25.3: Re-entering Epcot before the final push.

• Finish: Epcot Eve Parking Lot, a festive end to your marathon journey.