New features in store for 2012 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA returns Jan. 5-8, 2012 with two new features: a relay option and a new medal.

Runners in the 26.2 mile Disney Marathon can now join a buddy for the Disney Marathon Relay.  Unlike other marathon relays, runners at Disney will each run 13.1 miles through Walt Disney World’s four theme parks.  The first runner will travel through Epcot and Magic Kingdom, while the second runner goes through Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios before finishing at Epcot. 

Both runners receive official half-marathon times as well as a combined team time, plus the new Chip and Dale medal – the first new character medal for Disney Marathon Weekend since the Goofy medal was introduced in 2006.  The Disney Marathon Relay will be run simultaneously with the Disney Marathon and share the same course.

The Walt Disney World Half Marathon also will offer a new feature – a special edition Donald Duck medal to commemorate the 15^th anniversary of the race.

The Disney Marathon Weekend will include a variety of events, including:

• Disney Family 5k Fun Run (Jan. 6)

• Disney Kid’s Races (Jan. 6-7)

• Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge (Jan. 7-8). 

• Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo (Jan. 5-8) at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which will feature the latest in running merchandise, equipment and products, plus health and fitness seminars by leading authorities such as renowned marathon trainer Jeff Galloway, the official training consultant for runDisney.

For more information, go to www.rundisney.com.