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Pennsylvania man wins 25th anniversary Disney Marathon

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — More than 25,000 runners from across the world braved temperatures in the 40s for the 25th anniversary of the Disney Marathon Sunday.

Nicholas Hilton, wearing bib No. 2, was the first runner to cross the finish line at 7:49 a.m. Hilton, who is from Pennsylvania but has lived in Arizona, ran the marathon in 2:17:52.

"It was a fun race," Hilton said. "Once you know you're in the lead, you get a big surge of energy."

Hilton is the first American to win the marathon in 13 years.

Disney holds a special place in Hilton's heart. One year ago, he proposed to his now-wife on the rooftop of the Contemporary Hotel.

"This is a really special place for us to come back here on the year of the anniversary  on our engagement," Hilton said.

Giovanna Martins, of Brazil, was the first woman to cross the fine line at 2:47:22.

"It's a huge emotion. It looks like I'm still in a movie," Martins said.

Martins said the Disney marathon has always been a dream for her since 2011. She ran her first marathon in 2015.

"I had a plan. I wanted to leave a legacy for my nephews and nieces, and I was supposed to win three times in a row so I could bring home three Mickey's," Martins said.

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Some of the runners told Eyewitness News that they were dressed in layers and prepared to take them off while they run. Disney will take the clothes and donate them to local homeless shelters.

"I'm nervous. I'm excited. I don't know if I'm going to jump up and down or throw up," one runner told Eyewitness News.

The 26.2-mile course took runners through all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Viewers will see all the excitement from multiple camera locations as runners make their way through the most magical course on earth.

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Several races kicked off at the theme park Thursday.

The marathon began in 1994 with about 8,200 runners and spectators.

This year's medal showcases the silver anniversary year, while keeping with classic design elements, such as the "Running Mickey."

Watch below: Start of the marathon:

Watch below: The history behind the Disney Marathon

UCF professor runs every Disney Marathon: