Orlando Marathon

Disney World plays host to one of the marathons hosted in Orlando. The course takes the participant through the different sections of the amusement park. There are many other activities that happen during the weekend of the marathon. There is a half marathon and other smaller endurance races. As with other marathons there is a health and fitness expo held where vendors will set up, and display and demo their products for the marathon participants. The ultimate challenge of the weekend is Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge. It allows an entrant to participate in both the full marathon and half marathon. They award various prizes and medals to the winners and those who finish the races.

The Orlando Xtreme marathon is an off-road marathon. As with other marathons it is coupled with other distance races such as the half marathon, 5K and 10K. Some of the reviews of the race have reported that signs and information getting to the race site is difficult. They also note that the signs posting directions and course for the half marathon were not specific enough and caused them to not run the proper distance. Others complained of no support at the aid stations and a director who was unfriendly.

Sponsored Links

Both of these races are held near Orlando but the Disney race is probably the better known. In 2007 they are celebrating the 15th anniversary of the race. They are planning some special events and awards for the occasion. Having a couple options within the same city is nice for race participants. Local participants will have the option to do both races if they wish. The only negative is possible scheduling. If the races are scheduled too close together then the runner would not want to participate in both. The Disney World marathon has the benefit of having a lot of extra attractions and a very scenic race route. The negative about the Disney race is that they only have room for a limited number of participants. Not everyone who wants to will be able to participate at Disney. The Orlando Xtreme Marathon is lesser known as it has not been running for so many years so it would have more room for those who wish to participate. If a runner had to choose between these two Orlando marathons they must ask themselves what they prefer. A scenic route going through one of the United States most loved theme parks or a flat nature trail.