Every January, tens of thousands of people descend on Walt Disney World to complete the 26.2-mile Walt Disney World Marathon or 13.1-mile Half-Marathon. Disney marathon 2006 took place January 5-8 in Florida. It was the 13th annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend that included a new split-day format, with the 13.1-mile half marathon on Saturday, January 7 and the 26.2-mile full marathon on Sunday, January 8. Disney used to hold both events simultaneously, but for the first time, the full marathon and half marathon were split into two separate days for Disney marathon 2006, with the half on Saturday (January 7) and full on Sunday (January 8). This accommodates more participants in each event and alleviates some of logistical issues Disney experienced in the past. As before, all participants had to maintain a 16-minute-per-mile pace at all times, and you had to complete the full in 7 hours (or the half in 3.5). The Walt Disney World Marathon and Half-Marathon are the only running events at those distances that travel through Walt Disney World. Both events wind through backstage areas normally off-limits to park guests, and the full goes through all four theme parks. Spectators are allowed access to key areas along the course, and cheer the participants along. Cast members from all departments also come out in full force, and costumed characters pose for snapshots at various spots along the course. The course distances are certified, and finishers are timed electronically.
With the races having occurred on separate days for the first time, Disney World 2006 saw a new competition, Goofy's Race-and-a-Half Challenge, offered for registered participants who completed both races - a total of 39.3 miles - across Walt Disney World Resort during the two days. Competitors who accomplished this impressive physical challenge received a special Goofy Medal in addition to the Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse medals, which are awarded to half marathon and marathon finishers, respectively. The Goofy medal is the third in the series of coveted Disney race-specific medals. When the Disney marathon 2006 deadline passed, some 30,000 participants were signed up to compete in the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (16,000 in the half marathon, 14,000 in the full marathon). More than 3,000 participants have registered to compete in both races. During the weekend also featured were: Disney's Health and Fitness Expo at The Milk House at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex on January 5-7.
Following the success of the 12th annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in January 2005, race officials increased race capacity - by 2,000 entries in the marathon and by 4,000 in the half marathon for Disney marathon 2006 event.
The Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon highlight an entire running weekend at Walt Disney World Resort. To complete both Disney's half marathon and marathon in one weekend is an amazing accomplishment. Everyone who participated in Disney marathon 2006 should be proud of their accomplishments. They are the ones who make the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, "the one to run from year to year".