This was the big day, the final event of the Dopey Challenge, the Grand, the Full, and the Great Marathon. Now that we basically were adjusted to the morning routine for the past three days due to an earlier start time of 4:30 AM instead of the 5:00 AM start time. Somewhat rested from taking it easy the last couple of days, we are still walking a little bit like a zombie due to lack of sleep, but even with that, we were ready for the Full Marathon. The same process for preparation, pre-event, running, and finish sequence as we did for the 5k, 10k, and half. Temperatures are great for running, for me. It is cold for the rest of the crew running today, but by then, it should warm up toward the mid-60s.

The Pre-Event:

We started as planned, waking up around 2:45 in the morning; I had the morning oatmeal, banana, and coffee. We were done with breakfast, a quick stop at the bathrooms, and made our way to the parking area by 3:10 this time. We got to the event parking area with no problem and were energized and ready to tackle the distance this morning. To put in place the same fueling approach we did for the half marathon.

Same pre-race waiting area for all the events, tons of runners and some wearing Disney character and other types of costumes. I had a feeling this was going to be a great day. The race start line was at the same spot as the for the half marathon. Just before heading toward the start line, I check my sugars and they are within the range for long runs (170-210). Again at the corrals, great music, more fireworks, the count down for each corral and off we go.

The Event:

Now, even though this was early, we were feeling physically good. The leg felt rested, but it was the lack of sleep that had me just a tad lightheaded. But there was a lot of excitement, finishing 4 back to back events is a big accomplishment. Similar to the half, the initial route goes again from Epcot towards the Magic Kingdom. We grabbed Powerade and water at the water stations and used the same approach for pictures with the characters. If the line was short and/or it was a key character that we wanted it to take a picture with.

After the Magic Kingdom, going through the castle again, we head out back, but this time we go towards were the race track used to be at for a nice run at the parking lot area. And although there were music and few characters, this portion felt way long given to the blandness of just running in a parking lot.

The sun was fully out, but there was some cloud coverage, which kept the temperatures in check. We were making good time when, alongside some of the back roads, there was an amazing section where you see in the distance a dense fog covering the road. Now during this portion, there was not much wind, which helped with having the fog/smoke hanging in the road. As you were getting closer you could hear the music from the Star Wars franchise. And the levels of energy started to go up. Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Jedi, and a Mandalorian character were ready for us to take pictures. It was a half-mile segment that, even though it was daylight, you could imagine the laser lights effect happening when you could hear the X-Wing and Tie fighter firing and hitting the targets around us. It was very surreal and awesome new portion of the event.

We were also going at a very easy pace, still grabbing Powerade and water at all the water stations and grabbing a banana about halfway going towards the Animal Kingdom park. It was a relief to see that the GCMS readings were still in range since I was a little bit concerned that with all the events, physical stress, and tons of fueling, it was going to drive my sugars to the higher side of the range.

We stopped to see if we could ride the Mount Everest rollercoaster, but given that we started in corral D and we were not pressing the pace, the park was already open, and the wait time was going to add 25 additional minutes due to the lines. We decided to skip and continue our journey out of the Animal Kingdom park, back into the road towards Disney Studios theme park.

At mile marker 18, I was doing a quick check and came to one huge realization that we were all feeling GREAT!!!! Our legs although tired, were good, really good. Calvin and Bianca took a salt tablet to minimize the changes of getting cramps, as they were starting to feel it a little bit. That was a great preventive idea and approach. Which shows that they were applying the learnings from the training sessions and previous running events.

I was fully awake by now; my sugars were also good, and we were going to make it. Not only were we going to make it, but we would also feel great at the end. A burst of energy and a huge smile took over me. I knew our current pace. We were playing safe, so we pressed slightly the pace, but stopping to brag about those precious pictures and taking advantage of the water stations.

A quick run to the Disney Studios theme park, which required another set of few turns here and there. We continued to take advantage of the water stations. This time, I started to grab more than two cups, feeling great, and now moving back towards Epcot, a similar route from the 10k earlier this week.

We finished and crossed the finish line strong and with a huge smile. To our surprise, at the end of the event, they were handing out Mickey’s hat commemorating the Marathon. That was a very nice detail and memento for the completed milestone. After that, we took a quick walk to get what we had worked so hard for: the Goofy and Dopey Challenge medals. We met with Sidney and her dad, who finished the event a few minutes ahead of us. Shared a few highlights of the event and great memories. I took a few pictures with Dopey and Jamie, who had a great race, considering the limited training he was able to get done. Huge congratulations to Bianca and Calvin for completing their Dopey Challenge, and even more impressive, Calvin for becoming a marathoner with the completion of the Walt Disney Marathon.

And after ~30 character pictures, 4 events, and 48.6+ miles, the last thing to say is,

Dopey Challenge Completed!!!

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Month/Year	Event	Location	Type	Time
Jan-25	Disney Marathon	FL	Full	5:30:40

Course: Over 30,000 runners. This is a street course. Mostly flat, with some rolling hills and three looped segments. Extremely scenic, going thru all 4 Walt Disney Parks (Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom, Disney Studios and Epcot). Don’t forget similar to the half, you get to run across the castle. The water and aid stations are very well-manned, spaced, and awesome. They have plenty of bathroom along the route too, including the ones at the park that you can use. There are awesome spectators cheering you along the way in several segments of the course. Several school bands provide their music and support. Due to the amount of runners and the picture opportunities similar to the previous three events, I did not consider this event an event to PR for time. But if this is your first Marathon and you just want to finish, I recommend this one 100%.

Venue: Start/Finish at  Parking lost at Epcot Center.

Expo: Huge, excellent Expo.

Weather:  Cloudy, Upper 40ºs at the start with high humidity.

T1D: Sugars with in running range. Adjustments done at fueling remained within decent range.

Fueling Pre-Race: 1 serving Hot Cereal, banana and Latte (Instant Latte). 

Race: Energy gel every 4 miles. Water and Powerade at every water station. I was carrying some Tailwind, which I used instead of a gel.

Post: Banana, water and snack. Later lunch at airport, prior to the flight home.

Learning Points:

• Running a huge event has the disadvantage of lots of walkers.
• Running at Disney Park is an experience in itself.
• Running for fun will yield a good adventure experience and pictures
• Multi-Day challenges are doable and fun.