EPISODE · Jan 13, 2026 · 1H 26M
runDisney Marathon Weekend 2026: Dopey, Course Changes, Expo Wins & What Runners Really Experienced
from The Be Fierce & Tri Podcast · host Sharon Hamilton, John Lesser, Be Fierce Multisport, Jill Bartholomew, Chad Betts, Greg Hasler
Recorded just hours after the final race concludedPanel includes experienced runDisney and Dopey Challenge athletesCovers all race distances from 5K through MarathonHonest discussion of expo flow, merch availability, and pre-ordersCrowd management, corral sizing, and character stop dynamicsWeather conditions and their impact on performance and safetyFueling preferences: gels, chews, real food, and what worked (or didn’t)Medical support and real examples of heat exhaustion and recoveryWhy expectations matter when approaching runDisney eventsLessons runners can apply to future Marathon Weekends If you are training for a Triathlon or Run event of any distance from your first 10k to your first full IRONMAN and beyond, connect with Jill to talk about how to take your performance to the next level! Jill is the Head Coach and owner of Be Fierce Multisport is a full time, professional coach and works with athletes of all skill levels. We also specialize in training for runDisney race, as Jill is an avid runDisney fan with 7 Dopey finishes and nearly 100 Disney races under her legs - she knows the courses and how to train for them!Click here to schedule a consultation Tired of cycling in your basement alone? Peloton and Zwift has gotten old? Try live online group cycling with Be Fierce Multisport - now in Beta and accepting founding members!Join our virtual group cycling beta at 👉 https://fierce.li/cycling Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What this episode covers
The 2026 runDisney Marathon Weekend has officially wrapped — and we’re breaking it all down while it’s still fresh. Recorded just hours after the final runners crossed the finish line, this in-person roundtable brings together experienced runDisney athletes to reflect on their Marathon Weekend experience, including Dopey, the Half Marathon, the 10K, and the 5K. From expo logistics and merchandise to course changes, crowd flow, character stops, weather, and race-day execution, this conversation offers an honest, runner-first perspective on what actually happened out on the course. In this episode, we discuss: First impressions and overall takeaways from Marathon Weekend 2026 Expo logistics, merchandise availability, and Club runDisney changes Crowd density, corral sizing, and character line congestion Course changes across the 5K, 10K, Half, and Marathon Time seeding, pacing challenges, and safety considerations Weather conditions and how they impacted execution Nutrition strategies, fueling mistakes, and what runners actually used The reality of balloon ladies, course cutoffs, and heat management Medical support on course and at the finish line Why different runners approach runDisney races very differently — and why that matters Whether you ran this weekend, are planning a future runDisney race, or just want an honest recap beyond social media highlights, this episode captures the full picture of Marathon Weekend 2026 — the good, the challenging, and the lessons worth carrying forward. 🎧 Recorded live after the 2026 runDisney Marathon Weekend — listen now.
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runDisney Marathon Weekend 2026: Dopey, Course Changes, Expo Wins & What Runners Really Experienced
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