2017 Walt Disney World Marathon

On January 8, 2017, More than 17,000 run Disney fans joined me for my first Marathon. It was also one of Disney's coldest race starts.
I finished with a time of 5 hours 36 minutes. That's not bad for a legally blind guy with 20/3000 corrected vision. I will always remember this achievement. And, I have this video to remind me.
I know it's long, but so is a Marathon.
I have boiled the 26.2 miles and 3 hours of video to about 30 minutes.
03:35 My Start
09:21 Magic Kingdom
15:25 Animal Kingdom
19:08 Wide World of Sports
23:32 Hollywood Studios
25:48 Epcot
28:48 Finish Line
Congratulations to all the finishers.
I'm looking forward to the 25th Annual WDW Marathon and Dopey Challenge in 2018.
I'd like to Thank Disney.
All of the music in this film is copyrighted by the Walt Disney Company. (and, therefore, may prompt ads or blocks. I don't see any country blocks because of the copyrights, but some devices may not be able to see this. My apologies.)
Music (in order:)
"A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes" from "Cinderella" 1950
"Let It Go (instrumental)" from Frozen Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
"Magic Kingdom Entrance Loop" featured at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World
"Feed The Birds" (Orchestral version) from Mary Poppins Original Motion Picture Sountrack
"Kilamanjaro Safaris Radio Music- Hapa Duniani -" featured at Animal Kingdom
"Life Is A Highway (Instrumental)" from Cars Original MOtion Picture Soundtrack
"Hollywood Studios Loop"
"Soarin' Over California" as featured on the Soarin' Ride at EPCOT

[@martygardner57]

Thank you so much for documenting these races and your training, Gerald! I am finishing up my 2nd month of WDW Marathon training and just sitting here crying like a baby from a combination of the emotions I felt finishing Dark Side and what I know to expect to experience in January. You are inspiring me to try and create my own video diary just so I can record this monumental experience in my life.

[@RezRuns]

I like to watch these "old" races from time to time too... I get a tear in my eye. The Marathon was especially emotional for me at Mile 25! Oh ... get ready for it! :) BTW ... do it! get some video ... get some pictures ... I always say the more the merrier... these are the things we want to see when we are older and can no longer do it :)

[@cyrusmorgan3248]

This was the video I discovered on KZbin last October which got me so excited for my upcoming Disney Half Marathon. I was impressed with the video quality, music, and editing of a race which holds a special place in my heart having been my first marathon back in 2008. I watched the video 3 or 4 times the day I discovered it and countless times since. My wife and kids even enjoy it! Gerald, it was great meeting you at the Boardwalk last Friday. I just got a Gmail account so I could finally follow your channel, like, and comment (you practically guilted me into it!). I was floored to find out that you were born and raised in Bucks County and that we are fellow Temple alumni. It really is a small world...no pun intended. I look forward to you putting out videos for this year's WDW Marathon weekend when you've had time to recover from your exertions. I would also love to see your footage from the Philly Rock 'n' Roll Half or as I remember it, the Philly Distance Run.

[@jerseyforhawks]

Hey Rez, my first marathon was this chiller, with my 18 year old daughter. I recall the mylar sheets flying in the corrals like tissue kites. I stepped off the bus in shorts and Quickly put on an extra pair of warmups, oh boy. So many great memories, we will be back in 2023 for the 30th anniversary. Cheers, enjoyed the rewind. Holy cow, at 21:30, it's me(green shirt) and my daughter (blue), omg, at the stadium on the big screen. THANKS. Do you recall the huge Blue Genie runner and his Red Magic runner friend ( no shirts) , stellar costumes.

[@RacerX64]

Great job! My sister, niece and I were supposed to run the half on Saturday, we said what the hell and ran the the full. We finished about 45 mins behind you and one of the greatest experiences of our lives. Wish we could have said hello to you. Love your videos!

[@RezRuns]

Thanks Chris. Now, that is an awesome story. You all chose to run the Marathon. Had any of you trained for more than 13.1 miles? How did you all feel after? Congratulations. Nothing like a surprise Marathon. :)

[@RacerX64]

Thank!, my Sister and I had only trained for the half marathon. My niece had not run any appreciable distance in the 3 months prior. Of course she's 25 and in great shape :-) I was tired afterward and interestingly was very tired for about a week after the marathon. For an entire week I went to bed earlier than I ever had in my life :-) We really enjoyed marathon weekend and are now signed up for the Dark Side in April and you've inspired me to sign up for the Goofy challenge next January :-)

[@RezRuns]

That's awesome Chris. Get Goofy my friend. I'll be there too .. Dopey this time. Following the training plan. I was surprised at how well I felt after the race. You know? With my vision issues, it's difficult for me to pick anyone out of a crowd while I'm participating... but, keep an eye out for me during Star Wars Dark Side. I'll be doing both the 10K and Half. Say, "Hi!"

[@TheHermistonNetwork]

Great video and congratulations on a great run. The 2017 WDW Marathon was my first marathon and first runDisney event. Such an unforgettable experience. Thank you for posting this and allowing me to experience it again.

[@RezRuns]

You're are most welcome Lee! We were first timers ... together! So ~ we share the moment. Here's to the next race.

[@carrieannbeckerfishman4292]

I am having so much fun running with you! you took the dread out of my dread mill!

[@RezRuns]

Thank you . Now, that makes me giggle. "Dread Mill!" LOL.

[@ccerny1]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Running my first marathon at Disney in 2018. Your video was so helpful, informative, and inspiring. Well done!!! Sharing with my running group.

[@RezRuns]

You're Welcome X3! :) You'll never forget your first! Good Luck with your training and the Marathon ... I can't wait to start training for Dopey 2018.

[@ccerny1]

Just watched your video again. I ran into you on Sunday on the way to AK. "Christine from Michigan". :-) Thanks again for your video! I'm sharing with a friend who was inspired to run WDW in 2019. Warmest wishes for a healthy 2018!

[@HeatherJergensen]

Somebody recognized you!! I love that! Great job and congratulations on your finish...it was really a tough day. So excited for Dopey next year!!

[@RezRuns]

I was surprised too. Four people said "Hi." I think it's my voice ... it carries. The 2nd guy in the video (Eric) was at the back of the bus I was on and heard me gabbing away LOL Are you going to try Dopey again? We will definitely have to run a race together! :)

[@HeatherJergensen]

I had a woman come up to me at the expo... she recognized me from my videos and told me she loved the channel. It was heartwarming (and my kid saw it, too...he thinks his mom is famous, now). And yes, I AM doing Dopey again, and I'd love to run a race with you! That would be so fun!

[@RezRuns]

It is surprising to find people pay attention :) Looks like we have a year to coordinate a race. It'll be fun. :)

[@alexcuddy973]

Planning to run this as my first marathon next year. This video got me so excited even though January is a long way away! Awesome job 👍

[@ashleyozark2586]

You and I finished around the same time! I think I saw a bit of me in EPCOT. Congrats on your first marathon! Love your videos!

[@RezRuns]

It always makes me smile when someone finds themself in a video .. my eyes are so bad ! I can barely see the course. Congratulations on your Marathon finish. :)

[@Disneylover25.]

Not sure I like the cuts with the music but I love the video

[@RezRuns]

Thanks. Most non runners have 0 "zero" attention span for long stretches of running video. Plus ... it's nearly impossible to run 26.2 and get the whole thing ~ so editing is necessary. I simply use the music bed as another tool to "move" the video along. In my former life (in TV) I learned most people don't actually watch everything ... but simply "tune in" and pay attention when they hear something interesting. Hey .. I'm always open to suggestions to make things better. Where didn't you like the "cuts?"

[@Disneylover25.]

RezRuns I am a runner and I love your videos. I think you’re an inspiration. I just didn’t like the cuts in this particular video. It was mainly in the cuts of your feet that were strange. Also it was the parts where there was music interrupted by talking that was just a little strange. Like during frozen you muted the song to ask about the water then played again. Maybe next time just lower the volume of the song when you talk? Otherwise I adore the videos

[@andyyacos901]

Congratulations, you really captured that race. It was a cold one that morning; my daughter and I were quite chilled. Well done, thank you for sharing.

[@danaelizabethx]

Great video!!! What an awesome feeling it must be running through the castle!! I signed up for the dopey challenge next year- so excited!!!

[@monicafortier1787]

this is giving me such feels! this was also my first marathon experience as well. i am so glad people like you captured it on film, because I so wish I had! you actually caught me on film, which is so cool! I am in the little mermaid get-up at about the 15:05 mark. seriously, thank you! my family couldn't join me in florida so I am excited to share this with them! Congrats on a great run!

[@RezRuns]

Congratulations Monica! :) I can't believe you found yourself in the 30 minute video. That's great. We'll never forget our FIRST! I hope you get to run Disney again sometime.

[@monicafortier1787]

thank you! i just signed up for the marathon again for next year! I wasn't sure I would do it again, but how can I not?! already can't wait!

[@RezRuns]

You're welcome. *I think* LOL You ARE thanking me for enticing you into a 26+ miles adventure! Happy training. See you there.

[@rwmarshall]

Great video. It brings back a lot of memories. It was my first marathon, as well. I just signed up for the Dopey challenge next year.

[@ArnoldG168]

Awesome video, you seem a pro in handling your camera. I have run this race for the past 2 years and it's amazing to watch and rekindle the spirit of being there. Hope to run with you next time so I can be in your video too lol.

[@reneequebral4997]

I recently started walk/running and I love your videos. I signed up for the virtual runs and I hope someday to run a race at Disney. Thanks for keeping me entertained and inspired.

[@RezRuns]

You're very welcome Renee! I walk/run a lot too. It's a great way to build endurance and prevent injury. Hope to see you at Disney soon. Spanky and I will be joining you for the Virtual Runs this summer.

[@stephanietisdelbutler614]

Thoroughly enjoyed these videos from the start of your training to the finale with your completed marathon and medal. Congratulations!!

[@RezRuns]

Thank you Stephanie. You have been such a motivating factor for me. I have truly appreciated all of your comments.

[@rjmcnamee]

This was awesome! Congratulations, again :D During the part when you were getting into corral I, I was somewhere at the front of corral J, huddled on the ground, freezing under a black garbage bag until we could finally start running (this silly northern Canadian girl, wearing shorts, didn't think she needed throw-away gear *sigh*). Those agonizing moments (many, many moments) were likely the worst physical experience in my life ... ever! Your video brought it all back to me... But, I could feel myself warming up as I watched LOL. There were so many good moments that day, they cancelled out the bad ones, ten-fold! I used my GoPro to video some of my experience, but I'm such a newbie, I still have to learn how to edit and try to make it into something watchable. I'll be sure to share your video with my running friends here at home. It definitely gives viewers a real taste of this year's WDW Marathon. Thank you!!

[@RezRuns]

Thanks Jean. It was a crazy race. Who could imagine coming to Florida and being that cold? ... and, I live here. You know? Normally, these Disney races look like an explosion of color and costumes ... this one was more like a hobo convention. What did you think of my GoodWill donatin shirt? ... it never came off. I'm glad I could help you relive the experience .. all of those twinges of pain and small cramps LOL :) Cheers.

[@compgeek214]

Awesome video! Brings back awesome memories! Can't wait for Dopey 2018 (and Princess, Dark Side, DLP Half, and Wine and Dine)! If I spot you at Dark Side, I'll say hi!

[@RezRuns]

Thanks. Keep an eye out for me at Princess Half (as Prince Hans) and DarkSide Weekend. When are you doing DLP Half? I am leaning toward Sept. 2018. Wine&Dine Half only if I don't do Super Heroes. Happy training my friend.

[@samt2805]

Wow well done.I'm preparing for my first marathon.I'm struggling with injury but vids like yours keep motivated.Thanks.

[@RezRuns]

You are most welcome. Take care of yourself ... and listen to your body. But, most of all... as a good friend of mine told me ... put in the time and distance and you will succeed. Good Luck. That FIRST Marathon Finish Line is an unforgettable experience.

[@Ichneumonidae2]

Hey Rez - WDW 2017 was my first marathon and I've been following your journey through your videos. Awesome job on the edit and on the run!!

[@RezRuns]

Thank you. I appreciate it. How was your first? It was mine too. I felt, surprisingly, good throughout the 26.2. Maybe next year will be a bit warmer. :)

[@Ichneumonidae2]

Didn't hit my time goal but had a lot of fun! Can't wait to run another one :)

[@RezRuns]

It's hard to hit goal times at Disney. Check out the log jams at mile 1 in the video ... know what I mean? LOL

[@kathyaguier193]

Love watching your videos! I don't know if I told you this, but I am registered for the Disney Princess Half Marathon next year! Am excited about it, but I don't want to get TOO excited, after what (didn't) happen this past January! On an even happier note, I did the runDisney Virtual Running Shorts, breaking prs each time-45:00, 44:49, and 41:47!! you really inspire me with your awesome videos! BTW, last Sunday I ran the Cleveland Rock City 10k in 01:32:12!! they also have the 5k and Half Marathon,,

[@travelinquaker8598]

Thanks for sharing! We'll be at Dark Side, and the full for the anniversary in January. We do one RunDisney a calendar year. Has been super fun to follow your training (and been great motivation for me as I battle the heat in SWFL.) Keep up the good work and thanks for the vlog!

[@RezRuns]

Thanks Sasha ... you've all been super motivating for me battling the heat here in Central FL ... LOL I feel your pain. Have fun at Dark Side ... hopefully you'll see me there! Say, "Hi" if you do. I hope to start training for Dopey in early July. I may have to switch to one a calendar year (by the way) ... these Disney races are expensive!!! :)

[@c4r0l1n4]

That was awesome, thank you for sharing your whole experience. All your hard work paid off; you looked like your were running comfortably all the way through the end!

[@RezRuns]

It was a surprisingly comfortable run. I probably could have picked it up a bit. Crazy how dehydration affects you during the race. I think you can physically see it on my face from beginning to end.

[@c4r0l1n4]

That's why you gotta double fist that Powerade, lohl!

[@RezRuns]

OK .. miss C ... you carry a camera too! It's hard to "double fist" when you've got a GoPro, gimbal or smartphone in your hand. LOL Maybe I should wear a hydration vest ... or smear on extra moisturizer! :P

[@RezRuns]

besides ... I hate giving away that I'm not a fresh-faced 28 year old. :P

[@stacywelk3766]

thank you for this. A lot of work! Was so nice to relive all the race moments, some I had forgotten.

[@knight8241]

Awesome video. Your passion really shines through the whole way. Congrats on the epic finish as well!

[@RezRuns]

thank you ... I hope this year's turns out even better.

[@martygardner57]

Hey Gerald, just watched your 2017 WDW Marathon Video for about the 4th time to get inspired to go out and do my 26 mile training run this morning. Thanks. 👊

[@RezRuns]

That is so awesome Marty! How did it go? I just did my 26.2 (flipping Week 22 and Week 25 ... so I can taper properly for the WDW Marathon.) See you soon. :)

[@martygardner57]

RezRuns It went great! 5 hours and 28 seconds. I believe I can reach my goal of 4:40 with a taper and the Disney energy. I kept visualizing the scenery from your video during my looong run.

[@RezRuns]

Kudos my friend! We're at about the same pace... however ... I'll probably slow it down dramatically so I can get a lot of great video.

[@JGlennFL]

Great job! Thanks for posting all of these videos. It's too bad they cancelled the half, but better safe than sorry when it comes to lightning. I ran the marathon as well. I thought it was tough to balance the temps. I was sweating in the parks and sheltered areas, then freezing in the wind again. Rinse and repeat. I still had a blast, though. Already looking forward to next year!

[@RezRuns]

I agree about the temperatures. I really wanted to shed my Hobo, Good Will shirt a number of times ... but always felt a chill .. even toward the end. Congratulations on our finish. See you next year.

[@runningrobz2862]

great videos! I laughed out loud when I realized I was in a few shots around the magic kingdom. Great run and great videos! It was a pleasure to meet you at the marathon. Hopefully I'll see ya at Dark Side or Dopey coming up!

[@RezRuns]

OK ... RZ ~ now, I'll have to go back and look. I hate my eyes. I know you were with me during mile 5 ... but I thought I lost you. Keep an eye out during Dark Side and Dopey (not sure yet about Wine&Dine or SuperHeroes)

[@MarkSidneyDuplessis]

Loved the video. Did my training run today while watching it.

[@RezRuns]

That's awesome. Did it help? I wish I had better (distance) eyesight. I'd spark up the table and do the same thing on my elliptical. I'm assuming you were on a treadmill. :)

[@MarkSidneyDuplessis]

RezRuns it helped and yeah it was a treadmill. Too hot in New Orleans to be outside right now.

[@RezRuns]

Another guy surviving the Deep South. LOL N.O ... bucket list trip. What's the saying? "... les bon temps roulez!"

[@DisneyPrincessRun]

Great video! I just subscribed and will have to watch your past videos. I've done many disney 1/2's but next year will be my first marathon!! I hope it doesn't kill me!! I live in upstate NY so fall/winter training won't be fun! I'm doing Gasparilla next weekend but then disney marathon and Princess 2018. ( and cleveland , mighty niagara 1/2's this summer to stay in the " distance" game . )

[@daband24]

Congratulations! Loved all the footage.

[@valc7491]

Pretty awesome and congratulations on the whole weekend. Maybe I'll see you at dark side in April

[@amandastella987]

Hey Rez. Love your videos. Are going to do more training series videos. They are motivating me for the wine and dine 10k this November. Hope you do more videos soon! You do a great job!

[@RezRuns]

Thank you very much :) That really means a lot. They're (videos) on the way. I had to take a little break. I was burned out both physically after 6 months and roughly 600 miles of training for the Goofy Challenge and ... burned out mentally from all of the endless hours of editing. I'm trying to get/incorporate some new equipment and different ways of presenting the videos so they don't get boring to me or you!

[@sjvincent22]

I heard you on the Let's Run Disney podcast. Nice job and great videos.

[@RezRuns]

Thanks Shawn. I enjoyed doing the Podcast. It was like being on talk radio.

[@mireyawirtz]

Thanks for sharing your adventure and accomplishment, congratulations!

[@WORTHITORNOT]

Great video and Congratulations !

[@RezRuns]

Thank you. That's very kind. I have been enjoying your reviews. I'm always on the lookout for a better 4K action cam. Did you see "My Half Marathon" video I posted just before this one? I used the Hero 5 Black and Feiyu TechG5. The gimbal still struggles with the camera's weight. The video is not nearly as stable as the Hero4/G4 combo. I had to use Premiere Pro Warp Stabilizer to add more stabilization. Also ... the audio issues with the Hero 5 (ugh!) It was raining and when water go in the microphone "holes" you can hear the poor design.

[@sweetinasense]

You did amazing!! Were you running intervals? 2018 is my very first marathon... I’m excited/anxious!!! I’d so much prefer cold over heat and humidity!!

[@sherrivetter9724]

Such great videos thanks

[@pjgamess]

I really like. 😇

[@Belle.898]

Awesome job!! Great video and love the music!

[@RezRuns]

Thanks Kimberly. The music is always the hardest part for me.... picking it. Fortunately, Disney offers a lot of good choices ... especially some of the park loop music I found here on KZbin.

[@runsota5775]

That’s me at 20:34. Jill crook’s husband. Great video

[@CorrerEhViver]

Amazing, Gerald!!! I just loved your first video, but now I loved even more! Congratulations again. You are a warrior and a champion. Btw, where do you get this sound track? I just missed some final comment after the finish line, but I understand you should be so tired and so emotive. Regards all the way from Brazil. Fabio

[@lumpy368]

I'll be doing this run in 2018, and looking forward to it. What type of food is handed out during the run besides gu?

[@MicrobyteAlan]

Thanks great video. We talked today at registration. I look forward to your Princess 1/2 marathon video.

[@RezRuns]

Thank yo Alan. I remember. Thanks for helping get around the Expo/Bib area. You were a great help. Princess Half will probably (hopefully) be up in a couple weeks.

[@MicrobyteAlan]

RezRuns , it's our pleasure. Looking forward to your next video.

[@MrMkayultra]

Wish I could be there for the 2018 race. But, my dreams don't come true

[@RezRuns]

OMG ! What? Linda ... don't say that. I struggled every day with my Stargardt Disease and visual impairment for 10 years. .. never leaving the house. Running and these races have saved me from that lonely existence. If it's the $$$$$ ... I probably couldn't swing it if the races were far way. I'm thankful I live nearby. It doesn't have to be Disney. I would find races wherever I am... I am learning to not let my infirmities and age hold me back. Make your own Dreams... they need not cost a lot or be coveted by anyone .. but you! Here's to a brighter 2018!

[@princessleia1633]

Was it flat? No hills?

[@AlexMohammadi]

Is there a hydration station at every mile?

[@RezRuns]

If I remember correctly... the water/powerade stops start at about Mile 1.5/2 and then get more frequent as the Distance increases. They also add a few "food" stops with gels, bananas and candy late in the race.

[@Disneylover25.]

Alex yup and there’s also bathroom stops but you have to be quiet in them.

[@andreatipton9337]

Why am I crying :P

[@mariomantilla1314]

Did you use stabilization pole for your gopro?

[@Disneylover25.]

Why is he running in I instead of H

[@RezRuns]

I haven't watched this in so long... I think I went back because my running buddy (who helped me because of my visual impairment) was in a different corral. They don't even do "I" corrals anymore ... Just A-G with lots of mini waves.

[@Disneylover25.]

RezRuns I’ve never done the Disney runs. Or any marathons. I just run on the side walk with my uncle for like 15 minutes or so. But I want to run these. He used to always run them but now he’s done each version of the wdw ones so he doesn’t run them anymore

[@brendalizrodriguez]

I am going on January 2018 . Do you think I need to get Thermal pants?

[@RezRuns]

You may need them. I would pack some warm compression gar and ... cool gear. Central Florida temperatures can range from a low in the low 60s (Fahrenheit) (15 C) to the low 30sF (0 C.) The cold mornings like the 2017 Marathon are rare.... so I'd just prepare. It can also rain!

[@travisqueen3086]

Hello I just signed up for the Darkside have marathon but I can not find out when you pick up your packet do you know when it is?

[@travisqueen3086]

Thank you so much I hope I see you there

[@MicrobyteAlan]

Hey it's me again. What is the name and model of the gimbal you use? We talked about it . Your video is more stable than others. Thx, see you in April.

[@sweetinasense]

Also, what is your Running belt?

[@AlexMohammadi]

What did you use to film? Camera/mount etc.

[@RezRuns]

For these races, I use a GoPro hero 4 Silver and Feiyu Tech G4 steady gimbal. I keep an "extra" gopro in my HUGE waistpack. ... a Hero 5 Black for extra video, pictures and ... just in case. I also have extra batteries and some screen micro fiber wipes shoved in there along with my gels and electorlyte tablets.

[@travisqueen3086]

Hello nice videos do you have any 5ks or 10ks coming up?

[@RezRuns]

Thanks Travis. I just ran the Daytona 5K ... brief video coming soon. I am doing the Star Wars Dark Side Challenge which is 10K/Half .. in April. You?

[@travisqueen3086]

RezRuns I'm doing the purple pride 5k but I'm trying to find out what is a good 10k to run

[@RezRuns]

Where are you? Check out Active.cm ... I've had good luck funding smaller, shorter races in my area and other places.

[@RunFitMama]

Love this! Do you know where I can find this music?

[@RezRuns]

I know some of it is available on the "Walt Disney World Official Album" on iTunes. Also ... if you type "Walt Disney World Park Music" or "Disney Theme Park Music" here on KZbin you'll find playlists with dozens of songs. I hope that gives you a start.