Hi Bianca, and welcome back to planDisney! Running through all four theme parks during the Walt Disney World marathon is one of my favorite memories. And my uncle actually cheered me on from outside the
Contemporary Resort, which is a convenient spot to watch the race. So let’s talk about spectator timing!
There are many factors that determine when runners will pass by the Contemporary Resort and Main Street, U.S.A. First is the race start time, which is currently listed as 4:30 a.m. However, the actual start time and how quickly runners cross the start line is sometimes adjusted based on the weather. It’s also hard to know for sure when runners will reach certain landmarks since the course map isn’t typically released until a few weeks before the race (so likely sometime in December).
While the route can change year to year, let’s look at the 2025 course map and timing to get an idea of when you can expect the runners! Last January, mile 9 started in the middle of Main Street, U.S.A., and mile 11 started just after the Contemporary Resort. That means the fastest runners might be passing through Main Street, U.S.A. as early as 45 minutes into the race and moving past the Contemporary Resort about 10 minutes later. In my experience, participants will be coming through those two locations for more than one hour after you see the first runners. This year, pacers in the last corral started about an hour after the first participants crossed the start line, and these runners are usually moving at a slower pace compared to the earlier ones.
If you have family or friends running the marathon, you can track them through the runDisney website to get an idea of when they’ll get to Main Street, U.S.A., or the Contemporary Resort. As we get closer to the race weekend, you’ll see a Spectator Info section appear on the
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend page with links for following your family and friends, and to the Digital Expo & Event Guide, which will have information on the course map and spectator viewing areas.
Sometimes it can be hard to find family and friends in the sea of runners, so I’d recommend letting them know where you plan to stand so they can keep an eye out as they get close. I also find that sharing a live location through your phone (like iPhone’s Find My feature) can be super helpful.
Two last tips before I go. First, bring lots of layers to bundle up because watching the marathon in the early morning hours can be chilly! And finally, consider making a sign to cheer on the athletes. There's nothing quite like the energy of a
runDisney race and the amazing spectators, like you, make all the difference. I love to read all of the fun signs when I'm running, and it really encourages me to just keep swimming!
I hope you have the most magical time watching the runners on race day. And if you have any other questions, you’re always welcome back at planDisney!
JoAnna