Hi, Phil! Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Dedicated runners know that vacation doesn't necessarily mean a break from training. In fact, many guests like yourself visit Walt Disney World Resort specifically for runDisney race-cations, and I completely understand wanting to take Scar's advice to "Be Prepared!" for the
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend.
I spoke to a Cast Member at the
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex today, and he explained that the complex is strictly a competition venue, and not open for general public use. However, Walt Disney World Resort has teamed up with New Balance to create
running trails at most of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels, and you don't have to be a registered guest to enjoy them. The running path around the Epcot Area resorts is probably my favorite, and it can be customized anywhere from 7/8 mile to 3 miles, depending on your route. Run along
Disney's Boardwalk, toward
Disney's Hollywood Studios and around Disney's
Yacht &
Beach Club Resorts around Crescent Lake. Just be careful as some sections of the BoardWalk can be slippery when wet!
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa has a tranquil running trail along the fairways of
Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. To add on some additional mileage, take the path to the sidewalk that links the resort to the Disney Springs area. Another popular route would take you around the Hourglass Lake sections of
Disney's Pop Century Resort and
Disney's Art of Animation Resort. There are lots of colorful icons to look at, so make sure you don't get distracted and lose track of your mileage!
Be sure to enjoy a carb-heavy dinner the night before your runDisney race to help your body stock up on fast-acting sugars for the long distance in the morning. My personal favorite is
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, where I've been known to devour a whole Carfoci pizza!
I hope to see you running through Cinderella Castle in a few weeks, Phil! Best of luck!
Eean