Disney News Blog

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Oct. 15, 2009) – Disney’s Endurance series is adding a mouth-watering half marathon to its list of already popular race weekends. The inaugural Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend is set to take place Oct. 1-2, 2010, culminating with a 13.1-mile nighttime race and after-hours party inside the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

Combining characteristics of some of the most popular races, the half marathon is sure to please runners of all types. Participants will brave the night on a never-before-trekked course through multiple Disney theme parks, with the finish line inside the Epcot Food & Wine Festival for an exclusive after-hours party. Spectators can purchase tickets to the party and help kick off the 15th annual Epcot Food & Wine Festival.

“Teaming up with the 15th Epcot Food & Wine Festival is the perfect way to showcase the wonderful and unique events we seek to offer with our endurance races,” said Disney’s sports event director Paul Lambert. “From food and wine, to theme parks and sports, Disney adds a touch you can’t experience anywhere else.”

Events are planned for the entire weekend, starting with a Health and Fitness Expo hosted at Jostens Center at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex Oct. 1-2. All members of the family can join in on some hauntingly good fun with Disney Kids’ Races and Mickey’s Halloween Family Fun Run 5k. Kids’ Races will take place at the complex while the Family Fun Run 5k takes participants through Magic Kingdom. Both races are during the morning on Oct.2, with staggered starting times to invite participation in all events. The weekend culminates with the half marathon on the evening of Oct.2.

The half marathon will be open to ages 14 and older and offers a relay option for two-person teams. Half marathon registration will open Nov. 16, 2009. To reserve your spot and find out more information on the race, visit disneywinedinerun.com.