Posted: January 17, 2004

Athletics: Registration Open For 2005 Walt Disney

WorldMarathon Weekend Excitement Builds for 12th Annual Disney Marathon, Set for Jan. 9, 2005

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- One of the world's most popular marathons gets a "running" start for its 2005 event as registration for the 12th Annual Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon kicks off on Jan. 12, just one day following this year's race. Both the 13.1 and 26.2-mile races through the Walt Disney World theme parks and resort areas are scheduled for Jan. 9, 2005.

While registration for the Walt Disney World Marathon typically opens on March 1 race organizers want to give interested participants the opportunityto register even earlier for next year's race, especially with the excitement of the 2004 event still fresh in the minds of participants.

The marathon and half marathon are the centerpiece of the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, which also features the FamilyFun Magazine 5K Fun Run and Kids Races on Jan. 8, 2005, and the two-day Disney's Health & Fitness Expo at the Milk House at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex on Jan. 7-8, 2005.

The Disney event set registration records this year. The half marathon reached its record capacity in just 12 days with 8,500 participants, while the full marathon topped out at more than 15,000 in October 2003. Capacitiesfor 2005 are expected to be similar, though final numbers have not been determined.

For the fifth consecutive year, participants in the marathon, half marathon and 5K may register online at www.disneyworldsports.com. Registration forms may also be printed off the web site and submitted via regular mail. Application forms are also available at the Awards Ceremony on Jan. 12 at the Milk House at Disney's Wide World of Sports for this year's runners, and by e-mailing Disney Sports Attractions at . Registration fees for 2005 are $95 for the marathon and $80 for the half marathon.

Special Walt Disney World Resort Marathon packages are available beginningMarch 1 by calling 407/939-7810, or a travel agent.

During the past decade, the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon has emerged as one of the world's most popular road races, annually attractingboth elite and recreational runners from across the country and around the world. The Disney Marathon currently ranks as the eighth- largest marathon in the United States and among the top 15 in the world.