Disney’s first-ever marathon was held in Walt Disney World back in 1994, called the Disney Endurance Series. A cool 5,588 runners participated in the debut experience, with no one knowing what a success this event was destined to become. January 2023 will hold the next series of events (now well-established as runDisney), and to celebrate the landmark occasion, which Disney is referring to as the 30th Anniversary, Disney Parks Blog has featured a pictorial look back at the inaugural event in 1994.

Take a wander back into Disney history with me through the images below, and be sure to scroll all the way down as Disney has revealed the newest set of medals for the upcoming Springtime Surprise Weekend, which takes place April 13-16, 2023.

Growing over the years from just one endurance event to now four races and two challenges, the course has expanded from running through just three theme parks to now weaving the magical 26.2 miles through all four of Walt Disney World’s current theme parks. Check out the original course map:

What a start-line moment! Runners lined up and kicked off their 26.2 miles at the start line near EPCOT with spectacular fanfare.

No runDisney race would be complete without a themed finisher medal. Though the design has changed over the years, one thing has remained – a nod to one of our favorite characters to celebrate, Mickey Mouse!

The final event in the 2022-2023 runDisney race season is the Springtime Surprise Weekend. The event “celebrates the power of friendship and the magic of Pixar with the Pixar Pals,” and runDisney has revealed the finisher medals – take a peek below.

The post Celebrating 30 Years of the runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon! first appeared on DIS.