Walt Disney World Marathon Expo begins Jan. 7 and is free to public

runDisney’s most extensive collection of races – Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – begins Wednesday. If you’re not participating as either a runner or a chEAR member, you might be like my family as been in the past and want to avoid all the traffic and road closures.

However, if you have an interest in fitness, there is one aspect you might want to check out and it’s completely free – except for your inevitable spending spree, that is. The runDisney Health & Fitness Expo takes place Jan. 7 to 10 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and it’s open not just to registered participants but to the public. Even the parking is free! (How often can you say that at Disney World?!)

The Expo serves as the headquarters for race weekend, but it’s also a showcase for the latest products and even a site for running seminars and celebrity speakers. My husband and son are registered for their first race later this year, and they’re excited to check out the Expo as they continue their training.

If you are running this weekend, the HP Field House at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is where you’ll need to go to pick up your race packet (race bib, timing device, race shirt, etc.) during Expo hours. Race packets must be picked up the actual person who is registered. He or she will need to show identification and turn in a waiver at that time.

Hours are as follows:

Wednesday, January 7, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday, January 8, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday, January 9, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, January 10, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Participants and guests who are in a shopping mood can choose from runDisney race-specific T-shirts, as well as Marathon Weekend gear, new MagicBands and Tervis Tumblers. In addition, vendors will be selling the latest in fitness apparel, footwear, sunglasses, high-tech gadgets and nutritional products.

One item everyone wants to get a glimpse of are the Limited Edition New Balance running shoes that are especially designed for runDisney. The 2015 design hasn’t been released yet, but there are many eager fans waiting. When they were introduced in 2013, the men’s shoes were designed in Mickey Mouse colors and the women’s version clearly was influenced by Minnie Mouse. In 2014, four runDisney New Balance shoes debuted in a rainbow of colors. They all cost about $125 a pair and have sold out quickly in years past.

Another must-see is the tradition of a new Dooney & Bourke pattern that sports a Disney race design. The 2015 WDW Marathon Weekend pattern has been released on five bags. Prices range from $159 to $269 for the crossbody, letter carrier, Smith bag, slim wristlet and satchel styles. They were available for pre-order.

The Expo also will showcase a Speaker Series that includes appearances by celebrity runners and seminars on training, running and nutrition featuring speakers and panelists from the running industry.

Here is the schedule:

Wednesday
11 a.m. Jeff Galloway, official runDisney training consultant
12 p.m. Sport Science for Runners presented by Florida Hospital Celebration Health
1 p.m. Dopey Challenge Strategy Panel
2 p.m. Fashion Show & Sports Bra Science 101 presented by Champion
3 p.m. How to Get The Most From Your Marathon Experience presented by Cigna
4 p.m. Don’t Make Dopey Mistakes presented by Clif Bar
5 p.m. Dopey Challenge Information For Runners and Spectators (runDisney Panel)
6 p.m. One Step at a Time Sean Astin, Dave McGillivray & John Bingham

Thursday
10 a.m. Fashion Show & Sports Bra Science 101 presented by Champion
12 p.m. Tips and Tricks to Prepare for Race Day (runDisney nutritionist Tara Gidus, running coach Jenny Hadfield, and creator of Disney Bound Leslie Kay)
1 p.m. Come on get ‘Appy! presented by Cigna
2 p.m. One Step at a Time Sean Astin, Dave McGillivray & John Bingham
3 p.m. Information For Runners and Spectators (runDisney Panel)
4 p.m. Sport Science for Runners presented by Florida Hospital Celebration Health
5 p.m. Don’t Make Dopey Mistakes presented by Clif Bar
6 p.m. Jeff Galloway, official runDisney training consultant

Friday
10 a.m. Motivation and Inspiration – How To Keep Yours Going presented by Cigna
11 a.m. Tips from the World Marathon Major Race Directors
12 p.m. Fashion Show & Sports Bra Science 101 presented by Champion
1 p.m. Information For Runners and Spectators (runDisney Panel)
2 p.m. Runner’s World Challenge Strategy Session Bart Yasso, Warren Greene and Budd Coates
3 p.m. One Step at a Time Sean Astin and Dave McGillivray
4 p.m. Jeff Galloway, official runDisney training consultant

Saturday
11 a.m. Pain Prevention and Management for Runners presented by GoodSense
12 p.m. Fashion Show & Sports Bra Science 101 presented by Champion
1 p.m. Information For Runners and Spectators (runDisney Panel)
2 p.m. One Step at a Time Sean Astin, Dave McGillivray & John Bingham
3 p.m. Tips and Tricks to Prepare for Race Day (runDisney nutritionist Tara Gidus, running coach Jenny Hadfield, and creator of Disney Bound Leslie Kay)

Good luck to ALL the participants but especially our own Laura Gilbreath (twitter: @AllEarsLaura) and Lee Zimmerman (twitter:@leezimmerman)

Follow @Kristin_B_Ford

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