This has quickly become one of my "can't miss' half marathons!…read more Started in 2014, I've had the opportunity to run the last two years and love it! Relatively inexpensive. (About 65-95 for the half, depending on when you register). Pretty organized. Beautiful Celebration setting. Flat, fast course. Nice race swag. Great after-party! They offer a half and full option. Fair warning though- the Marathon is two loops of the same course, which would not keep me engaged! It's relatively easy to park on a Celebration side street and walk to the start. I've parked in the town hall lot the past two years and have done same-day packet pickup which is nice and easy! They give great race swag. 2015 featured a really cute Raw Threads t-shirt as well as a free Headsweats hat and some other small items. Being that I run Disney races somewhat often, it's hard to compete with the level of entertainment that Disney provides, but a little more would be nice. As one of the signs along the course acknowledged, "It's not Disney, but we didn't make you get up at 2AM"! :) They also didn't make me pay $300 so not a major complaint! One of my favorite things about this race is the post-race party. In addition to getting a nice medal, you are handed a punch card. Many of the local celebration businesses have tents set up and your punch card provides you a free sample of food! I enjoyed a slice of pizza from D'Antonios, beans and Rice from Columbia, and a spring roll from the Thai spot, amongst other things. Beer and mimosas are also provided! I really appreciate the inclusion of those offerings, above and beyond a banana (although those are available too). Since this year's race was a little chilly, they also had throwaway jackets available at the finish line which was really considerate. The live entertainment was also fantastic! I've greatly enjoyed this race the last two years and plan on continuing to participate in the future. Such a great time!

One of the best in Central Florida. I have run every…read moreCelebration Marathon (or half) since the inaugural race and this event is extremely well-done - especially when it is not a major event-team putting this on - it's a bunch of runners who love to race and it shows. * Packet pick-up is always very easy. The race director is cool with transfers up until the day before the race. * The expo is pretty well-diversified and it still has its "boutique" charm that gets lost at some of the larger races. * The Raw Threads shirts are always very nice. * The medals seem to get better every year. I also like that they always have a different medal for the half marathon and the full marathon (a lot of smaller races do not do this.) * The S.W.A.G. gets better every year, too. I remember getting a hat (either the first or 2nd year), a really thick beach towel (3rd year), a stainless steel insulated travel tumbler (4th), and a very thick, plush sherpa blanket this year for the 5-year anniversary. They always give away a bandana buff along with any items that are donated by the sponsors. If it is cold, throw-away hooded jackets or Mylar blankets are provided. * Parking can be tight on race-day morning but if you are able to car-pool and arrive early, it is not so bad. * The race provides ample port-o-lets so the lines are never too long and they've always been well-stocked with TP and sanitizer. * The water stations are well-stocked and well-manned so I've never had to wait in line: I can grab and go. Each station seems to have first-aid items available (petroleum jelly, bandages, Biofreeze, etc.) * The course is flat with the exception of one small bridge over water street in the first mile. * The course is well-marked and, any "course hazards" are marked with bright orange duct tape (uneven sidewalks, boardwalk boards, etc.) During long stretches outside of the neighborhoods, one of the sponsors has "mobile DJs" to provide music to keep the runners pumped up. Neighbors usually come out and play tunes over loud speakers or local musicians play music, too. * The support from the neighbors is great - it can get lonely on the 2nd loop of the marathon, so having the neighbors' support to cheer us on is appreciated. (keep an eye out for treats, too. It was a little warm in 2018 and I was dying for salt. To my delight, a generous neighbor had set out bowls of pretzels and Cheet-it snack crackers. ) * After the first year, the organizers have made sure to power-wash the boardwalk - the most beautiful parts of the course - so runners can enjoy the scenery rather than constantly watch their steps. * The best part of the race is the after-party. The area around the lake is filled with tents featuring post-race massage areas, a photo booth, and many post-race treats. At the finish line, all runners receive a card so they can go to these tents and get pizza, pancakes, black bean soup, garlic knots, beer, coffee, mimosas, pulled pork sandwiches, etc. (there is more, but you get the idea.) I will run this race as long as they choose to put it on. NOTE - the marathon can get a little lonely on the second loop, but I've PR'd it 2 of the three years that I ran it.

Begging you to read reviews, or one of the many many Running Disney books or blogs before you go…read more.. most people who complained had zero idea what to expect because they were unprepared. There are 25,000 people, mostly WALKERS, then joggers and very few actual runners coming to this and Disney has to organize them in a way that makes it possible for all to visit characters, get photos and experience the parks before they open. Stroll through this... my husband actually wore slip on shoes to the 5K.. take your photos and take in the park in the pre-dawn hours. I was in the very last corral so didn't start the race until 6:30am.. those at the back of my corral, probably closer to 7am. (You arrive here by 4:30 so it's a long wait) It really is amazing to enter Epcot early morn and soak it all in... dress up as your favorite character for the 5K, (it's harder to do if you're running the half marathon and still be comfortable), and greet the countries along your way.. they are out there to cheer you on! (Except japan? Who sent one tiny quiet person for both the 5K and 10k??). We were back at the Beach Club resort by 7:30 with our medals and my teenager was still asleep, lol If you're doing all three race days, make sure and stroll this one because the big one is worth every mile and you don't want to be on tired legs.

The 5k was labeled as a fun run and it sure was fun! The organization was superb from the expo…read morethrough race day! I ran it as part of the Dopey's Challenge. The race now falls on Thursday. The start and finish lines are located at the Epcot parking lot. When you first get there, you can go to the finish line area and check your gear bag if you have stuff to check. They encourage you not to check anything unless you absolutely need to since there will be security check for all bags. Then you can head to the starting corrals. They then release the corrals one at a time starting with corral A. The course itself was pretty much a loop of the parking lot and a loop around Epcot. It was a fun course. Nice and fast!

I say 3.5 but would round up to 4 stars because of the swag you get! have ran this race 3 or maybe…read more4 years in a row. It is always well organized with a great turn out of runners. They offer 2 miles, 10k and distance dare that includes both. Parking can get tricky so arrive early if you dont want to be circling around for a bit. There is steeet parking and garages to choose from. My biggest con is the route, go over a lot of cobblestone. For runners this can be tricky, especially among crowded areas. I saw a couple people trip and yep....so did I. The uneven roads also are a watch out if you already have a weak ankle/knee from a prior injury....yes me again! The views are great! Pass beautiful houses and nice lakes but the roads could use improvement. There also are two water stations that I can remember of available. The best part of the 10k is you are tremendously rewarded....and not just with a medal! You get your medal, beer glass, towel and so many goodies from vendors. They had breakfast sandwhiches, smoothies, massages, bananas, strawberries, coffee and so much more! Runners of all speeds run the race. If you have never ran a 10k or are nervous to run one this would be the perfect one, get off that couch and get to jogging!

I completed the Distance Dare for the Winter Park Road Race, in which you run the 2 mile race…read morefollowed by the 10k. I am not the speediest of runners, but I'm typically solidly in the middle of the pack. For me, completing the 2 miler and making it to the start of the 10k was a little tight time wise, but doable. It may have been because I was towards the back of the 2 miler starting group, which out me a minute or two behind the clock start of the race. The courses both run through beautiful Winter Park, which provides a great backdrop for a morning run! Bits of the course were a tiny but crowded and there is cobblestone and uneven ground so it's important to watch you footing! Runners who completed the 10k received a medal and completing the Distance Dare also qualified runners for a second medal! I always enjoy some extra bling! The post-race area had a great energy but was a tad crowded, lines for the free beer included with the race were very long, but that wasn't a big deal to me as it was still so early in the morning! Participants receive a free stemless wineglass which was a nice extra piece if swag. Runners can pay extra for access to a VIP area with extra food and some seating, which is something I'd consider in the future. Fun run!

I always park at The Fresh Market parking lot to walk this trail. It's a decent distance and mostly…read moretrail although you do have to cross some big roads at certain points. I usually walk the trail and then turn onto orange ave and hit the shops over there near Ivanhoe which is fun sometimes when the walk is leisurely. Not sure how lit this trail is at night as I've never been there when it is dark but I know there used to be an evening run club a while back so assuming it's safe? Love having more trails to walk in central Florida!

A pleasant enough walk upon a sidewalk that cuts through several of Orlando's neighborhoods…read more I stumbled across this little gem when I stopped by Ten10 Brewery and once upon the path, I found myself almost feeling "behind the scenes" of the City Beautiful. A highlight of the trail was coming upon Lake Highland Park and an amazing sunset view. While this trail won't thrust you in the midst of nature, it is a pleasant walk nonetheless and one that I recommend that you check out.

This 2017 event was an exciting one for us! We are Death Star, Dark siders, Darth Vader homie…read moreriders til we die. Earlier this year we completed the Light Side 1/2 at Disneyland which set us up for this adventure: The Dark Side 1/2 at WDW. Loved it all except I would have to say that the merchandise set up and bib pick up is a bit more convenient in CA The run itself is much more challenging here but totally worth it! Next stop ... you'll see :)

*Expo* It's located at the ESPN Wide World of Sports…read more There's plenty of parking if you're driving there. Or if you're staying at one of the Disney resorts, you can take the runDisney event shuttles. This expo is probably the most well organized race expo that you'll ever attend. Sure it's crowded, but Disney knows how to move people efficiently. First you pick up your bib at the HP Field House. Then you head over to the Jostens Center to pick up your race shirts and see the many vendor booths. Most people will be in the official merchandise area trying to pick up some cool runDisney merchandise. *Pre-race* If you want to take pictures with Star Wars characters with cool backdrops, get to the staging area as early as possible! The characters will be at the finish line area as well, but you'll be pretty sweaty and gross after covering 13.1 miles! *Course* The course for the inaugural year started at the Epcot parking lot where we ran about a mile before going inside Epcot for about a 3/4 clockwise loop of the worlds. We then ran through the Boardwalk and headed towards Hollywood Studios. After a short run through that park, we made our way to the Animal Kingdom. We covered a great deal of the parking lot before entering the park. Then we headed towards the finish line at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. *Post-race* If you ran the dark side challenge, they will check to see if you are the person that picked up the bib before giving you the bonus medal. If you also ran the Star Wars Light Side Half Marathon earlier in the year, you will have to show them your bracelet that they had put on you at the expo in order to get the Kessel Run medal. After getting your medal(s), you get a bottle of water and Powerade. After taking an optional post race photo, they will give you a banana and a box of snacks. If you can't carry everything, most likely the friendly volunteers at the gear check area will give you a plastic bag. *Overall* If you love Star Wars and you love running, you should run this race! You can run it fast and still enjoy the Star Wars atmosphere or you can take it easy and take photos with characters all along the course... just beware of the balloon (Death Star) ladies! You'll want to stay in front of them!

One of my favorite trails, as it is fully paved and, stretches for miles. It beautiful and well…read morekept. At different parts of the trail you will find various places to park, along with play grounds, basket ball court, and areas to sit. It's great for walking, running, bike riding..etc.

Little Econ is one of my favorite trails in the Orlando area. Beautiful place to enjoy time in…read morenature with the family!

Cady Way Trail is definitely an urban trail and I enjoyed my time walking upon the paved path and…read morewhile never escaping the feeling of being in a decent-sized city, it was almost like getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the Orlando area. Along the path, I could see Orlando in its busy course of the day, but yet I was detached from it all. Almost a spectator rather than a participant and it was interesting. I would definitely recommend a walk here.

Great trail i will take when cycling, definitely didn't realize Orlando's had so many gems in the…read moreform of trails. I will take this trail when I don't feel like riding laps around Lake Baldwin. Medium populated but never too crowded.

The San Sebastian Trailhead is a part of the Seminole Wekiva Trail and this particular place is…read morelocated off of a main road on a quiet street and has a nice amount of parking. The path itself is pretty nice and was an enjoyable walk. It was a bit brisk this morning (somewhere around fifty degrees), but I enjoyed my time here.

We've been trying out some different biking trails around the Orlando area. We've now visited the…read moreSeminole Wekiva Trail twice. We like it because it's more scenic than some other paved trails. It's also quite long, so you can choose how far you want to go. The first time we kept going alongside I-4 in Lake Mary, but the second time, we turned and went over I-4 (yes, OVER) and then continued down the trail that way before heading back. Coming from Winter Garden, the San Sebastian Trailhead is the closest jumping on point, and it's also near the beginning of the Trail. The trail does extend a couple of miles further across 436 and down by the Costco, but it seems too busy and trafficky that way. My GPS didn't take me to the correct spot for the trailhead, though, so be careful of that. The road to the trailhead is next to the left of the Rooms-to-Go parking lot with only a tiny sign indicating it. If you turn into a neighborhood (like my GPS suggested), you can't get to the trailhead from there. I love to see the art work painted on the backs of wooden fences as I bike down the trail. Someone has done of excellent job of making boring fences look exciting. There's also a decent amount of shade throughout the trail, and I love how they've built two tunnels under major intersections for bikes to safely cross.