A little Christmas magic meets marathon grit. We open with holiday cheer, community thanks, and a few playful ideas—from telethons to extra-big meetup cookies—before diving into a rewind that still gives us goosebumps: the Walt Disney World Marathon story of first-time marathoner and champion, Stephanie Muscat.

Stephanie’s path started in the pool. Years of swimming turned into tentative laps on an indoor track, then into local 5Ks and half marathons that built confidence. She explains why runDisney hooked her—the DJs at 3 a.m., the pre-start electricity, and the promise of sprinting past Spaceship Earth—and why Disney was the perfect stage for a marathon debut. On race day she kept the goal simple: a smart run around three hours. The early lead surprised her, Main Street USA brought tears, and a bike lead quietly guided the way. At mile 19, rain poured at Blizzard Beach, second place loomed a few minutes behind, and Stephanie turned the weather into fuel. By the time she entered EPCOT, the possibility became a pulse, then a certainty: tape up, arms high, a finish line she won’t forget.

We also share practical updates for runners prepping for Marathon Weekend, Princess, and Springtime Surprise—training checkpoints, ADR reminders, and big news from runDisney: Dopey Challenge merchandise access limited to registered Dopey runners on day one, with verification and item limits. Our Disney Springs meetup is set, free, and cookie-powered, with a flag raffle and a group photo at 3:30 p.m. The race report packs in festive wins from across the country: PRs and age-group podiums, costumes and community, and a subzero grind that ended in hot chocolate.

Whether you’re chasing a BQ, jumping into your first 5K, or just here for the Main Street chills, you’ll leave fired up with clear tips, real talk, and a reminder that if you make it to the start, you’re already winning. If this story moved you, follow the show, share it with a runner friend, and leave a quick review—what’s your next starting line?

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