Epcot Resorts Running Trails

With the ever rising popularity of runDisney and Disney Running events, we all know that Disney is a fabulous place to run a Marathon or Half.

Disney World races are a lot of fun and make for great “racecation” trips, but what happens when you visit the parks on a non-race weekend?

If you’re staying on property and interested in going for a run, you’re in luck! Disney’s running trails were recently revamped and are being sponsored by New Balance. Along with outdoor signs at most resorts, pocket maps of the jogging trail paths are also available at the front desk of each resort. (Yes, I’m the huge nerd who will whip out a pocket map during a run to make sure I’m following the proper trail…)

During our quick weekend trip back in October, I knew I needed to go for a run of some sort, but didn’t know where to go. Thankfully, my friend Melissa had the perfect place in mind.

Melissa has the amazing opportunity to run through the EPCOT area resorts on a regular basis. (This made it easier on me – she knew the water stop locations and the distance between each!)

Thanks to AllEars.com for use of this map.

See the four different trails above? We did a combination of all of them, plus a little more…

Our journey began at the Fantasia Gardens parking lot where we crossed through the Swan and into the Boardwalk area.

It was a beautiful (yet warm) day, but we made great time and really enjoyed our run!

After passing through Boardwalk, we took a turn towards Hollywood Studios.

This path was incredibly familiar to me and felt odd without other runners/spectators along the way…but I loved it!!

At the entrance of Hollywood Studios, we stopped for water, then continued back to the Boardwalk.

So far, Melissa and I have run the 2010 Wine & Dine and the 2012 WDW Full Marathon together. We are both looking forward to 2014 Princess as well!

The path back to the Boardwalk led us past the Swan/Dolphin resorts.

After leaving Boardwalk, we made our way to EPCOT’s International Gateway area.

We stopped for water, then continued our run towards the Beach Club/Yacht Club resorts.

Again, the path near these resorts was very familiar and I loved it! Since I’m not registered for Marathon Weekend this year, it was nice having a chance to run around these areas during our trip.

After leaving the Yacht/Beach Club area, we looped back around to Hollywood Studios.

Thankfully, Melissa knew where she was going! :0) I am familiar with the area, but would have likely gotten myself turned around.

We stopped for water again at Hollywood Studios, then completed our run through the Boardwalk, back to the Swan, and onto our vehicle at Fantasia Gardens.

We also might have stopped mid-run for a little shopping at the Boardwalk. I couldn’t help it – there was a Christmas display in the window…and it was only October!

In total, our run finished out a little over 6 miles (closer to 6.5, maybe? I can’t remember for sure).

Even though I wasn’t spending time in the parks, I was elated to have the chance to run around and through this area. I’ve run at various other resorts in the past (Wilderness Lodge, Port Orleans Riverside, Polynesian, etc), and I feel as if this route is by far the best. If you are staying at any of the EPCOT area resorts (Boardwalk, Yacht/Beach Club, Swan/Dolphin), and are interested in going for a run, skip the treadmill….it’s much more exciting outside! :0)

What’s your favorite Disney running trail? Have you had a chance to test any of them out?