WALT DISNEY WORLD, Fla. — Many magical moments happened between the start and finish lines of the 26th annual Walt Disney World Marathon on Sunday.
Here's a look back at some of the most memorable:
1) CELEBRATORY HUG: Before even crossing the finish line, the winner of the women's race pulled Mickey Mouse in for a big hug.
Giovanna Martins continued to celebrate her victory falling to the floor to lay in the confetti released in her honor.
Watch the moment here:
PARTY AT THE FINISH LINE! Giovanna Martins wins the women’s race in the #WDWMarathon for the 2nd year in a row (and 3rd overall)! #WDW #WaltDisneyWorld https://t.co/GqgkC3A8dU pic.twitter.com/ueg9jdfHs2
— WFTV Channel 9 (@WFTV) January 13, 2019
2) REDEMPTION: Fredison Costa had won the Disney Marathon six times coming into Sunday's race. Last year he came in second, so he arrived to the 2019 racing for redemption.
See the moment that wish was granted as he crossed the finish line first:
WATCH: First place winner of WDW marathonWE HAVE A WINNER! Fredison Costa won his seventh Walt Disney World Marathon this morning. Congratulations to Fredison and all of today's runners! 🏅 https://at.wftv.com/2AJFf4W
Posted by WFTV Channel 9 on Sunday, January 13, 2019
3) FIREWORKS: The race started off with a bang with fireworks shooting off from the starting line.
And they're off! The Walt Disney Marathon is underwayWATCH: And they're off! The 26th annual Walt Disney World Marathon is underway 🏃 Channel 9 has live coverage of the race across all four theme parks. READ MORE: https://at.wftv.com/2AJFf4W
Posted by WFTV Channel 9 on Sunday, January 13, 2019
Now THIS is how you start a marathon! 🏃🏼♀️ https://t.co/GqgkC3A8dU #WDWMarathon #WaltDisneyWorld #wdw @runDisney @WaltDisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/4fkUuzsNws
— WFTV Channel 9 (@WFTV) January 13, 2019
4) FIRST FINISHER: Before the runners made it to the finish line, racers on wheels were the first to complete the race.
First Walt Disney World Marathon finisherWATCH: The first wheelchair participant of the Walt Disney World Marathon has crossed the finish line with the first place runner expected to finish within the hour! Stay tuned to Channel 9 to watch live: https://at.wftv.com/2AJFf4W
Posted by WFTV Channel 9 on Sunday, January 13, 2019
5) SANTA, I KNOW THAT GUY!: Less than a month after his trip around the world delivering presents, "Santa" showed up to the Disney Marathon ready to run.
Look who’s here! He is registered as Santa and is about to run the #WDWMarathon! Hear his story coming up! https://t.co/x5OiWeT7DS #WDWMarathon #wdw #WaltDisneyWorld #wftv @runDisney pic.twitter.com/vcjpjI6ikE
— WFTV Channel 9 (@WFTV) January 13, 2019
6) STARSTRUCK: WFTV anchors Jamie Holmes and Nancy Alvarez were starstruck when Disney's biggest celebrities, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, granted them an interview live on air.
When you’re LIVE on the air and suddenly these two show up! ❤️#starstruck @WFTV @runDisney @WaltDisneyWorld @JHolmesWFTV pic.twitter.com/7jmL9MWhtg
— Nancy Alvarez (@NAlvarezWFTV) January 13, 2019
LOOK WHO’S HERE!https://t.co/sqDg3t7F1n pic.twitter.com/GcQY6wk7P9
— WFTV Channel 9 (@WFTV) January 13, 2019
7) AGAINST THE ODDS: Less than a month after finding out his leukemia had returned, Tampa resident Ron Wertley was lined up at the Disney Marathon starting line ready to race. He said he told his doctors he would start his treatment after the race.
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8) DONUT RUN: In the middle of Sunday's broadcast, anchor Nancy Alvarez presented her co-anchor Jamie Holmes with a gift. She said it commemorates their hard work watching the marathon instead of running it.
A shirt appropriate for those of us watching #WDWmarathon from the sidelines: “I 🍩 RUN” 😂 @JHolmesWFTV @NAlvarezWFTV #WDW @runDisney pic.twitter.com/rhRPbAhZoF
— WFTV Channel 9 (@WFTV) January 13, 2019
9) COSTUMES: Disney Marathon runners are known to meticulously plan out their costumes for the 26.2 mile race. Check out a few of our favorites:
PHOTOS: Check out some of our favorite #WDWMarathon costumes: https://t.co/3VbFRKLTvm @runDisney #WDW #WaltDisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/6DHIOc9mkj
— WFTV Channel 9 (@WFTV) January 13, 2019
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