Runners lace up early Friday for Walt Disney World 10K

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Runners were up before the sun rose Friday morning, hitting the pavement at Epcot for the Walt Disney World 10K race.

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Day two of Disney’s 4-day Marathon Weekend welcomed running and Disney enthusiasts alike, who snaked through the theme park in the dark.

READ: Sunny and cool Friday before temperatures drop overnight in Central Florida

#WDW10K runners, you can go the distance… to the finish line!⚡️ #runDisney pic.twitter.com/GBSIblYlaj
— runDisney (@runDisney) January 6, 2023

The annual 6.2-mile race preceded Saturday’s half marathon and Sunday’s full marathon.

2023 marks the 30th anniversary of Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

READ: Walt Disney World Marathon 2023: What to know

On Thursday, thousands of runners kicked off this year’s festivities with a 5K race, also held at Epcot.

A RAD race to remember ‘fur’-ever! 🐾 Congratulations to all runners of the #runDisney 2023 Walt Disney World 5K presented by @StateFarm! Take a look at a few highlights from this morning’s event: https://t.co/t8tASlVQhi pic.twitter.com/uRcN6rTlxT
— runDisney (@runDisney) January 5, 2023

The races went virtual in 2021 during the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, but made an in-person comeback in 2022.

Channel 9 will have special coverage of the Walt Disney World Marathon on Sunday during Eyewitness News This Morning.

READ: 2022 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend finishes strong with record-breaking performances

Video: Runners from around the world prepare for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Runners from around the world are heading to Walt Disney World. (James Tutten, WFTV.com/WFTV)

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