Registration for the 13th annual Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon has officially closed with a record 29,000 total participants. The popular 26.2-mile trek through all four Walt Disney World theme parks and hotel resort areas is slated for January 8, 2006 at Walt Disney World Resort. For the first time in Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend history, the Walt Disney World Half Marathon will take place on a separate day, Saturday, January 7.

Following the success of the 12th annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in January 2005, race officials increased race capacity -- by 2,000 entries in the marathon and by 3,000 in the half marathon -- in preparation for the 2006 event. The marathon closed registration September 8 at 14,000 participants, while the half marathon closed August 28 at 15,000. The new capacity goals represent an overall increase of 6.25 percent from 2005. With the new split-day format, race participants were invited to participate in Goofy's Race-and-a-Half Challenge, running both races and the overall 39.3 miles across Walt Disney World Resort during the two days. Nearly 3,000 runners have accepted Goofy's Race-and-a-Half Challenge. Athletes who complete both the marathon and half marathon will receive a brand new specially designed Goofy Medal.

The Goofy medal is the third in the series of coveted Disney race-specific medals. As in recent years, athletes who complete the full marathon receive the Mickey Mouse medal and athletes who complete the half marathon receive the Donald Duck medal.

"We are very excited about the number of runners who have registered to participate in the first-ever Goofy's Race-and-a- Half Challenge," said Mike Millay, director of sports program and event sales for Disney Sports Attractions. "To complete both Disney's half marathon and marathon in one weekend is an amazing accomplishment, and now that we've moved to a split-day format, our runners are taking advantage of the opportunity to take home the prized Goofy Medal."

The Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon highlight an entire running weekend at Walt Disney World Resort. Other highlights include Disney's Family Fun Run 5K and Kids' Races on Saturday, Jan. 7, and Disney's Health and Fitness Expo at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, Jan. 5-7. Registration remains open for the 2006 Family Fun Run 5K and Kids' Races at www.disneyworldsports.com.. Registration for the 2007 Marathon and Half Marathon will open online January 9, 2006.

Special Walt Disney World Resort Marathon vacation packages are available for registered runners, family members, and friends through Disney Sports Travel by calling 407-939-7810 or a travel agent. Guests may also contact Disney Sports Travel at e-mail.