LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Jan. 12, 2025) – Caroline and Troy Parkas, a husband-and-wife duo from Memphis, completed the Walt Disney World Marathon on Sunday, the culmination of a love story that began two decades ago at the very same place.
The couple first crossed paths in 2005 as teenagers on separate family vacations to Walt Disney World. A chance meeting at Disney’s Pop Century Resort sparked a connection, but life took them in different directions. Years later, they reconnected through social media, rekindling their bond. And through their seven years of marriage and two children, Disney has continued to be a central thread in their story—from family vacations to milestone moments like their son’s first steps in front of Cinderella Castle, and now, conquering their first marathon together.
Caroline, a stay-at-home mom, and Troy, a who works in city economic development, ran side by side, holding hands at times as they navigated the scenic course that wound through Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT. They crossed the finish line at EPCOT with a time of 6:21:28.
The race, part of the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, welcomed thousands of runners from across the nation and around the globe. The event featured character sightings, live entertainment, cool medals and an atmosphere that is uniquely Disney for participants of all ages and skill levels. In addition to Sunday’s marathon, the weekend included a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon, and a health and fitness expo.
For Caroline and Troy, the weekend was more than just a physical challenge; it was a celebration of their love story and a testament to the strength they share as a team.
Up next at Disneyland Resort in California is the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend (Jan. 30–Feb. 2), which is followed at Walt Disney World by the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (Feb. 20–24) and the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend (April 3-6), where a limited number of race registrations remain. Runners can sign up for races at www.rundisney.com.
