The heralded Walt Disney World Marathon is still a good nine months down the road, but  registration has now begun for the special 20^th anniversary edition of the race, with a full weekend of events slated for Jan. 10-13, 2013. Anyone from the Tampa Bay area planning to participate can now register early, at reduced pricing, by visiting www.rundisney.com. To commemorate the race’s two decades of existence, the Disney Marathon will feature a 20^th anniversary medal, special entertainment at mile marker 20 and a post-race party in Downtown Disney.

The marathon weekend, sponsored by Cygna, is expected to attract a sellout field of 20,000. The festivities will also include kids’ races (including the Mickey Mile and Family Fun Run) on Friday, Jan. 11, a Half Marathon on Saturday, Jan. 12 and the Marathon on Sunday, Jan. 13. In addition, Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge will involve running the Half Marathon and the Full Marathon (a total of 39.3 miles). There will also be a Health and Fitness Expo running throughout the weekend at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, with an emphasis on the latest technology and fashion.