Grand Rapids’ Own Stephanie Muscat Wins Her First Marathon

She had never run a Marathon before, but when she did, she chose the Walt Disney World Marathon for her very first race. Boy, was that ever a good decision. She did it the right way and certainly made a statement...she won!

Stephanie Muscat

Grand Rapids Stephanie Muscat, originally from England,  took home the big prize, the  women's title during the Walt Disney World Marathon in Florida.

WZZM reported that she crossed the finish line with a massive five-minute gap between her time—2:48:08—and the second-place finish at 2:53:12. Absolutely amazing!

"I wanted Walt Disney World Marathon to be my first marathon because it feels like home to me here. I grew up coming to Disney since I was 3 or 4 years old. I just love Disney, it's like a second home, so being able to come here in win and do it in the most magical place on earth is so special."

Stephanie Muscat is no stranger to athletic competition. She is an athlete having previously swam competitively in college but never considered running, let alone a Marathon.

"I was about to burst into tears, I absolutely couldn't believe it...I didn't think that my legs would carry me that whole way, but I trusted the training and the process and couldn't believe it."

Vanilson Neves of Brazil took home his second win at the Walt Disney World Marathon, and Brian Siemann of Illinois won the wheelchair division.

Competitors were able to celebrate their wins afterward by exploring the park. The weekend full of events also included a 5K, 10K, a half marathon, marathon and a health and fitness expo.

More races will be held soon, like the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend at Disneyland Resort in California the weekend of Jan. 11 followed by the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend the weekend of Feb. 22 at Walt Disney World Resort.