JOYCE McINTOSH leaves behind the chilly waters of the Tay today to head for Florida.

Better known as a swimmer who organises Broughty Ferry’s Ne’er Day Dook, Joyce will participate in the Walt Disney World Marathon next Sunday, where the route takes in all four theme parks.

Joyce’s run will be no Mickey Mouse effort however.

“This will be my 19th marathon,” said the stalwart of Ye Amphibious Ancients Bathing Association who took up running in later life. “I have waited two years to get in to Walt Disney.”

The YAABA club president is expecting the temperature in Florida to be a lot more amenable than on her training runs, with no expectation of the snow and slush she has been negotiating recently.

“I’m expecting it to be about 70 degrees,” said Joyce.

Last year she participated in the London and New York marathons.

“It’s only two months since I ran the New York Marathon and I’m not at my fittest but I’m sure I’ll manage,” said Joyce.

She normally looks to complete a marathon in a time of between five hours 20 minutes and six hours, so she should get her hands on a finishers’ medal at Walt Disney World. The Florida event gives out medals and certificates to all who complete the distance in seven hours or less.