John Bingham's Great Alaska Maritime Marathon

[chimera]

We are seriously thinking about this since Heather/Pat brought it up. I was just curious if any other WISHers might want to make the trip. I think I would finally be able to wear my thermal fleece running tights :thumbsup2

http://www.gammcruise.com

http://www.gammcruise.com/runnersworld.pdf

[hoosmi]

OK, I so did not need to see that! DH has always wanted to go to Alaska, so this could make us both happy... very interesting.:rolleyes1

Jen in GA

[WDWFAN9]

I registered this morning for their email notices. An Alaskan cruise is definitely on our WISH list!

I talked to DH about it last night and he pointed out that the timing won't work - he has a co-worker with a little more seniority than he does that always takes the last week of June off because it is a busy time. Jim is his backup. He couldn't get that week off for our 10th or 15th anniversary, but I will ask him to talk to his boss since we have no control over the timing of the event. Please keep your fingers crossed!

[WDWFAN9]

:banana: :banana: :banana:

Oh boy!! Jim's boss has given him this time off!! :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: This would be beyond awesome!

[princessmomma]

Ahhhhhhhh!

We were seriously considering an Alaskan cruise next summer!!!!

On Holland American....:cool1: :cool1:

AHhhhh!:woohoo: :banana: :cool1: :cheer2:

This would be so cool if we could get a WISH group together.:banana:

[princessmomma]

Has anyone priced this out yet?

[WDWFAN9]

Has anyone priced this out yet?

Ouch! The inside cabin category is a little over $1600 per person, plus there is $175 charge for participating in the GAMM events, dinners, speakers, etc. The $1600 does include most gratuities, but in looking really fast does not include airfare.

This would definitely be a once-in-a-lifetime trip for me and DH. But how cool would it be to share with our fellow WISHers??

[Mouse Skywalker]

I'd love to do this, but I don't think there's any way we can afford it. DW and I have always wanted to go to Alaska though...

[Tiger Lily 03]

Alaska is certainly on my WISH Dream list, but I'm thinking it will be impossible at this time for me too.

It would be soooo much fun to do it this way. Who knows, maybe I'll win the big one and get to go.

I wonder if DH would go for me going solo on this one? :angel:

[WDWFAN9]

Alaska is certainly on my WISH Dream list, but I'm thinking it will be impossible at this time for me too.

It would be soooo much fun to do it this way. Who knows, maybe I'll win the big one and get to go.

I wonder if DH would go for me going solo on this one? :angel:

Keeping my fingers crossed for you hitting the big one!! I think DH and I are a definite go!!

[nucpharm29]

Wow, this looks awesome. But not doable for us this time; already have a big family vacation in Hilton Head July 4th week. Maybe for our 10 year anniversary--that would only have me waiting a bit longer!

[WDWFAN9]

Has anybody else considered this?? DH and I are thisclose to registering tonight. The cost quoted on the gamm website includes all taxes and gratuities, that is why the cost is higher than if you look at the Holland cruise line website directly. The group is limited to about 125 participants and penguins are definitely welcome! This is a perfect opportunity to add a half-marathon state to your collection if you are so inclined.

I wonder what the GAMM medal looks like? Has anyone seen one?

[goingthedistance]

125 participants??:scared: I was hoping to wait several more months before deciding. Both my wife and I want to do this, but we have way too many other pressing issues and bills right now (baby expenses, new roof). That's why no WDW full or Goofy this year for me.:sad1:

I suppose we could sign up and then cancel later, but we would lose a deposit right?

Is there any way to check how many spots are already taken?

BTW Pat, if I do it, I am marking Alaska off as a FULL instead of a half on my list of states.

Paul

[WDWFAN9]

125 participants??:scared: I was hoping to wait several more months before deciding. Both my wife and I want to do this, but we have way too many other pressing issues and bills right now (baby expenses, new roof). That's why no WDW full or Goofy this year for me.:sad1:

I suppose we could sign up and then cancel later, but we would lose a deposit right?

Is there any way to check how many spots are already taken?

BTW Pat, if I do it, I am marking Alaska off as a FULL instead of a half on my list of states.

Paul

Paul, I think you still have plenty of time. Registration is just getting started and the woman I spoke to at the Cruise Authority (official contact) said that the big rush starts in January. She also mentioned that the lower categories get booked first. The reason the cost is more thru them than dealing directly with Holland is that it includes all taxes and gratuities. DH and I would have signed up last night but the storms were more than a little distracting!

You can certainly mark Alaska off as a FULL, but since I am "collecting" halfs (four states so far, hope to add 3 next year) I am putting it down as a half. In case you weren't aware - evidently at the beginning of the cruise you establish a baseline pace and then try to achieve that pace at the different events. There is a "winner" every day (kind of like Tour de France) and then the overall winner. Gives us penguins a chance to compete.

If you want more information there is an 800 number on the link that Mel has in the first post.

I just keep thinking about how cool the medal must be, and how cool to spend a week in such a beautiful setting, hanging out with the JBR team.

[Honeibee]

Oh There's Paul! Hi Paul! :wave:

I mentioned this to Dh last night, hoping for a "How come we aren't going?" response like I got when I mentioned the CDC. Well, it didn't work. Oh well. :rolleyes:

[WDWFAN9]

Oh There's Paul! Hi Paul! :wave:

I mentioned this to Dh last night, hoping for a "How come we aren't going?" response like I got when I mentioned the CDC. Well, it didn't work. Oh well. :rolleyes:

Try again:lmao: :lmao: I wonder what the scuba opportunities in Alaska are, Hmm........

It really does sound like an awesome time!!

[Honeibee]

Try again:lmao: :lmao: I wonder what the scuba opportunities in Alaska are, Hmm........

It really does sound like an awesome time!!

Oh Pat, you think like me! :laughing: And he just got a brand new custom made dry suit to use in cold water. Hmmmmm...... :rolleyes1

[WDWFAN9]

Oh My Gosh! I can't believe it!!

I emailed John Bingham through his website to ask where I could find a picture of the GAMM medal, because, well, honestly I knew that if I could post a picture of the bling people might get motivated to register for the cruise, and I am really hoping that some WISHers are able to join DH and me.

I emailed John at 1:23PM and he responded at 3:09PM. Said he would have to look into it and would let me know!! How cool is that? And how different from Disney Sports, I emailed them over a week ago asking about the Minnie/Princess event and haven't even gotten a canned, "thanks, we'll get back to you" response.

Hopefully I will posting a picture of the bling soon:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Looks like fun.

But for us, it present a serious childcare issue.:laughing: :laughing:

[escape]

I think I would finally be able to wear my thermal fleece running tights.


Maybe, maybe not. :teeth: I guess it depends on the time of day the runs are held. When I went to Alaska in the middle of May a few years ago, the high was in the mid-60s. I think the low was in the 40's. I'd be prepared for cold and warmer weather.

[WDWFAN9]

Ok, there is going to be a bit of a delay in posting a picture of the GAMM medal. Get this - they don't have a picture, so they are sending me a medal! I will post a picture of it as soon as I can. Coach Jenny said to tell all the WISHers that if there are any questions at all about the cruise to please contact her via email (on her website). She will be glad to any concerns. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!

[WDWFAN9]

We are officially registered! I am so excited! I have wanted to do an Alaskan cruise for a long time, and to be able to combine it with walking and a cool medal is just so neat!!

Anybody else interested??

[princessmomma]

Congratulations Pat!:banana:

Cool that they are sending you the medal.

Should be a great time. Looks like we will not be able to make it, it looks like we have a Star Wars Weekend planned in DW for next June. Last chance to use our AP's.

[magslite]

Pat,

Congrats!!! I sooo WISH that I could convince dh of this. However, we have a two week trip to Hawaii next summer on the calendar, and I don't think we could do both.

I am very happy for you.

btw, sept 30th is the arboretum 5k. I am still unsure if I will be in town, but if I am, I will be there! I will let you know once I hear from my brother about visiting Austin.

Maggie

[WDWFAN9]

Here is the GAMM medal:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e298/wdwfan9/IMG_1356.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e298/wdwfan9/IMG_1351.jpg


Note the cool lime green background! Target has lime green dish towels in their dollar spot! I picked up a couple, don't know what I am going to do with them, but hey! They are lime green.