Half course in January changed?!?

[lenshanem]

Just got my email newsletter. It says the course has changed since last year. I pulled it up and it looks like it doesn't go by the Epcot resorts. Didn't it last year? I'm so bummed. Course, it says it is new and improved... :confused3 I don't think running on the roadways is as nice as running around the Epcot resort area. :confused:

[ultramickeymouse]

Just got my email newsletter. It says the course has changed since last year. I pulled it up and it looks like it doesn't go by the Epcot resorts. Didn't it last year? I'm so bummed. Course, it says it is new and improved... :confused3 I don't think running on the roadways is as nice as running around the Epcot resort area. :confused:

The Marathon runs around the EPCOT resorts not the half.

The new course map is on my website at http://www.disneyrunning.com/NEWHalfCourse2009.pdf

[hockeygirl]

It looks the course is very similar except it starts a little further back and doesn't go around the racetrack. Other than that it looks the same to me.

[ultramickeymouse]

Here is 2009:

http://www.disneyrunning.com/NEWHalfCourse20093.jpg

and here is 2008:

http://www.disneyrunning.com/08HalfMarathonCourseMap3.jpg

[dsnyfan21]

Yeah, the Half Marathon looks like it is starting further back like where the full starts, then goes off to the right down the exit ramp (not used before) and using right side of the road going towards MK. going to the right side on the racing track instead of going off to the left of it. Coming back is the route as before. Looks interesting.

Tracy

[wfloyd]

It looks like they are trying to keep the runners who are on their way back away from the runners going towards the MK. I remember a couple of years ago when meeting the leaders while I was going towards the MK. They were having a hard time getting through.

This is going to really impact traffic going to the MK area now.

Bill

[thndrmatt]

I can guarantee that's why they changed it. Both years I ran there were bikers and motorcyclists leading the leaders on the way back past the racetrack literally screaming at outgoing people to get out of the way and get on the right side of the cones. Like the e-mail said, this eliminates all 2 way traffic areas. Only real change as mentioned is starting further back like the marathon does, and skipping the cloverleaf and hanging a right to use that eastern road up past the racetrack to MK.

Big improvement I think! ;)

[Tiger Lily 03]

I can guarantee that's why they changed it. Both years I ran there were bikers and motorcyclists leading the leaders on the way back past the racetrack literally screaming at outgoing people to get out of the way and get on the right side of the cones. Like the e-mail said, this eliminates all 2 way traffic areas. Only real change as mentioned is starting further back like the marathon does, and skipping the cloverleaf and hanging a right to use that eastern road up past the racetrack to MK.

Big improvement I think! ;)Thanks for the explanations and the map comparisons everyone.

[lenshanem]

OK, thanks. Sounds like it is for the better.

I guess cause I ran the RFTT and we ran past the Epcot resorts I just assumed the half did, too. I know I saw pics of runners there, but it must have been pics from the full. My bad.

Sooo, could someone explain to me how much of MK and Epcot you actually run thru?

[wtpclc]

Soooo, wonder what water station (s) I work now. It was 2 & 9. :confused3

[kareneast]

Sooo, could someone explain to me how much of MK and Epcot you actually run thru?

Shan - You come into MK from the side of Town Square over by Tony's, hang the right & go up Main St. When you get to the hub you head to the right into Tomorrowland. Past Stitch's Great Escape, you go to the left, past the Speedway & the Teacups. When you get to the Carousel you go left then through the Castle. At the bottom of the ramp, you head to the right over the bridge leading to the Hall of Presidents. Turn left heading towards Splash Mtn. Straight out of the railroad tracks to the back stage area. In Epcot you come into the pard over by the restrooms to the right of Spaceship Earth (when you are looking at it from the Park Entrance) You go through the middle of Future World, past the fountain & over the bridge to World Showcase. When you get over the bridge you hang a u-turn back over the bridge back into Future World. Back around the fountain then around Spaceship Earth & out of the park near the Guest Relations.

Carrie - Good question. :confused3 Hope they let you know soon.

[Honeibee]

Well, I guess if I ever looked up I might have noticed. :lmao: Thanks for the maps, Robert and the really excellent explanation, Karen! :thumbsup2

[lenshanem]

Thanks Karen. Sounds like you get a good run thru the MK. I wish we ran around WS...

[gsu1988]

I wonder since they moved the start back near where the full starts if they will eliminate the wave starts and just line everyone up in corals like they do the full?

[wtpclc]

FYI - I just got a reply to my e-mail asking about where we'll be volunteering. They told me that they are still adjusting the course and the water stations. So, don't burn the info into your brain yet. ;)