Disney 5K Family Run - Anyone doing it?

[LeisureMum]

Hello - Anyone doing / or have done the Disney 5K run? Thanks.

[dvcdenise]

I ran the Princess 5K. It was lots of fun. You run at your own pace, it was my first and I was slow but finished in the middle. :yay:

[momof2minnies]

Did it in January- it was fun.

Linda

[Sarah_Rose]

I did it in January. The atmosphere before and during the race was a lot more fun than the half or full marathon - a lot more casual as well. I found that because of the crowds I couldn't have gone faster if I wanted to, but I didn't really want to. I was just enjoying the atmosphere.

I said that it was nice to do once but I wouldn't pay $40 to do it again.... of course my parents are joining us for marathon weekend this year and want to do it, so I think I'll walk it with them, with my baby in an infant carrier (to get around the "no strollers" rule!). Should be a riot! :rotfl2:

[John VN]

DW and I walked the 5K in January. It was our first Disney experience. We liked it so much we have re-upped for 2011 plus more for that weekend.

[Lilmattie13]

My dh and I did EE5k last year and we are doing the Mickeys family fun 5k in Oct of this year.
EE 5k was a disaster. It rained monsoons, literally! There was a foot of water to tread through at the end of the race course.
I think any race will go smoother than that one did. We had a fun time though, especially where it was my husband's first ever 5k.
We are trying out the 5k in Oct. I was a little disappointed to hear that they dont time the race though, and am eager to get an idea of what the finisher medallion would look like. I know, I hear not to get too excited as it probably will be a plastic medallion, buy hey, any prize at the end is still a prize, right??

[eyor44]

I did the 5K in January as it was my very first race (I was doing the 1/2 the next day and wanted to know what a race was like. Great experience! I am going to do it next January as I have a friend going who has never done a race and I want her to know what a race is like before we do the 1/2.

[myhouseofmouse]

I am all signed up for the 5K in October. This will be my first 5k and doing it at Disney is making it all that more exciting. The run thru the MK sounds like it will be more then worth it. Can not wait, see you all there...

[es45]

We are trying out the 5k in Oct. I was a little disappointed to hear that they dont time the race though...

Does anyone know if this is true for all Disney 5k races? Or just this one? :confused3

[Lilmattie13]

Does anyone know if this is true for all Disney 5k races? Or just this one? :confused3

EE 5k was timed last year. I think it is the family ones that are not timed. I guess because they figure the whole family is doing it possibly.
I plan on timing myself anyhow.
I wonder though, if there will be a start and finish clock just so you get a basic idea or if they don't do any kind of clock at all.

[eyor44]

The UP 5k had clocks throughout the course.

[poohbear8]

DD (13) and I are considering doing the Oct run. Neither of us are runners, but the thought of being able to run through MK has both of us strongly considering it!

While looking into the Disney races, I thought I read that you had to finish the race within a set time or they would transport you to the finish line. Does anyone know if that was this race? I looked but can't find whatever it was I read.

Does anyone have a map with the route highlighted? I'd love to see exactly where the run would be.

A plastic medal would be disappointing, but being able to run through MK, could make up for that. :thumbsup2

[Lilmattie13]

The UP 5k had clocks throughout the course.

That would be nice if they had clocks that way I could keep time even if they dont.

[Lilmattie13]

DD (13) and I are considering doing the Oct run. Neither of us are runners, but the thought of being able to run through MK has both of us strongly considering it!

While looking into the Disney races, I thought I read that you had to finish the race within a set time or they would transport you to the finish line. Does anyone know if that was this race? I looked but can't find whatever it was I read.

Does anyone have a map with the route highlighted? I'd love to see exactly where the run would be.

A plastic medal would be disappointing, but being able to run through MK, could make up for that. :thumbsup2

I am not sure if this one has a pace time on it or not. I know most disney races have a 16 min mile pace but not sure about this one.

I cant wait to run through MK. I am sure that will slow down everyones pace lol just looking at the castle. How cool is that.

About the medal, well plastic is better than nothing. Most 5k races dont offer medals of any kind. It is usually just a t shirt if that, so any medal is better than none. :banana:

[poohbear8]

I did find on the registration that it is paced at a 16 minute mile.

Has anyone done a Disney 5k in the past? Is the Tshirt something special that has characters on it, or is it just plain.

I'm happy with "anything" as far as the medal goes. I'll be happy to finish it and not need to be taken to the end and not get a metal!!

[Lilmattie13]

I was going to post the 16 min requirement but you beat me to it :)

I am sure you will finish fine. A 16 min mile is basically a fast walk so you should be fine. They are pretty easy going about the time limits and especially where this is geared towards families I am sure they wont NOT give anyone a finish medal.

This should be lots of fun. :woohoo:

[cewait]

I would think all the 5k races have timing - else they would not draw the front end of the race. No timing would leave keep about half the expected draw away. I know that all 5 k's I have run at Disney were timed - though not all with a chip.

Next, all 5 k races have a 16 minute pace. The Mickey ---- in October will more than likely be enforced at mile 2 and change. The course sounds like it will come back to the TTC area on Floridian Way. I am sure the RD has a time limited street permit. I would expect to be picked up if slower than 16 minutes but would be surprised if an 18-20 minute pacer was actually allowed. Say it another way, I am sure the actual cut off is slower than 16 but expect strict compliance with 16.

The Epcot (and other park races) races are usually easier to allow slower paces a full race as the races do not require a street permit. The race will start in the parking lot and circle around the perimeter before heading back stage. You will get a brief tour of backstage before hitting World Showcase. Once on stage you more than likely will not have to worry about pace - AS LONG as you are moving at a continuous pace. I am sure they would pull a participant who is moving at a 30 minute pace but anything faster than 20 should be OK. 20 minute paces will clear the park within 1:15 of the start - that being critical for park opening later.

I know the RD hates posts like this and they are attempting to push folks along a little faster. I just hate to see first time participants fretting over finishing and I am trying to allay some fears. Note that you are in control of your destiny. Work diligently on building distance between now and then. Also work on speed. The easiest speed boosters are short fast intervals (maybe telephone pole to telephone pole at a pace where you could only say one to two words per breath; followed by a regular paced walk to the next pole. Start with one to two fast intervals and add one a week. Do this once a week –no more than twice), Hills (fast sprints up a steep hill – then walk down – following the same type of build up) and strength work (lunges, squats, etc)

Hope this helps.

[Sarah_Rose]

Ok, as long as we're on the subject of "rule-breaking" :lmao:, I have a totally rule-breaking question about the 5K. Which is so totally not me, at all! :rotfl2:

If you go to register for the 5K, you get the standard, "these things are not allowed on the course" list that includes strollers and baby carriers. It is the same list (and the same disclaimer word for word) as the one for the half marathon and marathon. However, I swear (because this is the only reason that I thought I could do it) that they made an announcement before the 5K in January asking people with strollers to start at the end of the pack.

My parents want to walk the 5K and I said I'd do it with them, and I'd love to bring the baby with me, as long as the weather was not terrible like it was this past January. I wouldn't even be planning to use a stroller, but just a front infant carrier - this shouldn't get in anyone's way or clog the course, particularly since we'd be in the back with the walkers. Would I really get pulled from the course from a Disney "family fun run" for bringing my child? :rotfl:

Anyway, my DH will be sleeping in that morning at Kidani, so this is definitely more of a "want" than a "need", but I was just wondering if anyone knew more than me on this. If it's definitely going to make someone's head explode because of insurance liabilities, then I'll let the baby sleep. As I said, I'm not a rule-breaker! :lmao:

[FireDancer]

A bit off topic but does Disney need a street permit when they own the streets (meaning the race is on their property)? Normal races have to deal with the city or county to get roads closed while Disney just has to tell a cast member in security to go block the street with a security vehicle. I'm sure they technically need something for legal reasons but I imagine it is just a formality and they can close the roads as long as they would like, especially roads that close to the park where people aren't blocked from getting to the MK and where the road doesn't link up with a non-Disney road like World Drive does. Just a curiosity.

I will be at the 5K in October to cheer everyone on but won't be running it. I won't be in town to use the MNNSHP tickets so it means I would be paying $100 for a 5K and not even a run through MK is worth that much.

[cewait]

Ok, as long as we're on the subject of "rule-breaking" :lmao:, I have a totally rule-breaking question about the 5K. Which is so totally not me, at all! :rotfl2:

If you go to register for the 5K, you get the standard, "these things are not allowed on the course" list that includes strollers and baby carriers. It is the same list (and the same disclaimer word for word) as the one for the half marathon and marathon. However, I swear (because this is the only reason that I thought I could do it) that they made an announcement before the 5K in January asking people with strollers to start at the end of the pack.

My parents want to walk the 5K and I said I'd do it with them, and I'd love to bring the baby with me, as long as the weather was not terrible like it was this past January. I wouldn't even be planning to use a stroller, but just a front infant carrier - this shouldn't get in anyone's way or clog the course, particularly since we'd be in the back with the walkers. Would I really get pulled from the course from a Disney "family fun run" for bringing my child? :rotfl:

Anyway, my DH will be sleeping in that morning at Kidani, so this is definitely more of a "want" than a "need", but I was just wondering if anyone knew more than me on this. If it's definitely going to make someone's head explode because of insurance liabilities, then I'll let the baby sleep. As I said, I'm not a rule-breaker! :lmao:

I really do not know. The 'standard' message is for insurance reasons. I am seeing more strollers starting races locally (houston). I am not a fan of strollers and would waonder about a serious running with the carrier - but as long as they are near the end. I would hate to see someone waste the extreme fee for the October race but if one were to start January and have DH on standby just in case.


A bit off topic but does Disney need a street permit when they own the streets (meaning the race is on their property)? Normal races have to deal with the city or county to get roads closed while Disney just has to tell a cast member in security to go block the street with a security vehicle. I'm sure they technically need something for legal reasons but I imagine it is just a formality and they can close the roads as long as they would like, especially roads that close to the park where people aren't blocked from getting to the MK and where the road doesn't link up with a non-Disney road like World Drive does. Just a curiosity.

I will be at the 5K in October to cheer everyone on but won't be running it. I won't be in town to use the MNNSHP tickets so it means I would be paying $100 for a 5K and not even a run through MK is worth that much.

Actually it's a not 100% accurate, the roads are owned and maintained by Reedy Creek Improvement District, a government entity. Since it is a government entity they are public roadways – even state roadways including 192. Note that RCID was under the direct control of WDW early years since it was the only entity in the district and WDW remains the largest tax payer in the district but it is truly a governmental district put in place to provide services and set standards for all residents and businesses.

The RD will approach RCID as well as each park managemnt for race day permits. Granted these are not tough permits to obtain but they do carry terms, condition and timeframes that the race must live under.

[Sarah_Rose]

I really do not know. The 'standard' message is for insurance reasons. I am seeing more strollers starting races locally (houston). I am not a fan of strollers and would waonder about a serious running with the carrier - but as long as they are near the end. I would hate to see someone waste the extreme fee for the October race but if one were to start January and have DH on standby just in case.

Sorry, my question was about the January 5K. And I'm definitely not talking about doing serious running with the front carrier - I'm only doing the 5K because my parents want to walk it and thought it would be fun if I came along with the baby. In Seattle, there are very few 5K and 10K events that aren't stroller (or dog, for that matter) friendly. The longer races are obviously stroller-free, but to be honest, the strollers have never bothered me. If someone can pass me pushing 50 lbs of stroller and child, more power to them!

[poohbear8]

Thank you for all of the answers and support. I spoke with DD today and she said she will do day 1 tomorrow of C25K. :banana: I told her she doesn't have to be 100% on board until I pay the entry fee next week. The mean mommy in me also told her if she quits, she will have to pay the difference between the MNSSHP ticket and the race fee. Hopefully, that will keep her in it for the whole thing.:confused3

[elanorasmom]

Thanks Cewait for the info - it is really helpful! I'm running the 5K in Jan - my very first race. It is great to hear about other peoples' experiences, too!

[minniebeth]

This thread is of interest to me, I am doing the 5K with my two DDs in January. My one DD I'm not worried about, she will be 13 by then and can run circles around me. It's my other DD, who will be almost 9 by then that I'm more concerned about. We are "training" with her now, and she is doing well, as she can go the distance, we are now working on speed. My question is, someone mentioned that they could not go faster with the amount of people even if they wanted to, so does the crowd kind of set the pace? Just concerned with keeping within the time. We've only done events with a somewhat limited amount of people and it was easy to pass/go around them to find your "space".

Oh, and does the mad dash to TSM count? :goodvibes

[KrazyPete]

I'm thinking about starting the Couch to 5K program. If it works like everyone says it does then I should be ready to run a 5K about the middle of September. I was thinking that if I complete the program I may register for the Mickey 5K in January.

I have no experience with any of the Disney Marathon weekend events. Will the parks be very busy? Will it be difficult to get a room? Will all the spots in the 5K be full if I wait until the middle of September to register? :confused3

[grammynelliebelle]

What does RD stand for? TIA Grammy

[buckeyecinderella]

I registered to do the 5K run in October. I ran the Royal Family 5K last March, which was my first ever organized run. I trained for about 7 weeks.

Quick overview of the Royal Family:

At the Expo, I got a bag with a cotton T-Shirt, socks, and a few other goodies. The theme was Princess and the Frog, so the T-shirt has a cute picture of the starring princess (can't remember her name at the moment!).

In the morning, I lined up in the corral according to my pace (13-14 min group). Extra slow running at first, until the crowd thinned out a bit. I was always passing people, even at my slow pace. I think a lot of people truly view this as a fun run and stopped to take pictures with characters, or just enjoyed the view. It was a very relaxed feel. (Not like some of the local races in my area which seem a lot more intense!)

The race is timed, but not chipped timed so you have to watch the big race clocks. When I finished, I was so elated that I walked right past the finisher medals. I then walked upstream to get my medal, got in line for pictures, and made my way to the bus. There were still many people just finishing. The medal isn't as nice as the 1/2 marathon/marathon medals, but being my first race, let me tell you that I was very happy with it and I am still pleased to have it!

I would train to make the 16 min/mile pace requirement. I didn't want to chance it, so I kept moving. When I run the Halloween 5K, I feel confident now that I can stop to take pictures and still make pace. So, I will definitely have fun with the October run.

Running Disney was very inspiring for me. I am planning on running the Princess 1/2 in Feb 2011 and another local 1/2 this fall.

[ultramickeymouse]

The race may quote be "timed" as there is a clock but no results are posted anywhere! You have to keep your own time.

The WDW 5K in Jan is a great race. The parks are busy before and after the rave but by Tuesday, the are dead. Extend your trip a few days :)

[myhouseofmouse]

I registered to do the 5K run in October. I ran the Royal Family 5K last March, which was my first ever organized run. I trained for about 7 weeks.

Quick overview of the Royal Family:

At the Expo, I got a bag with a cotton T-Shirt, socks, and a few other goodies. The theme was Princess and the Frog, so the T-shirt has a cute picture of the starring princess (can't remember her name at the moment!).

In the morning, I lined up in the corral according to my pace (13-14 min group). Extra slow running at first, until the crowd thinned out a bit. I was always passing people, even at my slow pace. I think a lot of people truly view this as a fun run and stopped to take pictures with characters, or just enjoyed the view. It was a very relaxed feel. (Not like some of the local races in my area which seem a lot more intense!)

The race is timed, but not chipped timed so you have to watch the big race clocks. When I finished, I was so elated that I walked right past the finisher medals. I then walked upstream to get my medal, got in line for pictures, and made my way to the bus. There were still many people just finishing. The medal isn't as nice as the 1/2 marathon/marathon medals, but being my first race, let me tell you that I was very happy with it and I am still pleased to have it!

I would train to make the 16 min/mile pace requirement. I didn't want to chance it, so I kept moving. When I run the Halloween 5K, I feel confident now that I can stop to take pictures and still make pace. So, I will definitely have fun with the October run.

Running Disney was very inspiring for me. I am planning on running the Princess 1/2 in Feb 2011 and another local 1/2 this fall.

Thanks for all the great info...more excited then ever, now only 2 months of waiting and training left.

[FireDancer]

What does RD stand for? TIA Grammy

Race Director

[MamaCrush]

I am all signed up for the 5K in October. This will be my first 5k and doing it at Disney is making it all that more exciting. The run thru the MK sounds like it will be more then worth it. Can not wait, see you all there...

Me too! Not only will this be my first 5K ever... I've only been running for 6 weeks! I'm slowly but surely making my way through the CP25K program. The thought of running past the Castle keeps me going!

[grammynelliebelle]

Thanks FireDancer! I always like to know the initial "lingo" Grammy

[myhouseofmouse]

Me too! Not only will this be my first 5K ever... I've only been running for 6 weeks! I'm slowly but surely making my way through the CP25K program. The thought of running past the Castle keeps me going!

Thats great...I have been running since Jan. and the thought of running thru MK hs been a big help with running during all these 90+ summer days we have been having here. But I keep thinking, at 7am it shouldn't too hot, but it is Florida!!! I just printed out the Race map, it is going to be so fun running thru MK.... less then 2 months now!!!!

[myhouseofmouse]

Only month left....

[MamaCrush]

Question for Disney 5K experienced runners... How does the start work at these? Are their corrals, or another way of organizing pace groups? Having never done this before, I want to make sure I know how to find my spot. While I know I'll be at the back (:laughing:) I would like to toward the front of the slowest folks, if you know what I mean??

Also-- how many folks should I expect to show up for the race?? I'm starting to have nightmares where I can't find the start line, get lost in a sea of people, etc. You know, the usual anxiety kinds of dreams! ;)

[buckeyecinderella]

Question for Disney 5K experienced runners... How does the start work at these? Are their corrals, or another way of organizing pace groups? Having never done this before, I want to make sure I know how to find my spot. While I know I'll be at the back (:laughing:) I would like to toward the front of the slowest folks, if you know what I mean??

Also-- how many folks should I expect to show up for the race?? I'm starting to have nightmares where I can't find the start line, get lost in a sea of people, etc. You know, the usual anxiety kinds of dreams! ;)

I've only run the Royal Family 5K at Disney last March. Before the race, there was a lot of standing around, some were dancing to the music, there was a place to buy breakfast snacks and drinks. (Bring cash as they were not set up to take credit cards or Key to the World cards.)

There were signs for pace lined up by the start. A some point, people just starting moving to the starting area and would line up in their section according to pace. I'm not quite sure where the boundry was for each pace group. But I just lined up toward the back of of the 13-14 group as that was my pace.

I think there might have been close to 3000 (or I think that was the maximum number for the race). And I think family/friends were also in the area, but only the runners would line up at the starting line. You won't get lost. Just follow the crowd. The Royal Family 5K was my first race and I was there solo. I had no idea what to expect, but it wasn't hard to find my way once I was there. I had a lot of fun!!! :)

[myhouseofmouse]

Great info, love to read details of the race, always a good way to get you excited. So far so good on NO anxiety dreams.

[dvcdenise]

Does anyone know when the waviers will come out. I want to know my my number soon. Thanks

[MamaCrush]

3 More Weeks!! Hope everyone has some great runs this weekend!

[ambertides]

In the morning, I lined up in the corral according to my pace (13-14 min group). Extra slow running at first, until the crowd thinned out a bit. I was always passing people, even at my slow pace. I think a lot of people truly view this as a fun run and stopped to take pictures with characters, or just enjoyed the view. It was a very relaxed feel. (Not like some of the local races in my area which seem a lot more intense!)

If you're running solo, is there someone to take your picture with the character, or should I just keep moving? :D

[MamaCrush]

My number is 1712! Waivers, corral info, etc. are on the rundisney site now!

[tcmata]

Do they have photographers at the finish line for the 5K races?? TIA

[PureTcrazy]

My brother and I just registered for the 5K in January! I am so excited! :banana: We are also doing the CP25K! Please post your info about the October 5K!

[cewait]

Question for Disney 5K experienced runners... How does the start work at these? Are their corrals, or another way of organizing pace groups? Having never done this before, I want to make sure I know how to find my spot. While I know I'll be at the back (:laughing:) I would like to toward the front of the slowest folks, if you know what I mean??

Also-- how many folks should I expect to show up for the race?? I'm starting to have nightmares where I can't find the start line, get lost in a sea of people, etc. You know, the usual anxiety kinds of dreams! ;)
As previously posted the race lineup is more on an honor system than a strict corral system like the longer/larger races. Your best bet when lining up is to just visit with those around you to assure you are getting into the right area. Do not just line up near the front unless you are running a sub-6 pace. Regardless of everyone’s best intentions, there will be slower folks within the first couple hundred starters and fast folks near the middle to back. Expect that you will be passed by lots of folks as well as passing lots of folks in the first half mile of the race. If you know you are near the slower end of the race I would start in the last 20% of the crowd. That will put you in front of the slower crowd.
If you're running solo, is there someone to take your picture with the character, or should I just keep moving? :D
Yes, all characters will have a handler that can help take a photo. Just make sure your camera is ready to shoot as you approach the front of the line.
Do they have photographers at the finish line for the 5K races?? TIA
Yes, ASI will have folks in the middle of the race as well as at the finish line.