1/2 Marathon 2010

[bobbiwoz]

It seems like only yesterday when we visited our family in Boston this year and we talked about DDiL's desire to run in the 1/2 marathon 2010. I've heard from Deb and Bill earlier this year, who said that we will be able to see her run in the MK. I've been hoarding our VWL points so we can book the villas we need there, it is over a weekend after all and we'll need at least a 2 bedroom and probably 1 studio and I think we'll make it at least a 4 night vacation.

We'll be visiting Boston again in January, after this years marathon weekend, and I am assuming that the new dates will be on the Disney Sports page then, if they aren't already. So, it's planning time in earnest.

Does anyone see a major problem with staying at VWL for the 1/2 marathon, either from DDiL's or the spectators' point of view? We were hoping to take the boat to MK to see her run, but if MK isn't opened to the public, will buses, boats be running over there? Deb and Bill suggested taking the monorail from Epcot over to TTC and then monorail to MK, so monorails will be running but how about service from WL?

Bobbi

 

[dcfromva]

It seems like only yesterday when we visited our family in Boston this year and we talked about DDiL's desire to run in the 1/2 marathon 2010. I've heard from Deb and Bill earlier this year, who said that we will be able to see her run in the MK. I've been hoarding our VWL points so we can book the villas we need there, it is over a weekend after all and we'll need at least a 2 bedroom and probably 1 studio and I think we'll make it at least a 4 night vacation.

We'll be visiting Boston again in January, after this years marathon weekend, and I am assuming that the new dates will be on the Disney Sports page then, if they aren't already. So, it's planning time in earnest.

Does anyone see a major problem with staying at VWL for the 1/2 marathon, either from DDiL's or the spectators' point of view? We were hoping to take the boat to MK to see her run, but if MK isn't opened to the public, will buses, boats be running over there? Deb and Bill suggested taking the monorail from Epcot over to TTC and then monorail to MK, so monorails will be running but how about service from WL?

Bobbi

Bobbi,
My my DS ran the 1/2 marathon in 2006. They staged at the EPCOT parking lot. I believe the race started at 6:00am, and DS had to check in real early and line up in the corrals no later than 5:30am. We stayed at BCV, but we didn't even try to walk through EPCOT because we were told it would be closed. We drove over to the parking lot I think it was 4:30am . We waited for him at the finish line. They had photographers along the way. (They took a picture of DS at the MK.)

The other thing you have to get your registration package at the health expo. The health expo this year is open on Thurs 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
and Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. With the race starting so early on Sat, you have to pick it up no later than 8:00pm Fri. I think a Wed or Thurs arrival would be ideal for this event. If you arrive on Fri, hopefully you can get a flight that will allow you to get over to the sports center before 8PM.

Here is a link to the 1/2 marathon map (I can't get it to open.) My thought is maybe you could cheer your DDIL on at some other spot besides the MK?

 

[dcfromva]

I just thought of something--BLT will be open by then....

 

[bobbiwoz]

I just thought of something--BLT will be open by then....

I know...and believe me, it's right up my alley to buy points for a single reason, but no, I must show some restraint...I'll bet that's the hot resort for that race! If the WL boat ran to the Contemporary that would do the trick too.

Thank you for mentioning that someone did take pictures of the runners at the MK, I really would like the DGC to see DMom run in the MK if at all possible.

Bobbi

 

[DianeL]

Hi Bobbi!

Just a heads up that the 2009 Marathon Weekend Program is up on the Disney Sports site. The dates for the next year's weekend is on the back page and here are the dates so you and your family can start planning

JAN 7 TO 10 2010- MARATHON WEEKEND

I can't offer any help on the WLV's. Hopefully Deb&Bill or someone else can. We typically stay at OKW which funny enough is where we met Deb & Bill. Hi Deb!!!

Bobbi, Best of luck to your daughter in her training for the 2010 weekend!!!

ACTUALLY! You can check out the pages for this year's weekend. They have a spectator tool up right now that you can plug in your runners finishing time to see when you will spot your runner at the different locations. So you might want to take a peak and see if anything helps you with your planning for 2010's trip..

Happy Holidays!!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Hey, Diane. Are you running this year? No Disney marathon weekend for us in 2009. Maybe 2010. Bill and Will are running in New Orleans the end of January instead.

Bobbi, we stayed at VWL for our first marathon trip. Will and I took the bus from WL to Epcot at about 4:30AM. Bill took the bus from WL at about 3AM. We got to Epcot about 5AM and race started at 6. We hopped the monorail to TTC from Epcot before the race started and then came back to Epcot. Just to see if it was running. Once the race started, we got on the monorail to TTC, then got on the MK monorail, but it didn't stop at the MK, only at the resorts. So we headed back to Epcot to see if we could see anything along the roadway. Then we went back to MK, transferred back to the MK monorail and this time it stopped. We watched on Main Street and then took the monorail back to the TTC to head to the Pluto parking lot for the finish (that's where the half used to finish). After the race we went back to the MK, then took the boat to WL.

You'll need to take a bus to and from the WL at Epcot. When you get an early morning bus, make sure the driver knows where he/she is going. These are all motor coaches (not WDW buses) and these charter drivers sometimes don't know their way around. If they start heading in the totally wrong direction (like towards Universal or the airport), ask them where they are going.

They should have the info to sign up for the 2010 marathon on the website right after this year's marathon is over.

Running must be nice, but being a spectator is rather hectic at times.

 

[DianeL]

Deb,

Susan and I are running in the Half this year Planning on the Full for 2010 again. And running the Princess too. As long as Susan gets her 'official finish' we will head back to DL for her to get her Coast to Coast medal. I received mine this year but she wasn't able to run the WDW Jan 2008 race.

Wish Bill and Will best of luck for the New Orleans run. 2nd time if I recall correctly Must be a good race.

2010 registraion for Disney opens on Monday, Jan 12th, 2009. The date is on their website but price and registration info for 2010 is not up yet.

We were talking today that my Mom who is our support person will be more tired than the 3 who are running LOL

Bobbi in addition to the wonderful DVCer's (i know many members do the Marathon Weekend) the Disboards has a board where others who do the weekend post. In case you have any other questions. It's towards the bottom of the main Disboards.com page. It's under the JUST FOR FUN. WISH. and then the sub-group Events/Compeition. That is where you will find training/planning threads for all the Disney races plus a few others LOL

Happy Holidays!!!! Hope to see all of you Bobbi, Deb, Bill and Will in 2010!!!

Deb I'll send some pixie dust thoughts to Bill & Will for their New Orleans race. Hope it's a perfect day for them to hit personal records

 

[emlutz23]

Your best way to see her run at the MK is to get over to the Contemporary by monorail. I don't think the boats will be running. The monorail does not stop at the MK until just after the race officially starts.

I have always accompanied my DH to EPCOT on the bus and then left before the race started to get on the monorail. After transfering at the TTC, take the monorail and get off at the Contemporary and walk over to the MK entrance. That way you can be one of the first to line up and be one of the first to be let in to get a good viewing spot along Main Street or by the castle. I also usually have time to stop at the Polynesian to have a snack at that cafe that is open 24 hours!

As far as you DDil, she will be fine with the bus transporation they provide runners. All resorts have these buses to take them to the start. And at the finish area will be designated buses for the runners to get back to their resort.

 

[emlutz23]

...one more thing. The Half-marathon fills up very quickly. So I suggest she register as soon as registration opens!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Wow, we are talking EARLY!!! I've e-mailed this thread to DDiL and we will concentrate on all you are saying as soon as the holidays are over. Thank you for the encouragement and information.

Bobbi

 

[Lexxiefern]

Hey Bobbi! I ran last year and will be there again this year. It is always so great to see family and friends cheering you on along the course. I know some friends were able to see me at the TTC and then again in MK. If you were quick you could then prob see your DDiL on the road by GF/Poly.

You might be able to get BLT for the trip, I was able to get BWV standard view at 7 months for this year.

And definately tell your DDiL to sign up right away for the half! It sold out really really fast this year. I actually signed up for this year while sitting out on my balcony at BWV recovering from the marathon just 2 days later! (DH thought I was nuts)

Have fun planning and hope to see you there!